Strong Earthquake Jolts Romania, Felt in Bulgaria
FOCSANI, ROMANIA — Early this morning, the region of the Romanian city of Focsani was shaken by a 4.0 magnitude earthquake on the Richter scale, according to the National Institute of Geophysics, Geodesy, and Geography (NIGGG) at the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences (BAS). The tremor was registered by national seismological centers and picked up by the precise instruments of Bulgarian scientists, which underscores the cross-border nature of seismic phenomena in the region.
According to data from NIGGG-BAS, the earthquake occurred at precisely 07:15 a.m. Bulgarian time. Although its epicenter was in the territory of our northern neighbor, its intensity was sufficient to be felt in many populated areas of Bulgaria. This fact is not a surprise to seismologists, as the Focsani region is part of an active seismic zone.
The epicenter of the tremor was located 180 kilometers from the Bulgarian city of Ruse, 250 kilometers from Pleven, and a significant distance from the capital Sofia – 460 kilometers. This data indicates that the earthquake was likely felt most strongly in the northern part of Bulgaria, in the larger cities located near the border. Although the magnitude was not catastrophic, such tremors often cause brief panic and concern among the population, serving as a reminder of the constant geological activity beneath the surface.
Seismologists from NIGGG-BAS continue to monitor the situation and analyze the data. Although no reports of material damage or casualties have been announced, specialists always remind citizens to be prepared and to follow safety instructions in the event of stronger earthquakes. For many, the morning event is another reminder that we live in a region where geological activity is part of everyday life.