An earthquake measuring 4.7 on the Richter scale occurred in Vrancea region of Romania in the evening of May 19, at 11pm. The quake was felt in the Republic of Moldova, especially in its southern part.

Head of the Experimental Seismology Center of the Institute of Geology and Seismology of Chisinau Ion Ilies has told IPN that the earthquake occurred at a depth of 118 km. In Chisinau, it was felt with an intensity of about 3 degrees, in Cahul and Leova – of 3-4 degrees. People from the two districts said they felt oscillations and heard a loud noise. The inhabitants of Chisinau didn’t feel it much as it was late and the quake had a low intensity.

Ion Ilies said eight quakes that registered three or more on the Richter scale have been recorded this May, as opposed to six last month. The seismic activity has become more intense.

According to specialists, a quake measuring 7 on the Richter scale and occurring at a depth of 60-200 km can be dangerous for life in Moldova.

At the end of last December, an earthquake that registered 5.5-5.8 on the Richter scale occurred in Vrancea region at a depth of 83 km. In Chisinau, it was felt with an intensity of about 4 degrees.