Vrancea
Romania's earthquake epicenter and largest wine producer where 90% of national seismic energy releases
Where the Carpathians curve, tectonic fault blocks grind against each other—and Vrancea County sits directly atop Romania's most dangerous seismic zone. Over 90% of the country's earthquakes originate here, releasing 95% of its seismic energy. The 1977 disaster killed 1,578 people, 1,424 in Bucharest alone, from an epicenter 133 kilometers underground. Yet the same geology that threatens destruction supports Romania's largest wine industry: 11% of the county's surface grows vines, with Odobesti (7,000 hectares) and Panciu (8,100 hectares) producing wines that built Focsani's reputation. The Milcov River marks the historic boundary between Moldavia and Muntenia, while the Putna-Vrancea Natural Park protects alpine and forested ecosystems in a county balanced between seismic risk and agricultural bounty.