Success Story: Earthquake Early Warning System in Vrancea, Romania

Project Name: Earthquake early warning system in Vrancea, Romania
Location: Vrancea, Romania
Type of Sirens: Pavian electronic sirens
Last Time of Installation: 2012 (further development of the system is planned for 2017)
Project Target: Early warning of the population in earthquake-prone areas
Partner: Telegrafia Romania

Earthquake Risk in Vrancea and Romania

Vrancea is one of Romania’s most seismically active regions and represents a major source of earthquake risk for the country. Located along the south-eastern Carpathian arc, the Vrancea seismic zone is known for strong earthquakes that can affect large parts of Romania, including the capital, Bucharest.

The concentration of population, infrastructure and economic activity in earthquake-prone areas makes seismic risk particularly important for Romania. According to World Bank assessments, a significant share of the country’s population and economic assets is exposed to earthquake hazards:

• More than 35% of Romania’s population, including around 65% of its urban population, is exposed to seismic hazards associated with the Vrancea region.
• Approximately 60–75% of Romania’s fixed assets are located in seismic zones.
• Around 70–80% of the country’s GDP is generated in areas exposed to significant seismic risk.
• Approximately 45% of national lifelines and critical infrastructure is located in areas historically classified at seismic intensities VII–IX on the MSK scale.

These conditions highlight the importance of earthquake preparedness and effective risk-reduction measures. Earthquake early warning systems, combined with reliable electronic sirens, can provide an additional layer of protection by helping authorities warn people rapidly when seconds matter.

How the Vrancea Earthquake Early Warning System Works 

The devastating 1977 earthquake became a major catalyst for Romania to strengthen its seismic risk reduction measures. These efforts included improved building codes, the identification of vulnerable structures, and the development of programs aimed at increasing public safety. One of these measures was the implementation of the Vrancea earthquake early warning system.

The Vrancea Early Warning System project began in 2003. Powerful Pavian electronic sirens were installed across earthquake-prone areas to provide rapid and reliable warning to the population. The system control centre is located in Focșani.

Communication within the system is provided via a reliable analogue radio network, enabling rapid system activation and secure signal transmission. The central communication unit in Focșani communicates by radio with repeater units in Mărășești, Panciu and Adjud. Some sirens communicate directly with the repeater units, while others can be controlled locally.

The entire early warning system is managed using Vektra® software, installed at the control centre and connected to the central communication unit. This enables centralized control and management of the warning infrastructure. Before being put into operation, the system underwent extensive testing and was accepted by the responsible authorities.

 Looking for an Earthquake Early Warning System?

Telegrafia develops advanced early warning and notification systems designed to protect people and communities from natural and technological hazards. Our solutions combine powerful electronic sirens, reliable communication infrastructure and advanced control software to provide fast and effective warning when every second matters.

Planning an earthquake early warning system for your city, region or community? Explore our earthquake warning solutions or contact our team to discuss your project.

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The article was written by

Viktor Ugolnikov

Viktor works as an international business manager, responsible for Russian and Arabic-speaking countries. He has had more than seven years of experience with telecommunications and more than two years with early warning systems.