Croatian capital hit by 'most powerful earthquake in 140 years'

Reuters Videos
Updated

A powerful earthquake struck north of the Croatian capital Zagreb on Sunday (March 22) - causing some buildings to collapse and leaving at least one teenager critically injured.

Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic said the 5.3 magnitude quake was the biggest to hit Zagreb in 140 years.

It caused several fires and blackouts in parts of the city and sent people running onto the streets.

Plenkovic said all citizens should remain outside their homes, amid potential aftershocks - but also appealed for people to keep social distances from each other, as the country struggles to contain the spread of coronavirus.

So far Croatia has 206 reported cases of COVID-19 and one death.

Health authorities said a 15-year-old was in a critical condition after being found by emergency services in the ruble of a collapsed building.

Another minor was admitted to hospital with head injuries from a falling roof.

The Zagreb Fire Department said rescue operations were ongoing at several locations and the army has been called in to help clean up debris.