ZAGREB, Croatia (AP) – Early Monday, central Croatia near the capital Zagreb was hit by a moderate earthquake that caused panic and damaged some buildings in towns south of the city. There were no immediate reports of injuries.
Croatia’s seismologists said the magnitude of the earthquake was at around 6:30 a.m. (05:30 GMT) with the epicenter near the cities of Petrinja and Sisak 50 kilometers south of the capital. After the first several smaller vibrations were felt.
Petrinja mayor Darinko Dumbovic told HRT television that “we have bricks and tiles in the streets and fallen chimneys.”
The quake was also felt in neighboring Bosnia. In the capital of Croatia, the inhabitants woke up and fled into the streets. Security cameras showed that parked cars vibrated for several seconds, triggering their alarm.
Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic promised state aid in repairing the damage while traveling through the earthquake-hit regions on Monday.
“This year will end as it began,” Plenkovic said, referring to an earlier earthquake in Croatia that came on top of the coronavirus outbreak challenging the EU member state.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the EU is closely monitoring the situation on Monday and is ready to help.
“Stay strong Croatia!” She said on Twitter.
Earlier this year, the Zagreb region was hit by a strong earthquake on March 22, causing significant damage. One person died and at least 27 were injured.