Bucharest remains, in 2025, the most vulnerable city in Europe in the event of a major earthquake, while the level of preparedness among residents and institutions is still far below what would be required. Eighty-five years after the devastating 1940 earthquake, the Capital still lacks a coherent operational plan for the first 72 hours after a quake — a critical window for saving lives and reducing the impact of a major disaster.

A study conducted by the Bucharest Community Foundation, as part of the Bucharest Prepared program, shows that 3 in 5 residents fear an earthquake more than any other disaster, and 4 in 5 believe the city is not prepared at all. Only 15% say they have a personal or family action plan in case of a seismic event.

These findings come as experts have been warning for years that Bucharest has the highest seismic risk in the EU, fueled by aging buildings, fragile infrastructure and a population largely unprepared for emergency situations.

Real-life simulations: Bucharest residents react instinctively, but incorrectly

To evaluate the current level of preparedness, the Bucharest Community Foundation organized a series of earthquake simulations in November, carried out in schools, social centers, office buildings, and neighborhood community spaces. One hundred participants experienced simulations of the first 72 hours after a major earthquake, including scenarios involving power outages, no mobile signal, lack of water, and no immediate support from authorities.

Several scenarios revealed critical vulnerabilities:

• At Centrul Steluțelor – Asociația M.A.M.E., doors became jammed and therapists and children had to improvise evacuation solutions.
• At Europe House, employees learned how quickly strangers can become a team when information and coordination are lacking.
• At Gymnasium School No. 188, sixth-grade students simulated falling furniture, shattered windows, and moments of panic.
• In neighborhood spaces, participants practiced crisis response: injured people, collapsed staircases, gas leaks, cold temperatures, and no official communication.

The general conclusion: most people react instinctively, not correctly. Many ran toward staircases, stood near windows, or tried to exit the building immediately — extremely dangerous behaviors during an earthquake.

The lack of practical preparedness is also evident in how responsibility is perceived:

• 91% believe the Department for Emergency Situations (DSU) is primarily responsible,
• 53% point to the City Hall and local authorities,
• only 45% feel personally responsible — even though, in reality, during the first hours after a major quake, people will need to fend for themselves as emergency services will be overwhelmed.

The first 72 hours: where the biggest problems appear

The simulations highlighted widespread gaps:

• lack of a family plan (where to meet, how to communicate)
• no emergency backpack
• lack of knowledge on proper sheltering techniques
• insufficient first-aid skills
• inability to prioritize who needs help first
• lack of an organized local system for gathering and sharing information

Yet, during all simulations, informal leaders emerged naturally, teams formed quickly, and participants demonstrated solidarity, empathy and adaptability — essential qualities for surviving a real disaster.

Authorities and NGOs meet at the same table: the beginning of a strategy for Bucharest

On November 19, 2025, the Bucharest Community Foundation brought together more than 30 representatives from key institutions and NGOs to analyze vulnerabilities and define realistic preparedness directions.

Participants included:

• General Inspectorate for Emergency Situations (IGSU)
• Department for Emergency Situations (DSU)
• Municipal Administration for Seismic Risk Building Consolidation (AMCCRS)
• ADIZMB, DGASMB
• NGOs such as Carusel and Asociația M.A.M.E., among others

Clear priority areas were established:

• expanding population training and simulations
• creating an efficient interinstitutional communication flow
• strengthening the legal framework for intervention and international support
• standardizing public information about earthquakes
• developing a 72-hour plan accessible to every resident

“Integrated preparedness is our only chance in the event of a major earthquake,” said Alina Kasprovschi, Executive Director of the Bucharest Community Foundation, who also announced two annual coordination meetings moving forward.

“Preparedness begins with you”: a public awareness campaign for residents

Throughout November, the Foundation is running a major awareness and education campaign, including:

• guides and posters displayed in the metro and STB public transport
• real earthquake simulations
• live preparedness demonstrations
• an interactive information booth at ParkLake Shopping Center (22–23 November 2025)

Residents can learn:

• what an emergency backpack should contain
• how to create a family emergency plan
• what to do in the first seconds of an earthquake
• how to act after the shaking stops
• the basics of first aid

Bucharest Prepared – 7 years of programs for a safer city

Bucharest Prepared is now one of the most important independent initiatives addressing seismic risk in the Capital:

• 27,000 students and teachers trained
• 3,200 people trained in first aid
• 17 search-and-rescue dogs trained
• more than 2 million people reached through awareness campaigns
• 2 million lei in grants for NGOs
• 18 projects implemented
• thousands of hours of simulations and community preparedness

Bucharest needs a shared plan — not just warnings

Simulations, research, and interinstitutional meetings all point to the same conclusion: Bucharest is vulnerable, and community preparedness is essential.

Without a coordinated plan shared by authorities, NGOs, experts, and everyday citizens, the Capital risks being overwhelmed by the effects of the next major earthquake. But with practical training, accessible information and real cooperation, the first 72 hours can mean the difference between chaos and coordination — between disaster and recovery.