A moderate earthquake struck Tbilisi in April 2002, killing up to seven people, injuring dozens, and causing losses estimated between $160–$350 million.
Key Facts
- Magnitude (Ms)
- 4.3 Ms
- Magnitude (mb)
- 4.8 mb
- Max MSK Intensity
- VII–VIII (Very strong to Damaging)
- Deaths
- 5–7 people
- Injured
- 52–70 people
- Estimated losses
- $160–$350 million USD
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
A seismic event originating in the Caucasus region beneath or near the Georgian capital generated ground shaking strong enough to cause structural damage. The area sits within a seismically active zone, making it prone to periodic earthquakes of varying magnitude.
On April 25, 2002, an earthquake measuring 4.3 Ms and 4.8 mb struck Tbilisi, Georgia. The NEIC recorded the event, which reached a maximum MSK intensity of VII to VIII, indicating very strong to damaging shaking across affected parts of the city.
The earthquake killed between five and seven people, injured 52 to 70 others, and left more than 1,000 residents homeless. Total economic losses were independently estimated at $160 million, while the Centre for Research on the Epidemiology of Disasters placed the figure as high as $350 million.
Human Cost
Each dot represents approximately 10,000 deaths. Total estimated: 5 (earthquake)
Range: 5 – 7