Plenković: Strongest earthquake in the last 140 years

SARAJEVO, (Patria) - "The earthquake was 5.5 magnitude on the Richter scale, the strongest in the last 140 years", said Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković at a press conference after two earthquakes that caused considerable damage to Zagreb.

"We call on all citizens to be cautious. For now, we will recommend that everyone stay outside buildings", he added, as reported by Index.hr.

"There is no need for large trips to gas stations. We had two contradictory messages, first stay home, and then there was an earthquake. Seismologists will tell you what the profession has to say about earthquakes and additional tremors. We will intensify all activities and manage this crisis, as well as the crisis regarding the virus. We ask all citizens to listen exclusively to the Headquarters", he stated.

"We have engaged the army and all services of the City of Zagreb to start clearing the damage in Zagreb and we will try to make the roads operational as soon as possible. We will engage structural engineers to inspect buildings according to information. No one can now know how damaged the buildings are, especially older ones", said Plenković, adding that special focus will be on hospitals.

"The first earthquake was 5.5, with the epicenter near Markuševac. Then there were two more of 5 and 3.7 on the Richter scale. Fear is present in all of us, but earthquakes cannot be predicted. The next stronger one can happen quickly, it can happen in 20 days, it can happen anytime. The profession cannot predict that. Aftershocks are common. We consider it good that there are many small earthquakes happening now because energy is being distributed", said the Croatian seismologist.