Special Donation Account for Petrinja Earthquake Victims Opened
December the 30th, 2020 - Both those of us who live in Croatia and those abroad can now make their donations to the Petrinja earthquake victims free of charge thanks to the opening of a special account especially for them.
As Poslovni Dnevnik writes, a special donation account has been opened at Hrvatska postanska banka (HPB) for the payment of donations to the City of Petrinja, and the bank has invited all residents of Croatia who are able to participate in the fundraising campaign for the Petrinja earthquake victims to do precisely that - and free of any additional charges.
The money donated to the Petrinja earthquake victims will go to help to repair the damage caused in the areas within Petrinja and Sisak-Moslavina County affected by the recent devastating earthquake as soon as possible.
Residents of Croatia who have Croatian bank accounts can make their donations free of charge on following IBAN: HR28 23900011500198069 with the accompanying reference number HR68 PNB 7765-oib, and for payments from abroad, people can do so here: SWIFT HPBZHR2X. The specified account is multi-currency, meaning that the donations do not necessarily have to be made in Croatian kuna or in euros.
In order to help those Petrinja earthquake victims whose homes were destroyed in yesterday's natural disaster, and as a means of expressing its social responsibility towards the community in which it operates, Hrvatska postanska banka has donated one million kuna to the City of Petrinja.
For more, follow our live updates. For more on how you can donate money, food and other material/humanitarian aid, click here.
Schools in Sisak, Petrinja and Glina Damaged, Five of them Completely Destroyed
December 30, 2020 – Due to yesterday's devastating 6,3 magnitude eathquake, schools in Sisak, Petrinja and Glina are damaged, and five of them are entirely unusable.
As Hina reports, Minister of Science and Education Radovan Fuchs said today that, in addition to the five unusable schools, nine of them would be able to be repaired, and thirteen will be able to function. Also, Minister Fuchs announced that he and his associates would visit the area today.
More than 5,000 students left without school buildings
"Five schools are completely unusable, nine will be able to be repaired, but serious reconstructions are needed. We have thirteen schools that will be able to function," Minister Fuchs told reporters ahead of a government session at the National and University Library.
Minister added that 3489 students were left without a school building in Sisak, and 1843 students in Petrinja. They will plan on how to organize the classes.
As TCN has learned, the First Primary School in Petrinja, located in the very center of the city, which was hit hard, was utterly demolished. Classes can no longer take place there because the roof of the building has fallen to the first floor of the school.
Petrinja High School's principal says he and three employees were at the school at the time of the earthquake. When the quake struck, the building began to collapse. They moved to a safe place and then went down to the schoolyard. The ground beneath them was still swaying. The walls were damaged and cracked. According to the principal's estimate, the entire school will need significant reparation.
'The return will not be easy'
The earthquake also caused great damage to the High School in Glina.
"At the time of the earthquake, several employees found themselves at the school and, thank God, came out unscathed at the last minute. I am afraid that the return will be neither easy nor so soon. The photos say it all. After visiting most of the classrooms and offices, we will need help," said Glina High School's principal on the school's Facebook page.
She was hit by an earthquake in the center of Glina, 15 minutes after she left her office at the school. Unfortunately, the retired school janitor and his son are among the dead.
The principal of Viktorovac High School in Sisak says the earthquake was really terrible.
Zagreb schools to accept students
As Jutarnji list reports, the head of the Zagreb City Office for Education, Ivica Lovrić, said that yesterday's earthquake did not cause significant damage to school buildings in Zagreb.
"All Zagreb schools will be able to accept students on January 18. The good thing is that after the earthquake in March, we rebuilt most of the damaged school buildings, so we have no major damage after yesterday's earthquake. We hope that the epidemiological situation will be such that in the new semester, we will start with model A, that is, school teaching," said Lovrić.
This morning, the structural engineer visited two regional schools in Brezovica, but apart from minor cracks in the walls, there is no damage.
Sister of Mercy Danijela Dinjar, principal of the Women's General Gymnasium, whose buildings are in Varšavska and Gundulićeva streets in Zagreb, confirms that yesterday's earthquake intensified previous damage that has not yet been fully repaired.
