Bucharest residents are concerned about earthquakes: 8 out of 10 believe the city is not prepared

Earthquakes are one of the main concerns for Bucharest residents. A study conducted recently by the Bucharest Community Foundation, through the Bucurestiul Pregatit program, shows that 82 percent of residents believe that Bucharest is not ready for a major earthquake. In addition, nearly half of respondents (45 percent) have not taken protective measures yet, although they admit they should. Currently, only 23 percent of Bucharest residents have informed themselves from courses and guides and only 15 percent developed an action plan in case of an earthquake. The research reveals a crisis of confidence, a lack of culture in preparedness and signals the urgent need for action.

Forty-eight years after the devastating 1977 earthquake, fear of earthquakes remains high. 59 percent of Bucharest residents consider earthquakes a major threat, ranking them as the second biggest reason for concern, after personal health issues (70 percent), and 57 percent feel vulnerable in case of a major earthquake. Fear of earthquakes is more spread among women (62 percent) compared to men (51 percent) and the highest levels of concern are found among residents aged 35 to 64. Young generations aged 18 to 24 are more optimistic, with 39 percent of respondents stating that the city’s preparedness is “so and so”. This generational contrast highlights differences in risk perception and in responsibility regarding preparation. 

“Bucharest is among the European capitals with the highest disaster risk and ranks among the top 10 most vulnerable cities worldwide to seismic risk, according to World Bank data. The earthquake on March 4, 1977 caused the most significant damages recorded from a natural disaster in Romania’s history: nationwide, 1,578 people lost their lives (1,424 in Bucharest), and 11,321 were injured (7,598 in Bucharest). A total of 32 high- or medium-rise buildings collapsed in the capital, while 32,900 homes were severely damaged across the country, directly affecting approximately 200,000 people. Forty-eight years later, a similar earthquake would likely have even more devastating effects. In the face of such an imminent threat, preparedness is no longer an option, but an urgent necessity”, says Alina Kasprovschi, Executive Director at the Bucharest Community Foundation.

In the event of a major earthquake, Bucharest residents’ main concerns revolve around losing loved ones (83 percent), building collapses (75 percent), the risk of injury or death (67 percent), and losing their home (59 percent). Some fears are significantly more present among women, such as economic and social instability (37 percent vs. 24 percent among men), lack of information about shelters (35 percent vs. 18 percent), and loss of personal belongings (32 percent vs. 22 percent), the Bucharest Community Foundation also shows. The quantitative study was conducted online in February 2025, in collaboration with iZi data, on a representative sample of 500 respondents in Bucharest.

When it comes to the responsibility regarding earthquake preparedness measures, 91 percent of respondents consider the Department for Emergency Situations (DSU) as the main authority responsible, followed by the City Hall and local authorities, mentioned by 1 in 2 respondents, and then themselves, for 45 percent of respondents. Regarding Bucharest residents’ trust in earthquake preparedness measures, 6 in 10 prefer to rely on their own abilities. 40 percent trust the competent authorities (DSU/ISU), a similar percentage rely on family and close ones, while only 14 percent trust the City Hall and local authorities.

Although 49 percent of Bucharest residents feel informed about what to do in the event of an earthquake, 43 percent have not taken any precautionary or informational measures yet. At the same time, approximately 33 percent have never discussed emergency measures with their family, and 31 percent say they would only instinctively know what to do during an earthquake, without having a clear plan in place. Only 2 percent of respondents have implemented all the recommended precautionary measures. Among individual measures, the most commonly mentioned are establishing a designated meeting spot at home (22 percent), shutting off gas and electricity (20 percent), and having an emergency communication plan (18 percent). The data highlight an acute need for education and awareness regarding preventive measures.

 Young people aged 18-24, more concerned about earthquake preparedness education

People aged 18-24 most often mention school education as being primarily responsible for earthquake preparedness measures (61 percent). They express a desire for earthquake education to be a priority in schools, indicating a heightened sensitivity of this generation regarding natural risks and the importance of protective education.

At the same time, regarding the preparedness of schools and educational institutions, the research shows that parents have relatively low confidence in the earthquake resistance of school buildings. Only 43 percent of parents trust that the buildings where their children study are prepared to withstand a major earthquake. When it comes to the preparedness of teachers, only 33 percent of parents trust that they would know how to manage an emergency situation in the event of an earthquake.

 A significant number of Bucharest residents are considering moving to a safer home

If they knew their home was at high seismic risk, most Bucharest residents (41 percent, of which 48 percent of men) would consider moving to a safer home, while 27 percent would seek information on consolidating their existing home, and 12 percent would wait for government support for reinforcement works. At the same time, half of the respondents believe their current home is safe, while nearly a third (29 percent) have never checked its safety, and only 13 percent are aware of their home’s seismic risk category.

“Only through collaboration, information, and systemic changes can we develop practical solutions together and create a network for a city that doesn’t wait for disaster but anticipates it, prepares for, and manages it effectively. On this day, as we commemorate the devastating 1977 earthquake, we are launching an awareness campaign through this research and a journalism scholarship program – Bucurestiul Pregatit Superscrieri – to conduct in-depth investigations on the city’s vulnerabilities and the actions that authorities and the civil society must take to improve infrastructure and public preparedness”, says Alina Kasprovschi, Executive Director at the Bucharest Community Foundation.

As part of the program, supported by Lidl Romania, the Bucharest Community Foundation will continue to collaborate with decision-makers and direct stakeholders to develop the network of expertise, resources, and support that helps the Bucharest community understand seismic risks and take responsible, coordinated actions to reduce them. Since its launch, Bucurestiul Pregatit has provided practical solutions and coordinated actions that have reached 26,983 students and teachers from kindergarten to primary and secondary school. Additionally, 3,189 people have received first aid training, 17 search-and-rescue dogs have been trained for rubble operations, and awareness campaigns organized by partners and the foundation – both online and through events – have reached an audience of over 2,000,000 people. Through the Bucurestiul Pregatit program, over 1.98 million lei in funding have been allocated, supporting 18 projects implemented by NGOs.