Even if Romania is considered a country safe from strong earthquakes, the specialists of the National Research and Development Institute for Earth Physics mention that our country has a high seismic potential.
Earthquake Romania
Thus, there are many cities in which hundreds of thousands of people live in old buildings that would not stand in a stronger earthquake.
Cities that could be “knocked down” by a strong earthquake
The strong earthquakes that occurred in recent years, in Turkey and Syria, made many Romanians think about the resistance of the buildings in which they live. Thus, many people are worried about a possible big earthquake, which could greatly affect Romania. According to the National Disaster Risk Management Plan, carried out in 2022, IGSU estimates that an earthquake of at least 7.4 degrees would produce material losses of over 25 billion euros. At the same time, more than 40,000 dead and 300,000 wounded would be recorded.
The mentioned report shows that Prahova county would be the most affected by a strong earthquake, along with Buzau. When it comes to cities, the most affected in the event of a major earthquake would be Bucharest, Ploiești, Buzău, Focșani and Iași.
In the capital of Moldova, 47 years after the great earthquake of 1977, 10% of the inhabitants, i.e. 28,000 people, live in 196 blocks with seismic risk. Of these, 62 buildings are grade l.
According to the simulations, an earthquake of high seismic degree during the night would produce, in Iași, more than 9,500 victims and more than 30,000 people would be left homeless.
How to protect ourselves in case of an earthquake
There are also some important tips that Romanians are urged to follow in the event of a strong earthquake.
“If you are in a building, stay there and protect yourself. The procedures recommended in Japan and the United States (“duck, cover and hold”) are simple and ensure individual protection through three simple movements: crouch, cover and protect. It is preferable to crouch face down on the floor on your knees and elbows or palms and cover your head with your arms or palms for protection. You can provide additional protection by sheltering near various solid objects that can protect you, leaving an empty space next to them in case of collapse, and as far away from windows as possible“, stated Dr. Tudor Ciuhodaru,
