January 2, 2021 - Nature is behaving very unpredictably at the moment in Croatia with the Petrinja earthquakes - the latest example a heart for Petrinja on Croatia's most famous and iconic beach, Zlatni Rat in Bol.
Nothing seems normal at the moment in Croatia.
And while there is an outpouring of prayer and support from people all over Croatia (indeed, all over the world), is Mother Nature also sending her support for the victims of the recent earthquake in Petrinja and surrounding area?
Earlier today, we reported on the cloud in the shape of Croatia that hung in the sky above Sisak as the earthquake struck, beautifully captured by Antonija Kmetovic.
A little further south yesterday, on the island of Brac, sharp-eyed photographer Darko Čaleta noticed something rather unusual through his lens from the top of Croatia's tallest mountain, at Vidova Gora, the peak of Brac. Croatia's most famous beach, Zlatni Rat, often shifts position with more extreme weather, and yesterday was no exception, as its tip veered left. And in the movement, it left something quite beautiful and filled with sea-water. Was this indeed a heart for Petrinja? With thanks for Darko for permission to use the photo (above is zoomed in, the original is at the top of this article - you can follow Darko on Facebook).
The timing would indicate that it might be, coming on the same day as the mayor of Supetar (on the same island) pledged to build a house for the first child born in Croatia in 2021 - born just 15 seconds into the New Year, young Daris was born in a hospital in Sisak, into a family from Petrinja whose home had been destroyed and who had been sleeping in their car until the birth.
The Zlatni Rat heart for Petrinja is not the first unusual sighting due to the weather on Bol's iconic beach. Five years ago, water also appeared in the very same spot, and an enterprising (if slightly crazy) local decided to use the opportunity to indulge in the Dalmatian sport of picigin, which involves flying through the air wearing just Speedos, as you can see from the video below.
For more on the Petrinja earthquake and to see how you can donate money, food, humanitarian, sanitary and material aid, follow our dedicated section.
