Bucharest City Hall will prepare the hospitals under its administration to withstand the effects of an earthquake, according to Bucharest mayor Gabriela Firea.

The pilot project will start at the Coltea Hospital in downtown Bucharest, where the medical equipment will be protected for earthquake, using Japanese expertise. Thus, if a quake hits the Romanian capital, not only the building will remain functional, but also the medical devices.

The mayor explained that this is a less expensive model, but very effective, “which was also adopted by the Americans.”

“We have also had talks with the Japanese Ambassador, to send experts who will help with developing and implementing this project,” Firea added.

According to Raed Arafat, the head of the Department for Emergency Situations (DSU), some of the buildings hosting ambulance services and firefighting units are at risk in case of a major earthquake. 

Irina Popescu, irina.popescu@romania-insider.com