Croatia: Damage and casualties following a 6.4-magnitude earthquake near Zagreb, Dec. 29 /update 2

Event

Reports of damages and utility disruptions persist across Croatia, Slovenia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina following a magnitude-6.4 earthquake occurred south of Zagreb in northern Croatia at 1219 CET Dec. 29. The epicenter was approximately 2 km (1.2 miles) south-southeast of Petrinja, Croatia. The tremor occurred at a depth of 10 km (6 miles) and strong-to-moderate shaking was likely felt in northern Croatia. Light-to-moderate shaking was likely felt across Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, far northwestern Serbia, western Hungary, far southwestern Slovakia, southern Austria, Slovenia, and far northeastern Italy.

Reports indicate significant damages to buildings and homes and possible utility disruptions in Petrinja, Zagreb, and Sisak in Croatia. Additionally, Slovenia has shut down power to its nuclear power plant as a precaution due to the possibility of aftershocks. Some damage to infrastructure has been reported in Kozarska Dubica and Kostajnica in Bosnia and Herzegovina. As of the afternoon of Dec. 29, at least two people have died, one in Petrinja and one in Majske Poljane, and over 20 people are injured (all in Croatia). Casualty and injury numbers could increase over the coming hours and days as authorities continue search and rescue efforts. It could take several hours until authorities can conduct comprehensive damage assessments, especially in remote areas. Several aftershocks have been reported following this event and additional aftershocks are likely over the coming days.

Officials may temporarily shut down transportation infrastructure in the tremor zone to check for damage. Minor disruptions could occur during shutdowns, but service will likely resume quickly if officials find no damage. Further utility outages are possible, particularly near the earthquake's epicenter.

Advice

Plan accordingly for aftershocks. Consider vacating multistory buildings if operating in affected areas until authorities confirm their structural integrity. Allow additional time for air and road travel, as aftershocks may prompt brief disruptions. Seek updated information on road conditions before driving in hilly areas in the affected region due to potential landslides.