The Geophysics Institute at the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences reported that the earthquake in Gabrovo Saturday evening had a 3,8-magnitude on the Richter scale. Photo by BGNES
An earthquake was felt Saturday evening (9:39 pm) in the central Bulgarian city of Gabrovo and adjacent areas, Bulgarian information agencies reported citing the Geophysics Institute at the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences.
The earthquake had a magnitude of 3.8 on the Richter scale. There are no reports of material damages or casualties.
The epicenter was about 150 km east of Bulgaria's capital Sofia, where the shocks were not felt.
European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (ESMC) lists the epicenter's location as 51 km Northwest of Stara Zagora, 16 km Southwest of Gabrovo and 10 km Northwest of the village of Shipka.
The earthquake had a very short duration of 2 to 3 seconds. Local residents report first hearing a rumble and then feeling the shocks. There has been a short interruption in mobile phone services.
The shocks had not triggered panic among Gabrovo's residents. Some had left their houses for a while, but soon went back inside. The shocks were felt the strongest on the top floors of apartment buildings, where people have reported furniture moving and doors opening.
The last earthquake in Gabrovo was registered on April 15, 2008 and had a 4,2 magnitude on the Richter scale.