The event occurred at 23:41 UTC, corresponding to 01:41 local time on 22 February. Early seismic agencies agreed that the epicentral area was close to Plovdiv and Asenovgrad, while their preliminary magnitude and depth estimates differed.
Archive note: These values preserve the estimates available to this report at the time. Earthquake parameters can be revised as agencies process additional station data.
What happened
The earthquake’s shallow depth and proximity to populated areas made the shaking noticeable. Accounts collected at the time commonly described a brief movement lasting several seconds. Reports came from Plovdiv, Asenovgrad, Sofia, Pazardzhik, Bansko and other communities, with additional observations from northern Greece and what is now North Macedonia.
Most accounts described weak to moderate shaking. People reported rattling windows and cupboard doors, moving beds or furniture, and hanging objects shifting. Many residents were awakened because the event occurred during the night.
Reported effects
A municipal update indicated that a water pipe was damaged and subsequently repaired. No broader confirmed pattern of structural damage was identified in the updates retained on this page. Individual observations generally mentioned no damage, although a few described shifted small objects, displaced wall decorations or minor interior material falling.
Magnitude alone does not determine consequences. Local soil, construction quality, floor level, distance from the source and the earthquake’s depth can produce different experiences across nearby locations.
Agency estimates
| Source | Location label | UTC time | Magnitude | Depth |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| USGS | Asenovgrad, Bulgaria | 21 Feb, 23:41 | 4.3 | 8 km |
| GEOFON | Bulgaria | 21 Feb, 23:41 | 4.8 | 10 km |
| EMSC | Bulgaria | 21 Feb, 23:41 | 4.3 | 14 km |
Differences between early solutions are normal. Networks use different stations, methods and data availability, particularly during the first hours after an event.
Update timeline
A local update reported a damaged water pipe that had been repaired; no other confirmed damage was identified at that stage.
Preliminary shaking and possible-impact modeling was reviewed. Such models are estimates and do not replace field inspection.
Historical seismicity around the wider Plovdiv region was added for context.
The earthquake signal was identified on a seismological station record from Komotini, Greece.
Felt observations extended beyond Bulgaria into neighboring areas.
Preliminary locations placed the epicenter close to Plovdiv.
Summary of felt observations
The original archive contained numerous public submissions in several languages. They are summarized rather than reproduced verbatim.
Mostly light to moderate shaking, often strong enough to wake sleepers. Several accounts noted moving furniture or rattling windows.
Weak to moderate shaking was reported close to the preliminary epicentral area.
Generally weak or light, brief movement; many observations indicated no damage.
Short shaking with beds, doors or loose fittings moving in some buildings.
Weak shaking was noted in locations including Xanthi and around Komotini.
Additional observations came from Haskovo, Samokov, Pleven, Petrich and other communities.
Public felt reports are useful observational evidence, but they are subjective and should not be treated as instrument measurements or verified damage assessments.
Safety context
This is a historical report, not a current alert. During present-day shaking, follow local civil-protection guidance. Indoors, commonly recommended action is to drop, cover and hold on, remain clear of windows, and avoid lifts. After shaking, check for immediate hazards and expect that aftershocks may occur.