The danger levels indicate the intensity of an earthquake in a specific warning region.

Intensity describes the effects of an earthquake on people and buildings at a specific location based on a 12-point scale. The highest intensity usually occurs near the epicentre and decreases with distance. The Swiss Seismological Service (SED) at ETH Zurich estimates the intensity at the centre of each warning region and assigns a corresponding hazard level based on this.

Intensity should not be confused with magnitude. Magnitude refers to the energy released during an earthquake, or its strength. An earthquake always has one magnitude but usually several intensity values.

If no danger level is displayed, it simply means that no earthquake with a magnitude of 2.5 or greater has occurred in the selected warning region in the past two days.

Meaning of danger level 1 (no or low danger)

The earthquake may have been noticeable and was felt by a few people. No damage to buildings is expected.

Recommendations for action

• No specific measures required.
• As a general rule, be prepared for earthquakes.
• For more information, see General recommendations during an earthquake.

Additional information

These effects correspond to an intensity of III. Such an intensity may be reached with earthquakes with a magnitude of around 2.5 or more.

Meaning of danger level 2 (moderate danger)

The earthquake was widely felt by a few people outdoors and by many indoors. No damage to buildings is generally expected.

Recommendations for action

• Be ready for aftershocks.
• In the event of further earthquakes, take cover, e.g. under a sturdy table.
• For more information, see General recommendations during an earthquake.

Additional information

These effects correspond to an intensity of IV. Such an intensity may be reached with earthquakes with a magnitude of around 3.5 or greater.

Meaning of danger level 3 (considerable danger)

The earthquake was widely felt; people may have been alarmed. Minor damage to weaker buildings is possible. Indoors, falling objects may cause damage.

Recommendations for action

• Be ready for aftershocks, some of which may be strong.
• In the event of further earthquakes, take cover, e.g. under a sturdy table.
• Check weaker buildings for damage.
• Stay informed at www.seismo.ethz.ch.

Additional information

These effects correspond to an intensity of V or VI. Such intensities may be reached with earthquakes with a magnitude of around 4 or greater

Meaning of danger level 4 (high danger)

The earthquake was strongly felt and caused alarm among many people. Damage to buildings such as cracks in plaster, masonry cracks, or collapsed partition walls is possible. Falling objects are likely to cause damage indoors.

Recommendations for action

• Be ready for aftershocks, some of which may be strong.
• In the event of further earthquakes, take cover, e.g. under a sturdy table.
• Leave buildings with major damage. Beware of falling objects.
• Follow the instructions of the emergency services.
• Stay informed at www.seismo.ethz.ch.

Additional information

These effects correspond to an intensity of VII. Such an intensity may be reached with earthquakes with a magnitude of around 4.7 or greater.

Meaning of danger level 5 (very high danger)

The earthquake was strongly felt. Many people were alarmed and lost their balance. Severe damage is expected even to well-built structures, and the collapse of weaker buildings is possible.

Recommendations for action

• Be ready for strong aftershocks.
• In the event of further earthquakes, take cover, e.g. under a sturdy table.
• Check buildings for damage.
• Leave buildings with major damage. Beware of falling objects.
• Follow the instructions of the emergency services.
• Stay informed at www.seismo.ethz.ch.

Additional information

These effects correspond to an intensity of VIII or greater. Such an intensity may be reached with earthquakes with a magnitude of around 5.4 or greater.