"The once walled door and part of the ceiling above the end wall of the building collapsed. Three classrooms are not for use, so in the second half of the year, we will teach in a building in Varšavska Street, and we will renovate the rest when we have the funds," says the principal, whose school is attended by 214 students this school year.
For more on the Petrinja earthquake, follow today's live updates. For more on how you can help, click here.
Help for Croatia Earthquake Victims Arrives from European Countries
December the 30th, 2020 - Very generous and welcome help from numerous European countries arrives to help Croatia earthquake victims from Petrinja, Sisak, Glina and other deeply affected areas.
As Poslovni Dnevnik writes, the first emergency aid arrived from neigbouring Slovenia to help following the devastating earthquake in the area of Petrinja and Sisak has arrived. The move came after Croatia activated the EU Civil Protection Mechanism - the EU emergency aid programme, the Croatian Civil Protection Directorate announced on Wednesday.
Slovenia's help for Croatia earthquake victims arrived late on Tuesday night at around 23:00 - It included four containers, twelve bunk beds with 24 mattresses and 200 sleeping bags, reports N1.
This humanitarian aid arrived during the night at the central warehouse of the Civil Protection in the continental Croatian town of Jastrebarsko, from where it went on to be transported to the affected areas in accordance with the assessed needs, according to the Directorate of Civil Protection of the Republic of Croatia.
In addition to Slovenia, Croatia's call for aid was responded to with 470 folding beds from Austria, 100 winter tents from Italy, 40 tents and 50 electric heaters, 500 folding beds and 500 sleeping bags from Greece, 50 tents, 100 folding beds, 200 sleeping bags and 14 containers for housing from Romania, 60 tents and 2,000 folding beds from Sweden, lamps with protection, 1 tower for lighting, 10 electric heaters, 600 folding beds and 1,200 sleeping bags from the Czech Republic.
On Tuesday, Croatia activated the Civil Protection Union Mechanism - an EU emergency programme, and requested winter tents for 6 to 8 people, lamps with protection from the PVC network (indoor ones), lighting balloons / lighting towers, electric heaters, collapsible beds, sleeping bags and containers for housing, the Directorate of the Central Committee of the Republic of Croatia announced.
For more, follow our live updates for today. For more on how you can donate funds and humanitarian aid to the Croatia earthquake victims of Petrinja, Sisak, Glina and more, click here.
Croatians in Canada Help People Affected by Earthquake in Petrinja
December 30, 2020 – After yesterday's devastating earthquake in Petrinja and Sisak, help comes from another part of the world. Croatians in Canada initiated a fundraiser action GoFundMe and raised over 70,000 dollars so far!
Yesterday's earthquake encouraged people from all over Croatia to collect food and hygiene supplies for people affected by the earthquake, but also to launch much-needed donation actions. Donations started arriving yesterday from neighboring countries (Macedonia, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Slovenia) and other parts of the world, namely, Canada.
The news of the devastating earthquake centered in Petrinja has galvanized the Croatian community in Canada into action. Mirjana Jerkovic, a very active member of the Croatian community in Canada, organized a GoFundMe fundraiser to collect donations for people affected by Croatia's earthquake.
In less than 24 hours, a GoFundMe fundraiser has raised over 70,000 dollars. This fundraiser is trending in Canada and is currently the 7th largest fundraiser taking place in Canada. Close to 700 people have donated to this worthy cause, from Mississauga, other parts of the Greater Toronto Area, Hamilton, and across Canada.
Mirjana is a long time member of the executive board of the Vatroslav Lisinski Tambura Orchestra of Mississauga, Ontario, and is well known in Croatian folklore circles in Canada. Her husband is a native of Vinkovci.
"Our Canadian-Croatian community is strong and has always helped our Croatian homeland. Let's show our support and donate to those most affected by the horrific earthquake on December 29, 2020. All funds will be donated to families, and we will post delivery! Please share! Bože, čuvaj Hrvatsku," reads her statement at GoFundMe.
