Bucharest Among EU Capitals Most Vulnerable To Quakes – Min

“Bucharest is one of the most exposed capitals in Europe based on seismic risk, after Lisbon,” Borbely said at the inauguration of the “Twins” blocks in center Bucharest.

The blocks are meant for the families who were evicted from nationalized houses and for people living in buildings that pose great collapsing risk in case of quakes. Over 120 such families will receive apartments in the “Twins” blocks by the end of September.

Borbely said Bucharest hosts 123 four-story or higher buildings that were built before 1940 and that need consolidation. However, only ten buildings have been consolidated so far.

“Unfortunately, the consolidation works are not going too well, and this is why we made the legislation in the field harsher, to be able to evict or even demolish buildings beyond repair. In addition, the consolidation works will no longer be meant only for private buildings, but for public institutions as well,” Borbely said.