In 1977 , the 7.2 Vrancea earthquake claimed 1,500 lives and destroyed many old lodgings and offices . On August 21 , 1968 , Ceauşescu 's Bucharest speech condemning the Soviet invasion of Czechoslovakia led many inhabitants to briefly join the paramilitary Patriotic Guards – created on the spot as defense against a possible Soviet military reaction to Romania 's new stance
Vrancea earthquake
1977 Vrancea earthquake
History of Bucharest