Experts warn Bucharest's historic centre faces severe risk after recent quake

On Monday, a 4.8-magnitude quake originating from the Vrancea zone was felt across Romania, including Bucharest, where it underscored the capital's exposure to seismic danger. Many downtown structures date back to before the 1940 and 1977 earthquakes and remain unrepaired, creating a pre-vulnerable building stock. Matei Sumbasacu of the Association for Reducing Seismic Risk emphasized that a future large quake could cause extensive damage.

The municipal administration reported that only one residential building on Strada Baltagului was upgraded in 2025, and funds have now been earmarked for 13 more central buildings, comprising 11 housing blocks and two public facilities. The city council has approved the technical-economic indicators, and project documentation is underway for several of the sites.