A magnitude 4.3 earthquake struck the Vrancea seismic zone in Buzău County on Tuesday evening, 11 August 2026. The tremor occurred at 20:21:16 and was felt in several parts of Romania, including Buzău and Bucharest.
The National Research and Development Institute for Earth Physics (INCDFP/INFP) revised the earthquake’s initial data. Its magnitude was initially estimated at 4.5, at a depth of around 140 kilometres, but seismologists later established a magnitude of ML 4.3 and a depth of 133.2 kilometres.
For further information, see also Solar eclipse of 12 August 2026: time and areas of Romania where it will be visible, an article that explores an aspect directly related to this subject.
Magnitude 4.3 earthquake in the Vrancea-Buzău zone on 11 August 2026
The earthquake occurred at 20:21:16 Romania local time, in the Vrancea seismic zone in Buzău County. According to the specialists’ revised data, the hypocentre was at a depth of 133.2 kilometres.
- Date: 11 August 2026
- Time: 20:21:16
- Magnitude: ML 4.3
- Depth: 133.2 km
- Area: Vrancea seismic zone, Buzău County
The first information published after the earthquake indicated a magnitude of 4.5 and a depth of 140 km. Such revisions are normal, as an earthquake’s parameters are recalculated after a larger volume of data from seismic stations has been analysed.
Where the Buzău earthquake was felt
Because of its depth, the earthquake could be felt across a relatively wide area. Residents of Buzău reported feeling the seismic movement, and the tremor was also felt in some parts of Bucharest.
There were also reports that the earthquake was felt in Ploiești, while other public reports indicated that the seismic movement was perceived as far away as Iași and Chișinău. The press in the Republic of Moldova also reported that the earthquake in Romania was felt across the Prut River.
How far from Buzău was the earthquake?
The earthquake was located in the Vrancea-Buzău region. Data published immediately after the earthquake indicated that it occurred near several major cities in the south-east and centre of the country.
- approximately 59 km south of Buzău;
- approximately 56 km east of Brașov;
- approximately 55 km south-east of Sfântu Gheorghe;
- approximately 70 km south of Focșani;
- approximately 69 km north of Ploiești;
- approximately 96 km north-east of Târgoviște.
These figures appear in the updated information published after the earthquake’s parameters were revised.
Why Vrancea earthquakes can be felt over long distances
The Vrancea seismic zone is known for producing intermediate-depth earthquakes. In such an earthquake, seismic waves can travel considerable distances, which is why an earthquake in the Buzău-Vrancea area can also be felt in Bucharest or in other cities hundreds of kilometres from the hypocentre.
INFP states that an earthquake’s effects are influenced by several factors, including magnitude, depth, distance from the epicentre and local ground conditions.
Was any damage reported after the earthquake?
As of the first information available on the evening of 11 August, no significant damage caused by the earthquake had been announced. The Bucharest-Ilfov Emergency Situations Inspectorate issued information to the public after the earthquake.
In the event of a felt earthquake, authorities recommend that people avoid panicking, do not use lifts during the seismic movement, and move away from windows or objects that could fall.
The 11 August earthquake, among the strongest in recent months
The magnitude 4.3 earthquake that struck on Tuesday evening ranks among the stronger tremors recorded recently in Romania. In July 2026, 23 earthquakes with magnitudes between 2 and 3.4 had been recorded in the country.
Information about earthquakes may be updated in the coming hours, as the National Institute for Earth Physics analyses data from the seismic monitoring network.
Frequently asked questions about the Buzău earthquake of 11 August 2026
What magnitude was the earthquake on 11 August 2026?
The earthquake that occurred on the evening of 11 August 2026 in the Vrancea seismic zone in Buzău County had a magnitude of ML 4.3. The tremor was initially assessed at magnitude 4.5, but INFP later revised the data.
What time did the earthquake occur?
The earthquake occurred on Tuesday, 11 August 2026, at 20:21:16 Romania local time.
At what depth did the earthquake occur?
According to updated data from the National Research and Development Institute for Earth Physics, the earthquake occurred at a depth of 133.2 kilometres.
Where was the 11 August earthquake located?
The earthquake was located in the Vrancea seismic zone in Buzău County. The epicentre was approximately 59 km south of Buzău, 69 km north of Ploiești, 70 km south of Focșani, 56 km east of Brașov and 55 km south-east of Sfântu Gheorghe.
Where was the magnitude 4.3 earthquake felt?
The earthquake was felt by residents in several areas, with reports including Bucharest. As this was a Vrancea earthquake occurring at a depth of more than 130 kilometres, seismic waves can be perceived at considerable distances from the epicentral area. However, the list of nearby localities published by INFP should not be confused with a complete official list of localities where the earthquake was felt.
Why are Vrancea earthquakes also felt in Bucharest?
Intermediate-depth earthquakes in the Vrancea area occur at great depths, and seismic waves can travel across wide areas. For this reason, some earthquakes in the Vrancea-Buzău area can be felt in Bucharest and in other regions far from the epicentre.
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