11
The Modified Mercalli intensity scale ranges from 1 to 12 (I - XII), with XII being described as cataclysmic. This leads to total destruction of nearly all structures. The ground surface will potentially have permanently changed level by several metres. The ground's surface moves with visible waves or ripples while the earthquake is occurring.
5675657
About no. 9
According to the US Geological survey, the maximum intensity of the magnitude 9.5 Chilean earthquake of 1960 was rated as XI on the Modified Mercalli Intensity scale which are described as very disastrous or extreme events which are likely to cause significant damage to structures. Please see the related link for details.
1X = 9
According to the US Geological survey the Haitian Earthquake had the capacity to cause some minor structural damage to buildings as far away as 300 km from the Earthquakes epicentre (level V or 5 on the Modified Mercalli Intensity scale. It was felt by humans as far away as Guantanamo in Cuba (level III or 3 on the Modified Mercalli Intensity scale) and would most likely have been detected by seismometers all over the world. Please see the related question and link.
The US Geological Survey provide a contour map of earthquake intensity for the earthquake that occurred on the 12th of January, 2010. This indicates that the highest intensity (perceived shaking) with a level of 10 (X) on the Modified Mercalli Intensity Scale occurred in Grand Goave (population 5000). The Haitian capital Port-au-Prince suffered an intensity 9 event. The scale indicates that at this intensity structures will suffer heavy to very heavy damage. Please see the related links and question.
MM Intensity- XI
Earthquake intensity is recorded on the Modified Mercalli or the Macroseismic scale. These values are derived based on witness reports as to the perceived level of ground shaking as well as damage to buildings and other structures and ground accelerations as measured by seismometers.
The earthquake had a Moment magnitude of 7.0 and a Mercalli intensity of Extreme (Level X). Please see the related questions for more information.
Seismologists estimate earthquake intensity based on the reports of witnesses on the level of felt ground movement, on the amount of damage caused by an earthquake and also based on the ground accelerations as measured by seismometers. The scale used to define earthquake intensity in much of the world is the Modified Mercalli scale (before this, a scale known as the Rossi-Forel scale was used). In Europe the Macroseismic scale is in use.
This depends on what they are trying to measure. If they are interested in the amount of energy an earthquake produces (magnitude), then they will make an initial measurement using the Richter magnitude scale. If it is a large earthquake (greater than 8.0) they will use the moment magnitude scale. If they are interested in the damage caused by an earthquake and the level of ground shaking in a specific area they will use an intensity scale. The most commonly used intensity scales are the Modified Mercalli scale, the European Macroseismic scale, the Japan Meteorological Agency seismic intensity scale, in India, Israel, Russia and throughout the CIS they use the MSK-64 scale and in China, the China Seismic Intensity Scale. These are all conceptually similar to the Modified Mercalli scale.