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Earthquake Simulation Truck Capable of Simulating Magnitude 7.8 Earthquakes Arrives in Varna
16 September 2026
A specialized earthquake simulation truck will be stationed in the parking area of the Sports Hall in Varna on September 25th and 26th, 2026. Experts from the Department of Security and Safety at Varna Free University, the Municipality of Tekirdağ, and the Turkish Earthquake Foundation will present the initiative, which aims to raise awareness and preparedness among children and adults for responding to earthquakes.
The truck, arriving from the Turkish city of Tekirdağ, will be open for free visits by residents and guests of Varna. The specialized facility realistically simulates an earthquake with a magnitude of up to 7.8, allowing participants to experience its impact in a controlled environment. The experience is accompanied by an educational talk, helping participants develop practical knowledge of the appropriate response and highlighting the importance of personal disaster preparedness.
The initiative is part of European Project No. BSB01014, “Black Sea Unites Against Natural Disasters” - BSB-BSUAND, co-financed under the Interreg NEXT Black Sea Basin Programme 2021-2027. The project brings together Varna Free University “Chernorizets Hrabar,” the Trakia Development Agency, the Municipality of Tekirdağ, and the Greek Rescue Team. The partners are developing joint solutions to improve the preparedness of institutions, rescue teams, and citizens across the Black Sea region.
The Department of Public Order and Security at Varna Free University conducted a campaign to select student volunteers. The participants completed a specialized micro-qualification course on responding to crises, disasters, and emergencies. Their training combined theoretical knowledge with practical skills for action in critical situations.
The project builds on Varna Free University’s longstanding cooperation with the fire and rescue services of the Republic of Turkey. Its foundations were laid following the 1999 İzmit earthquake, when Bulgarian firefighters took part in containing a fire at an oil refinery. Shortly afterwards, university students visited İzmit, Yalova, Adapazarı, and Istanbul to study disaster response measures on site.
One of the first significant academic achievements of this partnership was the training at Varna Free University of the first 19 Turkish fire and emergency safety engineers. Over the years, the cooperation has expanded through doctoral training, practical internships, academic exchange, and professional mobility programmes. Bulgarian students undergo training in Türkiye, work with specialized equipment, and study coordination between fire and rescue teams.
This accumulated experience continues through the new joint bachelor’s degree programme in Fire Protection Engineering offered by Varna Free University and Sakarya University. The programme will commence in the 2026/2027 academic year and combines the academic expertise, teaching experience, and facilities of the two leading higher education institutions. Students will study for two years in Varna and two years in Sakarya.
The programme will prepare future engineers with theoretical knowledge and practical skills in the design, organization, and management of fire safety. Graduates will receive a European engineering degree and opportunities for professional development in design organizations, international companies, government institutions, and civil protection and risk management structures.
The visit of the simulation truck to Varna transforms international experience into accessible practical training for the wider public. The initiative places knowledge, preparedness, and coordinated action at the forefront - key elements in strengthening community resilience to natural disasters.
The specialized truck simulator of the Municipality of Tekirdağ demonstrates the essential actions to take during an earthquake: “Drop, Cover, and Hold On.” The information panels also display the contents of an emergency backpack, including water, food, a flashlight, a first-aid kit, a radio, medication, clothing, and other essentials. The message on the truck reads, “This information can save a life.”