The earthquakes with an epicenter thought to be in the Algiers region had a maximum European macroseismic scale (EMS-98) intensity of IX (Destructive), killing approximately 20,000 people.

[2] The converging plates create a zone of compression in northern Algeria, which are accommodated by mainly thrust and reverse faults onshore and inland.

The tectonic situation of Algeria also makes the country vulnerable to large and deadly seismic events with magnitudes greater than 6.0.

Paleoseismology studies along the approximately 60-km-long fault revealed evidence of a major earthquake(s) occurring at the same period as the destructive quake.

Surface ruptures uncovered by trenching, and radiocarbon dating of charcoal led to the identification of two historical earthquakes before 1211 A.D., three between 778 A.D. and 1779 A.D., and three after 1727 A.D..