Over 26,000 apartments in Romania would be unsafe during an earthquake, and almost half of them would collapse in a major earthquake.

Bucharest has 2,563 apartment buildings that require structural reinforcement, as they would be vulnerable during an earthquake, according to the National Housing Strategy, reports local Economica.net. Bucharest has the highest seismic risk of all European capitals.

Some 65% of Romania’s urban population is exposed to seismic risks, according to the document. In Bucharest, most buildings vulnerable to an earthquake are the ones built before 1960.

The National Housing Strategy, which is currently under public debate, wants to forbid people to live in unsafe buildings. They should leave their homes until the buildings are reinforced. Meanwhile, they would get a state allowance to pay for a rent. If they refuse to leave the houses, they could be evicted, according to the document.

Money for reinforcing the buildings will be from the state budget, but owners also need to have a contribution. This will be based on their income.

editor@romania-insider.com