Although the country's capital, Bucharest is not the kind of city where people can feel safe in the event of an earthquake. Numerous neighborhoods with old and unconsolidated buildings, poor infrastructure and high population density make Bucharest vulnerable to earthquakes. In addition, the country's capital is subject to significant seismic activity due to its position in the Vrancea seismic zone.

However, there are certain areas of the city that are considered safer in the event of an earthquake. And here we are not only referring to buildings, but to the fact that seismic waves are felt differently depending on the geographical area:

In first place, the safest sector in the event of an earthquake is sector 4, namely the Berceni - Metalurgiei and IMGB areas. According to specialists, the effects of an earthquake on these areas will be very low, due to the fact that the seismic waves will disperse before they reach these neighborhoods.

A medium seismic risk is in sector 3, the Balta Albă area, but also in part of sector 2, such as the Gemenii and Vasile Lascăr areas.

In contrast, the northern area is exposed to earthquake hazard, with the Băneasa neighborhood being among the most vulnerable from this perspective. However, a big plus is that the area is less densely populated and has fewer old buildings.

Pantelimonul, Militari, Panduri, Drumul Taberei and Crângași are also at risk.

But the area with the highest seismic risk is obviously the Old Center. A major problem is that many of the buildings are very old and have not been consolidated, and the streets are narrow, with the area on which the blocks are built taking up a very large percentage of the total surface area.

In any case, when choosing a dwelling, it is not only the area but also the building itself that should be considered. Perhaps the area is low-risk, but the block is old and unconsolidated or, on the contrary, new but very tall. For example, although the Militari area is considered at seismic risk, many buildings here have only 4 floors, which is extremely beneficial in case of an earthquake.

What's more, there is another aspect to consider: the ground floor. You need to be very careful of buildings with a flexible ground floor, i.e. those with commercial spaces on the ground floor. The more and larger the voids in a building, the more unsafe it becomes. 

It is important to emphasize that, despite these recommendations, no place is completely immune to earthquake risk. Prior to any seismic event, it is crucial to have a well-established emergency plan in place and be prepared to act quickly if necessary. It is also always advisable to consult official sources and inform yourself about recommended seismic safety measures. The safety of you and your loved ones should always be your top priority in the face of any natural disaster.