Bucharest is one of Europe’s most seismically vulnerable capitals. Located within the influence zone of the Vrancea seismic region, the city faces a significant risk of major earthquakes. Thousands of buildings have been identified as potentially vulnerable, the population density is high, and the infrastructure networks are too complex to allow even access to emergency resources.
The next seismic hit could be a decade, a year, or as little as months away. What happens then?
A trio of researchers from the Technical University of Civil Engineering in Bucharest, Romania, rephrased this question to a different, more constructive one: how can we mitigate the risks and create a well-organised emergency response for the day that will inevitably come?
The result is a study that proposes a fresh approach to seismic resilience. It combines scientific analysis, expert knowledge, and digital mapping into a practical tool designed to help emergency professionals and citizens navigate the worst-case scenario with confidence and clarity.
Turning data into action
Besides structural damage, urban earthquakes can also block evacuation routes, cause power outages, disrupt communications, and overwhelm healthcare systems. To avoid that, older buildings constructed before modern seismic codes must be monitored and evaluated on a regular basis. Regarding Bucharest specifically, another challenge is uneven distribution of resources across districts: some areas have good access to healthcare and emergency gathering points, and others don’t.
How can we anticipate the weak points in planned emergency response and address them proactively?
To answer this question, researchers developed an innovative digital mapping framework specifically for Bucharest. Rather than focusing only on hazard prediction, their study looks at how people and services move during an emergency.
The result is an interactive digital map that clearly indicates relocation areas, medical facilities, and high-risk zones. To make sure that this information is free and easily accessible to the public, the map was compiled on Google Maps.
For emergency responders this means faster coordination, for urban planners – a clearer overview of gaps in infrastructure. And for residents, it offers real-time access to shelter and treatment locations directly from their smartphones.
From a case study to a flexible framework: a model for future cities
One of the most important outcomes of the study is its adaptability. While the initial map was designed for Bucharest, the methodology can be applied to other cities facing seismic risk or even adapted for different types of disasters.
As cities grow and infrastructure ages, the need for resilience planning is set to grow as well. Tools that translate complex scientific data into accessible, real-world solutions are a crucial part of that.
Reference
Paunescu, M.; Luca, O.; Stanescu, A.A.; Gaman, F. Digital Mapping and Resilience Indicators, as Pillars of Bucharest’s Seismic Resilience Strategy. Infrastructures 2025, 10, 39. https://doi.org/10.3390/infrastructures10020039
