Which scale ranks the intensity of earthquakes, not weather events, by observed effects and damage?

The Modified Mercalli intensity scale ranks earthquake intensity by observed effects and damage.

It uses Roman numerals from I to XII. Low values describe earthquakes felt by few people, while high values describe severe shaking and widespread destruction. Because it records local effects, one earthquake can have different Mercalli intensities in different places.

The scale developed from earlier systems created by Italian volcanologist Giuseppe Mercalli in the early twentieth century. The modern Modified Mercalli scale was adapted for use in the United States and elsewhere.

It differs from magnitude scales, which estimate the energy released at the earthquake source. Weather scales can sound similar: the Enhanced Fujita scale rates tornado damage, while the Saffir–Simpson scale classifies hurricanes by sustained wind speed.