[rtpg]

Japan uses a scale that measures the movement[0]. Of course depending on where you are the result changes, but it's a lot more usable for the practical "how much shaking will be involved here/was involved here".

[0]: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japan_Meteorological_Agency_se...

[russellbeattie]

Holy crap. That scale definitely makes it pretty clear what the effect of a quake is! Here's the highest level:

Intensity: 7

Category: Brutal

Description: Standing or moving is only possible by crawling. People may be thrown through the air.