Greece delivered humanitarian aid to Croatia on Wednesday in response to the country’s request for assistance after Tuesday’s destructive earthquake, which caused extensive damage and claimed seven lives.
The aid included tents, sleeping bags, blankets, sheets, heaters and other essential items for the people left homeless by the 6.4 magnitude earthquake that hit 46 km (28 miles) away from Zagreb.
The Greek mission was the first to reach Zagreb from the countries of the European Union, following Croatia’s request for aid via the European Civil Protection Mechanism.
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, President of the Hellenic Republic Katerina Sakellaropoulou and Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias expressed their solidarity with the Croatian people and its government.
“Our thoughts are with the people of Croatia who are dealing with the aftermath of today’s earthquake. I would like to extend my sincere condolences to the victims’ families, and to wish a swift recovery to the injured. Our Civil Protection Agency stands ready to assist,” Mitsotakis tweeted.
Widespread damage after earthquake in Croatia
The earthquake caused widespread damage, collapsing roofs, building facades and even entire buildings in the town of Petrinja and nearby villages.
The mayor of the town, Darinko Dumbovic, said that about half the town had been destroyed.
“Everything that has not yet fallen is falling,” he told local media.
President Zoran Milanovic compared the scene to Grozny, the capital of the Russian republic of Chechnya, which was largely destroyed during a siege 20 years ago.
The Prime Minister said it was “clear as day” that the entirety of Petrinja was no longer safe for human habitation.
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