It has been six years since the devastating Zagreb earthquake, which struck on this day in 2020, causing significant damage and loss of life, with ongoing reconstruction efforts.
On December 22, 2020, Zagreb was hit by a catastrophic earthquake with a magnitude of 5.5 on the Richter scale, located roughly 7 kilometers north of the city center in the area known as Markuševac. This earthquake resulted in the tragic death of a 15-year-old girl, Anamarija Carević, and left 27 individuals injured. In the wake of this disaster, the region experienced its strongest seismic activity in 140 years, followed by a secondary quake of magnitude 5.0, and around 3,500 aftershocks were recorded by the end of 2021.
The earthquake caused extensive damage to 25,000 structures across the affected areas, with over 6,000 buildings deemed unusable. Both the Zagreb and Krapina-Zagorje counties suffered significant setbacks, exacerbating the ongoing challenges faced by the affected communities. The reconstruction process has faced multiple complications, particularly since the disaster occurred during the introduction of epidemiological measures due to COVID-19, which created additional stress for residents.
As the sixth anniversary of the earthquake approaches, local authorities continue to address the restoration of damaged buildings and infrastructure. However, the need for sustained support and resources remains critical, as many families are still navigating the challenges stemming from the initial shock of the earthquake and subsequent impediments in reconstruction efforts.
