March 24, 2020 - The images of women from the Petrova maternity ward walking around in the cold with newborns in hand after the earthquake struck Zagreb on Sunday will stay with us forever. Among the first to come to their aid was Dinamo Zagreb fan group Bad Blue Boys. 

Often condemned for excessive flares in the stands and highways brawls, Croatian football fan groups are usually characterized as unruly and dangerous. But when it comes to helping those in need, they’ll be the first on the front line, writes Vecernji List.

The Bad Blue Boys, for example, have shown over the past two days that their ideals, courage and heart should be appreciated, as they first helped move newborns at Petrova, then continued to assist the Dubrava hospital by moving it to Jordanovac at night. During the day, many of them cleaned Zagreb from the rubble caused by the earthquake. But that's not all.

“A few days ago, together with the Red Cross City Society, we launched the Blue Heart Action to help elderly, infirm, and chronically ill fellow citizens, bring them food and medicine so that they do not have to be exposed to the coronavirus. And many of us have put ourselves at the disposal of Civil Protection,” the Bad Blue Boys said, explaining how they act so quickly:

“We have a group message, and as soon as something happens, we move to help. Around 500 people arrived in front of the Jordanovac in half an hour, but 100 of us left as they no longer needed us.”

The Bad Blue Boys also invited all their members to donate blood on Tuesday from 8 am to 7 pm at Petrova 3 to maintain constant medical care for our fellow citizens in these crisis days, reports Gol.hr.

"Join us, Zagreb needs us all," the Boys said.

Due to the cancellation of several large field donation campaigns and low blood supplies, the Croatian Institute for Transfusion Medicine calls on everyone to donate blood.

It is recommended that you come in smaller groups and follow the instructions on social distancing, avoid direct physical contact, and wear a face mask.

It is Croatian football fan groups who, in the most difficult moments, re-prove their loyalty to the state and help those who need it most. The Bad Blue Boys, as well as other fans groups like Torcida, Armada, and Kohorta, were the first to defend the country from aggression in 1991, the first to start building flood protection fences, the first to help put out fires in Dalmatia, and are now moving hospitals and clearing rubble. 

“Whether we like it or not, we are not doing it for others but for our ideals, we will continue to defend the colors of the city and our club in our own way, however unclear it may be to many, and we will be the first to help in any crisis,  again, however uncertain it may be to some,” said one Bad Blue Boys member to Vecernji List. 

Stay up to date on the coronavirus crisis in Croatia by following our dedicated page.

ZAGREB, March 23, 2020 - Most Zagreb museums situated in the centre of the city have suffered damage during the earthquakes that have occurred in Zagreb since Sunday, however, the full extent of the damage is yet to be assessed.

The Museum of Arts and Crafts on Sunday published a photograph which testifies to the extensive consequences of the quake and most curators began reporting on Monday on the situation in each of their museums.

Matea Brstilo Rešetar, the director of the Croatian History Museum told Hina that their building is no longer statically safe.

The director of the Schools Museum, Štefka Batinić, has informed that the museum is extensively damaged and that the building has been defined as not fit for use. The Arts and Crafts Museum and the Law Faculty situated around the Croatian National Theatre have also incurred some damage.

As far as theatre buildings are concerned the worst off is the Komedija Theatre, which will require significant repair works.

It seems that the Croatian National Theatre building has survived without any major damage but it is still waiting to be assessed by statics experts. Another three downtown theatres experienced slight damage.

The building housing Hina's offices in central Zagreb was severely damaged in the earthquake on Sunday, but the agency will continue to provide all its services to its clients round the clock.

Also the building housing the Croatian Journalists' Society was damaged in the disaster.

More news about the earthquake can be found in the Lifestyle section.

March 23, 2020 - A really nice compilation from the guys at Cities in 4K, featuring four Croatian cities as well as many others. While we can't travel, stay at home and dream.

Life is difficult for all of us at the moment, as we adjust to a new temporary reality of staying at home and putting our busy travelling lives on hold. 

One of the interesting aspects of this new reality is observing how people are reaction. Some are complaining, others accepting, and a nice number are looking to add a little positivity to the situation.

I have always been a big fan of the work of the guys from Cities in 4K, and we have featured their videos of destinations in Croatia and Montenegro. This is really gorgeous compilation of day and night timelapses of several fabulous European cities, including four in Croatia - Zagreb, Dubrovnik, Sibenik and Rovinj. 

It is called City Lights Turn On, Stay Home, and the Cities in 4K introduce it as follows. 

During these hard times we decided to create this video to ask all people over the world to stay at their homes so this situation changes into a positive end as soon as possible. So please take it very serious and make yourself comfortable at home.

