Earthquakes in the region

Across the region

What to do during an earthquake

If you feel an earthquake, stay calm and follow the basic guidance:

1. Drop to the floor so you are not knocked over.
2. Take cover under a sturdy table or desk and protect your head and neck.
3. Hold on to your shelter until the shaking stops.
4. Stay away from windows, glass and objects that can fall.
5. If you are outdoors, move to an open area away from buildings and power lines.
6. Do not use lifts; leave only after the shaking has stopped.
7. After the quake, check for damage and possible gas leaks.

The 1963 Skopje earthquake

On 26 July 1963 a strong earthquake of about magnitude 6.1 struck Skopje. More than 1,000 people were killed and much of the city was destroyed or badly damaged, leaving around 200,000 residents homeless. It is the most destructive earthquake in modern Macedonian history and the reason the city was later rebuilt to more modern construction standards.

Why Macedonia is seismically active

Macedonia lies in the seismically active Alpine-Himalayan belt, where weaker earthquakes occur relatively often. Most are too small to be felt. More notable seismic zones lie near Skopje, Valandovo, Pehčevo and the Ohrid-Struga region. Larger earthquakes are rare but possible, so basic preparedness matters.