It had a moment magnitude of 6.7, and a maximum Modified Mercalli intensity of VIII (Severe).

The earthquake completely destroyed 257 settlements, including the cities of Makhachkala, Buynaksk, Kaspiysk, Khasavyurt and Kizilyurt.

[5] According to the Zarya Vostoka, a newspaper based on Tbilisi, the earthquake reached a maximum intensity of VIII and was felt across the Caucasus.

Cracks in the plaster were observed, cases of partial damage or collapse of chimneys were noted.

[7][4] According to a press release by United Press International from Moscow, the earthquakes collapsed homes, set off rockslides, opened fissures, and triggered tidal waves which inundated sand dunes along the Caspian Sea coastline.