WORLD NEWS! Earthquake measuring 5.3 hits Romania, causing minor damage

Authorities say an earthquake measuring 5.3 has struck eastern and central Romania, and was felt in nearby Moldova.

The National Earth Physics Institute said the quake strike at 02:11 a.m. Saturday (2311 GMT) and its epicenter was in the eastern Vrancea region, known for its seismic activity.

There were reports of injuries and minor damage in the town of Iasi.

Crisis scenarios official Silvia Bolohan told national news agency Agerpres two people suffered minor injuries there.

She said plaster fell off one building, and there were reports of things falling in individuals’ dwellings. A dozen folks called the emergency services of Iasi after suffering panic attacks.

The quake was also felt in the capital Bucharest, the central city of Brasov, and the southern city of Craiova.