This video is a combination of day to night time lapse videos from different cities all over the world, like Venice, Berlin, Zagreb, Lion, etc. 

Like a lot of people this affected us and our channel very much, so we are not able to travel in the near future and so it is good to take a look on the cities we traveled in the past. 

Stay safe!

The world may never be quite the same again, but there is still so much beauty to enjoy from the comfort of our own homes, the safest place to be right now. 

You can watch more of the Cities in 4K videos on their YouTube channel. 

 March 23, 2020 - One day after the devastating Zagreb earthquake of March 22, 2020, a new, strong earthquake has hit the Croatian capital. 

 A new Zagreb earthquake hit the Croatian capital about 11:15 this morning, reports Index.hr.

Early indications from EMSC suggest that is was 3.7 in magnitude. 

Initial reports suggest that the epicenter of the earthquake was ten kilometers deep, 4km north of Zagreb and 8km southwest of Kašina.

During the night, the European-Mediterranean Seismological Center (EMSC) recorded a series of reports of new earthquakes in Zagreb.

The first was recorded at 1:59, the second at 3am, the third at 5:15, the fourth at 5:26 and the fifth at 6:52.

The Croatian Seismological Service confirmed that more earthquakes were recorded during the night.

The strongest was the one at 3 a.m., and the magnitude was 3.1 per Richter, an index from the Seismological Service told.

Recall, the main earthquake was at 6:24 a.m. yesterday and had a magnitude 5.5, and there were about 30 new earthquakes yesterday.

This is a breaking news story, and we will update with as much information as soon as we can. 

To follow the latest on the Zagreb earthquake, follow the TCN dedicated section. 

March 23, 2020 - At 9 am, the National Civil Protection Headquarters held a press conference, briefing the public on the latest about the coronavirus crisis in Croatia, as well as the terrible earthquake that hit Zagreb on Sunday.

Index.hr reports that the Headquarters is dealing with two crises, Minister Bozinovic said. "Our records show that 27 were injured in the quake, 18 of which were more serious. Twelve were hospitalized. The 15-year-old girl is in critical condition," he added.

"The night passed peacefully; there were no incidents. The police are securing the affected part of the city. Electricity, water, gas was dealt with during the day, and now it works to the best of its ability. Everyone who couldn't sleep in their homes was taken care of. Fifty-nine of them spent the night in a dorm,” Bozinovic said. He announced that Bandic would hold a press conference today.

"According to the earthquake report, there were 37 earthquakes between 6 am Sunday and 6 am this morning, which is expected," Bozinovic added. He warned that citizens should be careful because Zagreb is now a seismologically active area. "The services have shown a high degree of organization and activity and I thank them all," Bozinovic concluded.

52 new cases in Croatia

Minister Beros said that as of Sunday at 4 pm, Croatia had 52 new cases, which is a total of 306 on Monday morning. 

"A plane with a donation of masks from the United Arab Emirates has landed in Croatia," Beros said.

Capak said two of the three labs had suffered damage and, therefore, could not send diagnoses. "Laboratories have been opened in Rijeka and Osijek. We will know the epidemiological situation in the afternoon, the work of the service has not come into question even though building number 2 has been significantly damaged," said the head of the CES.

"The Headquarters have decided to raise the work of epidemiological services to the highest level. All epidemiologists are on standby," Capak added.

Minister Beros said that the health status of the patients had not deteriorated. Five people are on a respirator.

Citizens are prohibited from leaving their place of residence

Minister Bozinovic announced that he would sign a Decision to prohibit leaving the city of your place of residence or permanent residence. "The number of infected people is increasing; we expect further growth and these are necessary measures. It is important that the exceptions are those which are essential for the traffic and movement of goods and supplies - daily migrations in essential services, drug delivery, utilities, gas and electricity supply, journalists, emergency medical care,” Bozinovic said.

Every time we see a measure being violated, we will bring even more stringent measures, said Minister Bozinovic. "What is the goal? The spread of the infection can only be prevented by staying in the house. Therefore, the HZJZ issued a special recommendation on how people in households should behave in order not to spread the infection," Bozinovic concluded.

People of Zagreb should come back home

When asked if Zagreb residents who fled the earthquake may return, Bozinovic said the number of citizens is not that large. "It is a reflex reaction, there are more than we expected. These citizens will be able to return, the Decision may take effect immediately, but we will give time during the day to return home," Bozinovic said.

"My recommendation is that these people return to Zagreb, it is better for them and for the small communities they went to,” Bozinovic said. "I understand it was a reflex reaction, but it is better for them to return home, because if they need help they will not be given adequate medical help as if they were in Zagreb," he warned.

