An earthquake originating in Romania may have been felt in the Odesa region
Residents in the southern part of the Odesa region reported feeling tremors that may have been linked to an earthquake in Romania. Posts on social media indicated that the tremors were felt, in particular, in Chornomorsk, while in Odesa, people on upper floors may have noticed them. However, there is currently no official confirmation of an earthquake specifically within the Odesa region.
In the southern part of the Odesa region, residents reported possible tremors. Local residents began posting about this on social media and Telegram channels. According to eyewitness accounts, the tremors may have been felt in Chornomorsk. It is also possible that residents of Odesa noticed slight tremors, especially those on the upper floors of buildings.
However, it is important to note that this information has not yet been officially confirmed. At the time these reports appeared on social media, government agencies and relevant Ukrainian institutions had not reported an earthquake specifically in the Odesa region.
The earthquake occurred near Vrancea
At the same time, seismic tremors were recorded in Romania. According to the Android Earthquake Alerts System, the earthquake occurred in the Vrancea area and had a magnitude of 4.5. Vrancea is one of the most well-known seismically active areas in the region. Earthquakes that occur there can sometimes be felt not only in Romania but also in neighboring countries.
That is why it cannot be ruled out that residents of southern Odesa Oblast may have felt the effects of the Romanian earthquake. At the same time, without official seismological data, it cannot be confirmed that the tremors people reported on social media were definitely caused by this particular earthquake. Currently, there are also no reports of damage or casualties in the Odesa region related to this event.
What is known about earthquakes in Ukraine in recent days
The day before, on August 10, the Main Center for Special Control recorded an earthquake off the southern coast of the Crimean Peninsula. Its magnitude was 3.6 on the Richter scale. However, the center’s report makes no mention of an earthquake in the Odesa region.
Therefore, there are currently several separate facts: residents of the Odesa region reported possible tremors, an earthquake with a magnitude of 4.5 was recorded in Romania, and there is no official information about an earthquake directly within the Odesa region.
Why the tremors might have been felt in Odesa
Seismic waves can travel significant distances. How strongly people feel an earthquake depends not only on its magnitude but also on the depth of the epicenter, the distance to it, and the characteristics of the soil and the building. On the upper floors of high-rise buildings, even weak tremors can sometimes feel stronger. People may notice slight swaying of furniture, windows, or other objects.
Therefore, reports from residents of Odesa or Chornomorsk do not in and of themselves mean that an earthquake occurred within the Odesa region. Data from seismological stations are needed to accurately determine the location and magnitude of the tremors.
A Much Stronger Earthquake Struck Colombia
Meanwhile, Colombia is recovering from a powerful earthquake that far exceeds in magnitude the tremors reported in our region. According to the Colombian Geological Survey, the earthquake had a magnitude of 7.4. The epicenter was located at a depth of about 96 kilometers, approximately 20 kilometers from San José del Palmar in the department of Chocó.
Following the earthquake, buildings in various parts of the country were damaged or destroyed. People were trapped under the rubble, and rescue workers conducted search operations. According to reports, the death toll stands at 132, with more than 700 others injured. By comparison, the 4.5-magnitude earthquake in the Vranchi area is significantly weaker than the one in Colombia. However, even such tremors can be felt over long distances, especially if their epicenter is at a sufficient depth and the conditions are right for seismic waves to propagate.
For now, the most important thing regarding the situation in the Odesa region is not to confuse eyewitness accounts with confirmed data. People may indeed have felt the tremors, but there is still no official confirmation of an earthquake specifically in the Odesa region. The alleged seismic event was reported by readers of the Telegram channel “Pidslukhano Odesa News,” as well as other local public groups.
Romania will continue operating the second power unit at the Cernavoda Nuclear Power Plant for at least another nine days. The decision was made after the water level in the Danube near the plant rose by 4 cm.
Authorities in Romania are warning of a potential forced shutdown of Unit 2 at the Cernavodă Nuclear Power Plant due to falling water levels in the Danube River, according to Christian Bușoi, State Secretary at the Ministry of Energy.
