Two weak tremors in the Blagoevgrad region detected by seismologists overnight

Two weak earthquakes were recorded in Southwestern Bulgaria on the night of August 17, according to data from the National Institute of Geophysics, Geodesy and Geography at the BAS.

The first tremor was detected at 00:32 GMT, or 03:32 Bulgarian time. The earthquake had a magnitude of M=2.5, and its epicenter was located 3.3 kilometers from Simitli. The coordinates are 41.91° North latitude and 23.08° East longitude, with a depth of 15 kilometers.

The second earthquake was recorded only 17 minutes later – at 00:49 GMT, or 03:49 local time. It had a magnitude of M=2.3 and was localized 15.2 kilometers southeast of Dobrinishte, at a depth of 17 kilometers.

Although they were recorded in a short time interval, the two tremors had different epicenters. Since the magnitude of both earthquakes was below 3, they are classified as weak. At the moment, there is no information about casualties, material damage, or reports of the tremors being felt in nearby settlements.

How to prepare

Earthquakes occur without warning, so advance preparation is important for limiting risk. It is a good idea for every household to have a "disaster backpack" with water, non-perishable food, a first-aid kit and necessary medications, a flashlight and spare batteries, a battery-powered radio, a whistle, and copies of important documents.

Heavy cabinets and bookshelves should be secured to the walls, and heavy objects should be placed on low shelves. It is good for families to agree on safe spots in every room, for example under a sturdy table or next to an interior load-bearing wall, as well as a meeting point outside the home. Everyone at home should know how to shut off the gas, water, and electricity if necessary.

Behavior during a tremor

During an earthquake, drop down, cover your head and neck with your arms, and hide under a sturdy table or desk. Hold on to the furniture until the shaking stops. Stay away from windows, mirrors, exterior walls, and objects that could fall. Do not use an elevator.

If you are outside, move to an open space, away from buildings, trees, power lines, and streetlights. If traveling by car, pull over carefully to a safe place, away from bridges and overpasses, and stay in the car until the tremor stops.

Steps after an earthquake

After the main tremor, stay calm and keep in mind that aftershocks may follow. First, check if you or the people around you need help. If you smell gas or see damaged cables, leave the building and, if it can be done safely, shut off the respective utility from the outside.

Exit via the stairs, not the elevator, and take your emergency kit. Monitor announcements from institutions via official channels and do not return to a building with visible damage before it has been inspected by specialists.