The MSK (Medvedev-Sponheuer-Karnik) intensity broadly associated with the various seismic zones is VI (or less), VII, VIII and IX (and above) for Zones 2, 3, 4 and 5, respectively, corresponding to Maximum Considered Earthquake (MCE). The IS code follows a dual design philosophy: (a) under low probability or extreme earthquake events (MCE) the structure damage should not result in total collapse, and (b) under more frequently occurring earthquake events, the structure should suffer only minor or moderate structural damage.
The MSK intensity, linked with different seismic zones, generally falls within VI (or lower) to IX (and higher). For Zones 2, 3, 4, and 5, these intensities align with the Maximum Considered Earthquake (MCE): VII, VIII, and IX. The IS code implements a dual design principle: in rare extreme events (MCE), structures should not collapse; whereas for frequent seismic activities, only minor or moderate damage is acceptable.