Powerful Earthquake Rocks Croatian Capital Zagreb

A powerful earthquake hit Croatia at 6.24am local time on Sunday morning with the epicentre seven kilometres north of Zagreb, said the European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre, EMSC.

Another strong earthquake shook Zagreb at 7am, with both tremors causing widespread damage and panic amid the ongoing coronavirus crisis.

Local media reported that dozens were injured and that a 15-year-old suffered life-threatening injuries.

Damage to buildings was visible in the centre of the city, and some people fled their homes. In the panic, some forgot about maintaining social distancing.

The EMSC said the earthquake's magnitude was 5.3 on the Richter scale, but Croatian Prime Minister said it was 5.5.

The head of Zagreb's Office for Emergency Management, Pavle Kalinic, called on the public to remain outside after the earthquake and stressed that Civil Protection officials would look after them.

"Don't go into houses, stay outside. We're busy right now. The City of Zagreb's Civil Protection [department] is taking care of 3,000 people for now," Kalinic said.

Intensity shake map of the earthquake that hit Croatia on Sunday. Photo: EPA-EFE/USGS 

An Associated Press report said many buildings in Zagreb suffered cracking, and walls and rooftops were damaged. Downtown streets were littered with debris, while concrete slabs fell on cars and chimneys toppled.

The top of Zagreb's cathedral was damaged, and there were electricity and water cuts in some residential areas in the centre.

Prime Minister Plenkovic told a press conference said that it was the strongest earthquake to hit Zagreb since 1880.

"We are urging all citizens to be extra careful. We are recommending staying outside for now. No need for panic… and...