Father Marko Štefanec of Holy Cross Croatian parish in Hamilton, Ontario, has produced a video encouraging Croats in Canada to give to those in need due to this earthquake.
"Due to Canadian bureaucracy, it is very difficult for Croatian parishes across Canada to send money outside Canada. Therefore, the best way to help is through these two platforms – fundraisers GoFundMe and Caritas Croatia," says Štefanec in the video below.
You can pay donations via GoFundMe website or through the Caritas Croatia website.
For more, follow today's live updates. To find out how you too can donate money, food, material and humanitarian aid, click here.
HGK Calls On Croatian Companies With Machines to Help in Earthquake Efforts
December the 30th, 2020 - Two major earthquakes struck Petrinja and Sisak causing enormous levels of damage, more or less destroying the towns. As such, the Croatian Chamber of Commerce (HGK) and the Ministry of Physical Planning, Construction and State Property have called on all Croatian companies that have the necessary machinery to make themselves available and help those affected.
As Poslovni Dnevnik writes, currently, the most needed help is clearing the rubble, and anyone who has trucks, loaders and other machinery can help with that immediately. Croatian companies that are willing to make their resources available can contact the Construction Department of the Croatian Chamber of Commerce (tel: 01 460 6707, 01 460 6747) or the Ministry of Physical Planning, Construction and State Property (tel: 01/3782 143, 01/3782 445).
"In these difficult moments, we're all aware that our reaction must be quick and concrete, so we'd like to appeal to everyone to invest their resources and time to help out," said the president of the Croatian Chamber of Commerce Luka Burilovic.
An appeal to Croatian companies and all other individuals for help was also sent out by HUP.
"In these difficult times, which we've all witnessed, we sympathise with our fellow citizens who are particularly affected by this devastating earthquake. Each of you certainly has at least one friend, employee, seasonal employee, family member, partner or customer from Petrinja and Sisak. Maybe you went to school with someone from there. Maybe you cooperated with a company or two from this once highly industrial part of Croatia. It's very likely that one of these people or a member of his or her family was killed in the earthquake,'' they stated from HUP.
The aforementioned association therefore decided to collect donations to help all of the residents of Sisak, Petrinja and the surrounding areas where the earthquake damaged homes and other property.
''Let's show that HUP is made up of entrepreneurs and employers with big hearts, who care about individuals and the poorest parts of Croatia. Let's all come together to help those people who, throughout history, have always and unreservedly been ready to bear the heaviest burdens for all the rest of us,'' they said from HUP.
Anyone who wants to donate and thus help can do so by making a payment to the account:
The Croatian Employers' Association (Hrvatska Udruga Poslodavca/HUP)
Radnicka cesta 52, Zagreb
Privredna banka Zagreb, Radnicka cesta 50, Zagreb
IBAN: HR7123400091510359955
Reference number: OIB of the company
Description: HUP earthquake donation
The funds they collect will be given to those most in need, and HUP have extended their thanks in advance to everyone who donates or helps in any way.
For more on the Petrinja earthquake, follow our live updates for today. For more on how you can help/donate, click here.
Gordan Jandrokovic Encourages MPs to Donate Part of Wage to Earthquake Victims
December the 30th, 2020 - Croatian Parliament President Gordan Jandrokovic has called on all MPs to donate part of their salary to the victims of yesterday's devastating Petrinja earthquake which affected several continental Croatian towns, ruining buildings, causing injury and tragically even taking multiple lives.
As Poslovni Dnevnik writes, on Wednesday, the President of the Croatian Parliament, Gordan Jandrokovic, called on all members of parliament to donate money and other materials to help victims in earthquake-stricken Sisak-Moslavina County. He noted that all MPs should give up part of their salary for December.
"Dear colleagues, we're witnessing a great tragedy caused by the devastating earthquake that struck many residents of Sisak-Moslavina County, but also the rest of Croatia," said Gordan Jandrokovic.
''Unfortunately, according to currently available information, seven human lives have been lost. And while nobody can bring back the lives of the victims, the earthquake has caused great material losses and financial damage that we can jointly compensate for,'' he continued.
