Zagreb, 22th March, 2020 (APN, Neven Klačmer)
A 5.3 magnitude earthquake, followed by a series of aftershocks, struck Zagreb, the capital of the Republic of Croatia, with an epicentre only 6 miles away from the city centre. It happened just after 6 am on Sunday morning, finding many citizens still in their beds. The earthquake came at a time of restricted movement in the city enforced two days ago, including a shutdown of public tram and bus transport, due to the coronavirus epidemic that is affecting the whole world.
In fear for their lives, people came out to the streets. Some of them are injured, including a girl in a life-threatening condition. The worst hit was the old city centre, consisting of buildings constructed a century ago, or even older. Damage is being inspected and assessed, and the wounded and vulnerable people are being rescued. Falling tiles, mortar and bricks have destroyed many cars. Patients are being evacuated from old hospital buildings, including maternity hospitals, with mothers carrying their newly-born out in the streets.
With regards to the Seventh-day Adventist church in the capital city, up to this moment, we have not received any reports of injuries or casualties among our members. The majority of them are well connected with their pastors and churches through social networks and they are reporting as being safe. We do not yet have reports of damage suffered by houses and flats in which our members live. According to the currently available information, the worst damage was suffered by the building that houses Conference administration offices, central church and pastoral flats, and is located in the old city centre at the address Prilaz Gjure Deželića 77. Detailed inspection is still in process.
We are inviting all members to pray for God’s protection over all people, especially those who were injured by the earthquake or infected by coronavirus. To our knowledge, there are no infection cases among our members. For further information on the Seventh-day Adventist church life and work in the circumstances induced by the earthquake and coronavirus crisis, follow the official website (www.adventisti.hr) and Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/KACRHHK/) of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Croatia.
