The 5.4 magnitude quake came at 6 a.m. on Sunday morning, when people were still sleeping, reports a reader reporter. Walls collapsed, debris hit cars, bricks fell from the roofs. The people of Zagreb ran into the streets in panic – often only in their pajamas or blankets – and froze in the cold.
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According to Ana Sunic (30), who experienced the quake in her old town apartment, people were only allowed to go back to the houses in their street after three and a half hours – while it was sometimes even snowing. Many have to stay in houses that are at risk of collapse – they are no longer allowed to go out because of the pandemic.
Strongest earthquake in 140 years
Now there is also the fear that in panic many people infected each other with the corona virus. The authorities asked the population to keep their distance, but in panic this was not possible everywhere. “We are facing two major crises, the earthquake and the epidemic,” said Interior Minister Davor Bozinovic. And a reader reporter reports: «Now people are worried about what’s coming. They fear a faster spread of the virus. » Croatia had 204 infected so far.
«The houses here are all from the 19th century. The statics are now uncertain in many places, »says Sunic. “The entire attic was on the street at a neighboring house.” She speaks of an “apocalyptic sight”: “The city is now in a state of shock.” The Gothic cathedral, the symbol of the city, was also damaged: one of the spiers broke off and fell over 100 meters onto the street. In another church the whole ceiling fell – if a service had just taken place, it would have been a disaster.
According to the government, it was the strongest earthquake in Croatia in 140 years. Now experts check the statics house by house. There were also victims and casualties. A 15-year-old boy is fighting for his life. Hospitals were also evacuated – some of the patients were even brought to safety outdoors in their beds.
Earthquake in Zagreb
(trx)
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