He therefore suggested that they all give up part of their salaries for the month of December.
''I'd like to invite you to join the numerous Croatian citizens who are selflessly helping all the victims and come together to show solidarity, as was done after the Zagreb earthquake in March. I'm suggesting that we all give up a part of our salaries for December and pay a monetary donation into the accounts of the Croatian Red Cross or Croatian Caritas,'' Gordan Jandrokovic proposed to Croatia's MPs.
''Thank you in advance to everyone who intends to respond to this invitation, as well as for any other help you're already showing,'' concluded Gordan Jandrokovic, who is himself visiting Petrinja and Glina on Wednesday.
For more, follow today's live updates. To find out how you too can donate money, food, material and humanitarian aid, click here.
Petrinja Earthquake: Firefighters Pull Out Girl From Rubble
December the 30th, 2020 - The horrendous earthquake which struck Croatia yesterday has caused untold damage to the continental Croatian town of Petrinja, with numerous people losing their homes and even their lives as a result of the natural disaster. The Petrinja earthquake has seen Croatia come together and unite as a country to help those who have lost everything.
As Poslovni Dnevnik writes, dedicated and selfless firefighters from JVP Novska, who have been engaged in searching through the rubble in Petrinja over the last three days, succeeded this morning in pulling out a girl, who thankfully was still alive and was buried under the ruins of Petrinja.
This little piece of heartwarming news among the absolute blackest of headlines recently was published on the Facebook page of the aforementioned Croatian Fire Brigade.
''We'd like to wish the girl a speedy recovery, and we're sending messages of support to our firefighters. Bravo,'' reads the status posted on Facebook.
For more on the devastating Petrinja earthquake, including today's live updates and ways you can help. Click here (live update, December the 30th, 2020) and here (how to donate funds, food, material and humanitarian aid).
Petrinja Earthquake: PM Plenkovic Announces January 2 Day of Mourning
December the 30th, 2020 - A devastating earthquake struck Petrinja and Sisak yesterday which was felt in numerous places across the region, as such, PM Plenkovic has declared that January the 2nd will be a day of mourning for the lives lost in the natural disaster.
As Poslovni Dnevnik wrires, after yesterday's devastating earthquake, at today's session, the Croatian Government will officially make a final decision on the payment of intervention aid of 120 million kuna, which will be paid directly into the accounts of the three earthquake-affected counties, all of which are located in continental Croatia.
At the beginning of the Government session, PM Plenkovic addressed the government ministers and called on them all to observe a minute of silence for those who tragically lost their lives in yesterday's horrendous earthquake.
''After yet another tragedy to have befallen us, we'd like to express our condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and those who were injured. One young girl was killed in Petrinja, five died in Majske Poljane and one died in Lekenik. At the same time, 26 people were injured. The ruins are continually being searched, just like they were yesterday,'' PM Plenković said.
PM Plenkovic also announced that a Day of Mourning for those who died as a result of the Petrinja earthquake would be declared on Saturday, January the 2nd, 2021.
For more on the Petrinja earthquake and how you can help, follow our live updates for today, and click here to find out how you can donate funds and other material aid.
Croatians Manage to Show Their Appreciation of the LastQuake App
December 30, 2020 - The application and website LastQuake has not been our best friend this year, we had quite a strong love-and-hate relationship, but after these last earthquakes, Croatian citizens showed their support.
The European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC) manages and maintains the website and an amazing application which alerts their followers of the most recent earthquakes. The application and the site were flooded with Croatians in March, after the first series of earthquakes which devastated the capital, and we even managed to crash their systems on several occasions. Croatian Twitter followers of the EMSC profile are even on a first-name basis with someone from the EMSC (here's me, apologizing to Fred in April:)
We're sorry, Fred!
— Iva T (@Iva_T) April 23, 2020
(Can we send you some booze or some ćevapi to make up for all the work we've been making for you this month?)
