Movement on a blind thrust, the Senigallia Fault, has caused folding in the area around the port forming an anticline that extends about 10 kilometres (6.2 mi) parallel to the coast.

[6] The earthquake affected the whole central and northwestern part of the Italian peninsula, with its epicenter near the city of Senigallia.

Other major cities, such as Ancona and Fano, were damaged too, as were other settlements such as Montemarciano, Mondolfo, San Costanzo and some forty other small towns.

People from Senigallia built encampments in the town's outskirts and occupied summer camps and rail coaches.

[6] In Fano, the shock was much shorter (due to the different composition of the ground), about five seconds, but 86 houses suffered critical, 1197 severe and 2880 light damage, while six people required medical assistance.

[6] Marotta, Mombaroccio, Cartoceto, Saltara, Candelara, Sant'Ippolito, Sorbolongo, Urbino, Fossombrone and Sant'Andrea di Suasa all reported some damage.

[6] The old town of Senigallia, rich in monuments and businesses, was practically destroyed: the city lost its importance as a harbor and trade hub of the Adriatic Sea, along with its cultural heritage.