1. The Mercalli Scale is based on observable earthquake damage.

2. Strength of shaking is measured on the Mercalli scale.

3. Intensity of shaking is measured on the modified Mercalli scale.

4. The modified Mercalli scale is a pastiche of psychological, engineering, and geological criteria.

5. There are two scales for defining the strength of an earthquake, the Mercalli Scale and the Richter Scale.

6. Violent shaking measuring MM VIII on the Mercalli scale occurred in Van, although widespread strong to severe (MM VI–VIII) shaking was observed in many smaller and less populated areas around the epicenter.