More than 20,000 buildings in Bucharest would suffer “significant damage” in the case of a major earthquake which could kill 6,500 people, a new study which was made public on Thursday has found.
Earthquake
The capital is prone to earthquakes and hasn’t had a major once since 1977 when 1,500 people died and thousands of buildings collapsed.
Speculation about “the next big one” are common although seismologists say it is impossible to predict when it will happem
Romania has about 30 small and moderate earthquakes a year, most of which aren’t felt.
The Bucharest Municipality Analysis and Coverage Plan was carried out by the Bucharest Committee for Emergency Situations and found that 23,000 buildings in Bucharest would suffer „significant damage” in the event of a strong earthquake, and a 1,000 buildings would collapse of “partially collapse.”
Injuries
In the event of a big quake at 9pm, there could be 6,500 deaths and more than 16,000 seriously injured including those trapped in buildings and under rubble. The 1977 temblor happened at about the same time.
Some 10,500 people would be hospitalized, and 13,000 would suffer slight injuries.
„The earthquake is the major risk factor” Bucharest. Using the earthquake of 1977 as a comparison, the vast majority of deaths and damage occurred in the capital.
About 10% of Romania’s population lives in Bucharest which produces 15% of the industrial output, a large share of service industry and major state infrastructure and private business.
Seismic risk
“The seismic risk has increased in recent years”, the study said.
The document lists the main vulnerabiliies in the case of earthquake:
– about 400 high-rise residential buildings – more than 8 floors high – which are made of reinforced concrete between 1925-1940, without anti-seismic measures;
– some 800,000 people in the 0-19-year age group and those over 60 are most at risk;
– the natural gas network, with a length of about 910 kilometers, made of st
_ more than 450 schools
– fifty-five hospitals
– the city’s heating network, with a length of 437 kilometers, comprising the underground steam mains and the collective thermal points of residential buildings;
– some 2,500 kilometers of water pipes;
– more than 45 large hotels;
– about 27 theaters, opera, cinemas etc.;
The document was submitted for vote at a councilors meeting at the city hall.
