The largest fault within the plate boundary zone is the west–east trending Bitlis frontal thrust and the 1975 earthquake is thought to have been caused by movement on this structure.

The focal mechanism for the earthquake suggests that it was associated with dominantly reverse movement on a fault plane dipping at 45° to the northwest with a significant sinistral (left lateral) component.

[4] The maximum observed Modified Mercalli intensity was VIII assigned in Lice and the surrounding area in an east–west trend.

[6] The New York Times reported, citing the governor of Diyarbakır, on 7 September that 75 percent of the town's buildings were demolished.

[7] The Turkish Red Crescent established two emergency kitchens, one medical team, tents, blankets and other necessities.

[6] On 10 September, the government of Turkey announced they would provide earthquake-resistant homes for the affected residents after being persuaded by opposition political parties, newspapers and Kurdish-minority militants.