The Croatian Earthquakes: Extensive Damage with Long-Lasting Effects

News Analysis by Maria Wehbe, Staff Writer

January 16th, 2021

On December 29th, 2020 at approximatively 1:20 P.M. (local time), a magnitude 6.4 earthquake hit central Croatia, in Petrinja, a town southeast of the capital, Zagreb. 

The earthquake was so powerful that it was also felt in neighboring countries Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Italy and in the Austrian capital, Vienna. 

Earthquakes are not rare there, as northern Croatia falls within an area where the collision sector between the African and Eurasian tectonic plates curves sharply. 

This earthquake lead to broad damages in both Petrinja and Zagreb, the capital. 

Mayor Darinko Dumbović explains that this earthquake injured more than 20 people and killed at least seven people, ultimately demolishing 3500 houses and destroying half the town of Petrinja. Rescue teams spent the entire night digging and scouring through the rubble of severely impaired buildings in search of civilians. The earthquake shook the whole town and citizens were afraid to go back to their homes in fear of further collapse. Some slept in their cars, some stayed with their relatives and the military prepared barracks where 200 people stayed as well. 

The nearby town of Sisak also suffered the consequences of this earthquake, with many people left injured: “the local hospital there was struggling to cope with the number of casualties arriving for treatment”. Fractures, concussions and people in need of surgery: the aftermath was very bad, and citizens were frightened and hurt. 

Everyone was helping in whatever way they could: the army, the firefighters, the red cross and their ambulances. Everyone was needed at the scene in order to work as fast and as strategically as possible, in order to aid and to save as many as they could. Organized efforts were key in order to avoid chaos. The Croatian Mountain Rescue Service got involved and rescuers from all over Croatia went to Petrinja to help with the search and the recovery efforts. As a result of this tragedy, Croatian authorities required emergency assistance from the EU Civil Protection Mechanism, and it was mobilized without hesitation. 

“The center of Petrinja as it used to be no longer exists”  declared Croatia’s state HRT television. This clearly demonstrates the extent to which this atrocity has affected every Croatian citizen, permanently changing their image of the city. 

Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic immediately went to the city after the tragedy occured and reassured the population that the army would come in aid. He continued to warn the citizens of the possibility of emergency evacuations as a result of the buildings’ instability and fragile infrastructure. 

The US Geological Survey pointed out that this was the largest and worst earthquake to hit Croatia since the use of modern seismic instrumentation had been put into place – the strongest earthquake to happen in 140 years. 

Another earthquake hit on January 6th, 2021 with a magnitude of 5.0 at approximatively 6:01 P.M. The earthquake lasted for about 10 seconds, yet due to the high magnitude, further damage had been done in addition to that of the previous earthquake. There have been no reports about any casualties as of January 6th, but some houses suffered damage.  

After the second earthquake hit, searches and rescue efforts had to start again to examine further injuries and damages. Structural Engineers had to inspect buildings that they had already assessed after the first earthquake –they could not take any chances; they had no choice but to do so for the safety of the people. 

This second earthquake was one of the aftershocks of the shattering earthquake that took place on December 29th. As well, it has been circulating that another earthquake occurred on January 8th, at approximatively 11:10 P.M. (local time), yet it hasn’t been utterly confirmed yet. The citizens had to relive consistent reminds of the time their lives flashed before their eyes.  

Croatia suffered severe and extensive damage, and aid was provided as a result. 

Relief began being provided as early as the 31st of December, when twenty mobile shelters had arrived that were donated by hotels and companies. As well, sixty more mobile homes are expected to arrive to provide shelter for approximately 500 more residents. Croatia’s division of the Red Cross has also been on a mission to distribute humanitarian packages to victims of the devastating event. 

People were also lending a helping hand to others: Croatian footballer Dejan Lovren said that he would make his home available to sixteen families who are suffering as a result of what happened – a heartfelt example of a humanitarian response from the people to the people.

Croatia’s people have had to say goodbye to the cities they have always called home, cities they are now forced to evacuate. This tragic event did not get the recognition it deserves from people around the globe, and this should not have been the case. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the people mourning the loss of their people, their homes and their beloved country.