The quake's hypocenter was approximately 10 km north-northeast of Fukui, in the present-day neighborhood of Maruoka, Sakai City.

[6] The strongest shaking occurred in the city of Fukui, where it was recorded as 6 (equivalent to the current 7) on the Japan Meteorological Agency seismic intensity scale.

The earthquake devastated Fukui, which was still recovering from damage sustained during WWII air raids in July 1945.

In central Fukui city, which was adjacent to the epicenter, approximately 79% of structures were completely destroyed, while the overall destruction rate across the Fukuiheiya floodplain surpassed 60%.

Record-setting rain in the weeks following the quake subsequently caused the levees to burst, leading to massive flooding.