And now, after another, even deadlier series of earthquakes in Croatia, the Croatians have found a way to step up and support the application which has managed to become their largest frenemy this year: by donating. There are great needs for support and donations for the devastated regions of Croatia, but some of us have found the need to support LastQuake as well, as Vibor Cipan pointed out on his Twitter profile yesterday evening:
You can donate and support @LastQuake app. It warms my heart to see that all these recent donations are coming from #Croatia! A small country with one big heart. https://t.co/jaxrbq8A6a pic.twitter.com/BiSPF0TKp5
— Vibor Cipan (@viborc) December 29, 2020
It sometimes feels easy not liking Croatians, especially when you're one doing this work, where you sometimes have to write about the worst of the worst of the people who live here. But sometimes, when things are hard, we manage to show our gratitude, generosity and support in the most unexpected ways, which have to bring a smile to everyone's face.
Follow our live updates on the situation in the earthquake-hit areas of Croatia here; find out how you can donate here.
Croatian Football Fan Groups Come Together for Earthquake Victims
December 30, 2020 - Croatia is on its feet after a 6.3 magnitude earthquake rattled Central Croatia on Tuesday, leaving Petrinja, Sisak, Glina, and surrounding towns especially damaged. Croatian football fan groups have always stepped up to the plate to help those most in need.
Many citizens are offering accommodation to victims who have been left homeless, and humanitarian aid is being collected across the country. Index.hr reports that Croatian football fan groups seem to be leading several of the actions.
OSIJEK
The Osijek fan group Kohorta wrote an important notice after returning from Petrinja, Sisak, and surrounding towns. They were among the first to send help, and now they are continuing with the action.
With the help of locals, they visited the surrounding villages and houses that are not even on the map. Most earthquake victims are sleeping (or trying to sleep) in cars and outdoors by the fire. Some cannot, and some do not want to leave their homes and properties. The situation for these people is challenging.
Translated:
"After the delivery of the first contingent of assistance and insight into the situation on the ground first hand, please follow.
Since many residents of the affected villages are unable to leave their homes and properties, it is most urgent to collect:
-sleeping bags
-tents (more spacious, preferably waterproof)
-tent wings
-camping cookers and gas cartridges
-Tarpaulins
-battery lamps
-water
Coordinated and direct distribution of the donations in all villages has been agreed with the local police and fire brigades in the field!
There are currently more than enough clothes and shoes, so we ask you to focus your funds on the items on the list.
In stores like Decathlon and Intersport, you can find all of the above at affordable prices.
We thank everyone for their understanding and cooperation. ❤️
Let's move on together!
19-K-88"
ZAGREB
The Bad Blue Boys have launched a campaign to gather supplies in the neighborhoods.
"Tomorrow morning (today, Wednesday), we are going to Petrinja to bring groceries, blankets, quilts, pillows, necessary goods (warm clothes) that are being collected.
PLEASE, everyone who can join to help !!!
30.12. Wednesday
- 08.00 movement from Novi Jelkovac and Sesvete
- 08.30h movement from Ravnica
- 09.00h movement from Novi Zagreb - Dugave
Everyone who wants to join the action can come with us to Petrinja (bring shovels, gloves, and goodwill!)
All others who want to get involved in the action, deliver food, blankets, quilts, pillows, necessary goods (warm clothes) can to 4 addresses:
1) Rudolfa Matza 12, Novi Jelkovec (contact: 0915361951)
2) Sesvete, Izidora Poljaka 6, (contact: 0989461211)
3) Ravnice, Aleja Antuna Augustinčića 18, (contact: 0994222023)
4) Dugave, Kamenarka 2, (contact: 0915361951).
Please share this notice to get as many of us involved as possible; let’s help the people!
#SHARE #SHARE #SHARE
Thanks in advance!"
SPLIT
The Torcida Fan Club informed the citizens that they were collecting donations at the association's premises at 17 Zrinsko-frankopanska Street.
"Dear Hajduk fans, people of goodwill,
We have all seen shocking scenes from Petrinja and Sisak, towns whose residents need our help as soon as possible.
We are urgently launching a campaign to collect supplies:
- perishable food
- hygiene supplies
- blankets and covers
You can bring your donations today to the Torcida Fan Club (Zrinsko frankopanska 17)
By collecting donations, we start from this moment, and we will continue through all the following days!
