An earthquake with a magnitude of 5.3 struck eastern and central Romania today and was also felt in neighboring Moldova, AP quoted officials as saying. There were no immediate reports of damage or injuries. Romania's Institute for Earth Physics said the quake struck at 8:25 p.m. in the Vrancea region, about 75 miles (120 kilometers) northeast of Bucharest at a depth of 75 miles (120 kilometers). Institute director Gheorghe Marmureanu said it was felt in Bucharest, in the Black Sea port of Constanta, in the central city of Brasov, in the city of Iasi in northeast Romania, and at the port of Galati in easternmost Romania. It was also felt in Moldova which borders eastern Romania. The quake caused some panic. People left their homes as furniture rocked. About 400 buildings in Bucharest are considered at risk of collapse in an earthquake. Romania has more than 30 quakes a year with a magnitude of more than 3.
