This moderate magnitude event resulted in a maximum MSK intensity of VII (Very strong) to VIII (Damaging).

To the north, the mountains of the Greater Caucasus are a result of active thrust tectonics, linking eastwards to the Apsheron sill.

[3] The epicenter was located centrally within the city of Tbilisi, something that had not been considered in earlier studies of potential seismic source zones.

[10] The unusually high frequency of the shaking, combined with the short duration, meant that there was little damage to larger buildings or those built using reinforced concrete.

The most affected buildings were, in contrast, low-rise brick or stone built, which were concentrated in the older part of the city.