Buildings constructed using the methods typically applied in Switzerland can be damaged by earthquakes with intensities of VI or VII and above. This corresponds to a magnitude of approximately 5 (see the questions "What does the intensity of an earthquake on the European Macroseismic Scale (EMS-98) tell us?" and "What is magnitude?"). Destructive damage can be expected at an intensity of IX or greater or at a magnitude of around 6 or above. Smaller cracks or damage caused by falling objects can even occur at lower intensities.
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Potential consequences of earthquakes of different intensities and magnitudes