Share this news with your friends and acquaintances, and we will do everything to alleviate, at least a little, the difficult days ahead of the people in Petrinja and Sisak. "
Assistance is also being collected on Vrančićeva Street in Split. Dinamo fans set off from Zagreb towards Petrinja and Sisak, and several hundred of them got into personal vehicles.
ŠIBENIK
"We invite everyone who can bring blankets, warm clothes, hygiene items, and water to the premises of the Aurora association at 126 Kralja Zvonimira Street from 3 pm to 8 pm (Tuesday) and tomorrow from 9 am to 8 pm (Wednesday) to help Petrinja.
Anyone who wants to donate supplies for the earthquake victims in Petrinja can also bring them to the premises of the fans' association today from 3 pm.
Share further," reads the announcement.
VINKOVCI
"Dear citizens of Vinkovci, fans, and sympathizers of Cibalia, people of goodwill, we are urgently launching an action to collect supplies, which our Ultras Vinkovci will take tomorrow to Petrinja.
We collect donations of:
- canned food
- Hygiene supplies
- blankets and blankets
You can bring your donations on Tuesday from 18:00 to 21:30 at the HNK Cibalia Stadium (Administration premises, first floor).
Share further so that as many people as possible get involved," Cibalia said in a statement.
RIJEKA
"We ask everyone who plans to bring supplies to the fan club that they bring: heaters, blankets, and food (non-perishable, canned), tomorrow from 5 pm to 9 pm. There are more than enough goods and other supplies.
Thank you to everyone who helped in any way. God save Croatia, my dear home!" Stated Armada.
ĐAKOVO
"Dear fellow citizens, our humanitarian action 'We are all part of the same happiness' organized by Torcida Đakovo, and the Society of Friends of Hajduk Đakovo started earlier than planned. This time the collection of household items is done for the CROATIAN CITY OF PETRINJA.
Every part of this most beautiful country in the world is equally valuable, so let's show unity again regardless of our jersey color and help people who have lost everything. Supplies are being collected now and every next day until further notice in front of the restaurant "Certissa," Ante Starčevića 179, Đakovo from 4 to 8 p.m. May God protect our Croatia," states DPH Đakovo.
PULA
"As many times before, Demoni have responded to help, and this time, in addition to physical help, even more help is needed in groceries and hygiene supplies; everything is welcome so that our members can take it to the scene.
Currently, the most needed is WATER !!! GROCERIES CAN BE BROUGHT IN FRONT OF THE ROJC ENTRANCE UNTIL 18:00, WHERE OUR MEMBERS WILL BE! If someone is willing to give a van transport, call us or come in front of Rojac," announced Demoni from Pula.
MAKARSKA
"Societies of Hajduk friends from the Makarska Riviera have joined in helping those affected by the earthquake.
In agreement with the authorities from the volunteer center Red Cross Makarska, we will be collecting donations over the next few days:
- perishable food,
- hygiene supplies,
- blankets and blankets,
... which you can bring to our space at Zrnisko-frankopanska 41 in Dugiš, today and tomorrow from .00 to .00!
For other days, we will announce the exact time of collecting aid later.
Also, if anyone can offer accommodation for families whose houses have been demolished, please contact us immediately in our inbox with information about the accommodation and the number of people you can receive," states DPH Makarska.
VARAZDIN COUNTY
Humanitarian action of the 2nd HRL clubs Trnovac, Ivanec, Ludbreg, and Novi Marof to help the victims of the earthquake.
"In this unusual year, today's devastating earthquake caught up with us even more. However, it is also an opportunity for positive things. That is why we invite you to fill your hearts with warmth and do a good deed together and help the earthquake victims. Let's unite once again. We collect WATER (currently perhaps the most needed), canned food (pate, soups, pasta, oil, biscuits, baby food ...), blankets and warm clothes, hygiene items (toilet paper, wipes, baby diapers, soaps. The place and time are in the photo. Spread the notice and thank you all in advance," the statement said.
Follow live updates on the Petrinja earthquake HERE