"Today is the last day that long-distance traffic can take place, both by car and every other way. I ask employers to be rational when they ask for permits for their workers. Be responsible and rational, let it be just the people who need to travel,” Bozinovic said.

For more about the coronavirus crisis in Croatia, follow our dedicated COVID-19 page.

March 23, 2020 - At 6:30 am Sunday morning, Zagreb was hit by a 5.5-magnitude earthquake. It was the strongest earthquake in this area in the last 140 years. 

The damage is still adding up, many citizens have been left homeless or have major damage to their homes, and 27 people were injured, 18 of which were more severe.

One 15-year-old girl critically injured after a part of the ceiling collapsed in her home. Everyone's thoughts are with the young girl and her family at this time, and the many families who have lost their homes.

Many Croatian athletes have expressed their support for Zagreb, like Mario Mandzukic, Zlatko Dalic, Andrej Kramaric, Bojan Bogdanovic, and Borna Coric to name a few. 

But perhaps particularly special was the support of the Jürgen Klopp fan page.

The Facebook fan page of the famous German coach, who has led Liverpool to the greatest results in the last 30 years, shared an image of the Zagreb earthquake to 2 million of their fans. 

“If you think coronavirus itself is bad, try mixing it with 5.3 earthquake in Zagreb, Croatia this morning 

PRAY FOR ZAGREB! 

YOU’LL NEVER WALK ALONE!”

As of Monday afternoon, the photo was liked 23,000 times and commented on over 900 times. 

Klopp has been in the spotlight quite often lately, and not because of Liverpool’s success (because we all know football is off for a while, still).

You might remember this legendary press conference Klopp gave when the coronavirus crisis had just hit this part of the world, saying his opinion on the topic does not matter as he was just someone with a "baseball cap and a bad shave."

Just one week later, Klopp made headlines again for telling fans "put your hands away you f****** idiots" in the Champions League clash again Atletico Madrid. 

While this is not the official profile of the celebrity trainer, and it is not known whether the fan group conveyed Klopp's words and received insider information from the German himself, the beautiful gesture is more than welcome. 

Source: T.portal

Follow our live Zagreb earthquake updates.  

March 23, 2020 - A series of earthquakes rattled the Croatian capital on Sunday morning. The international response to the Zagreb earthquake has been overwhelming. 

On Sunday evening, Belgrade sent support to the citizens of Zagreb from their balconies and terraces during the "Applause at Eight" campaign. Recall, the campaign started during the curfew imposed due to the coronavirus pandemic as a way to support medical staff. This time, the applause was used to stand in solidarity with Zagreb after the Sunday morning earthquake, reports T.portal.

Namely, the civic initiative "Let's not give up, Belgrade" called on citizens to applaud for their “vulnerable neighbors in the earthquake" that hit Zagreb, and said that this applause should be dedicated not only to the people of Zagreb in current circumstances, but also to citizens across the Balkans.

“Our states and societies are facing the spread of COVID-19, and another disaster has hit our first neighbors. The earthquake, which damaged several buildings and other structures, further aggravated the lives of Zagreb residents and complicated the fight against the pandemic. May this 'Applause at Eight' be for all those who are struggling all over the Balkans in increasingly complicated conditions,” they said in a statement.

The virus will pass, but in our society "solidarity, mutual concern and support for all of our citizens" should remain forever, the statement added.

In other news, the Slovenian government decided to send an ambulance to Zagreb after the earthquake in the Croatian capital and its surroundings on Sunday morning, Slovenian Defense Minister Matej Tonin confirmed in a news release. It was equipped with ten tents that can accommodate up to 80 people, with 60 beds, as many sleeping bags and 20 heaters.

This is Slovenia's contribution to the assistance Croatia has requested under the European Civil Protection Mechanism, and from the state warehouse, assistance will continue towards Croatia.

The City of Sarajevo sent Zagreb a message of support and love by lighting up the Sarajevo City Hall.

“The capital of BiH informs the citizens of Zagreb and the whole of Croatia that they are in our thoughts and prayers. These difficult challenges we face will strengthen our friendship and deepen our cooperation. I am convinced, Mr. Bandic, that you and your fellow citizens, the City Administration of Zagreb and the Government of Croatia, will once again rise and recover from this grave accident, as we will overcome the coronavirus pandemic with solidarity. Sarajevo does not forget its friends,” said Sarajevo Mayor Abdulah Skaka.

Croatian Ambassador to BiH Ivan Sabolic expressed his gratitude to the Mayor of Sarajevo for his support to Zagreb.

"I personally thanked him for his nice and strong gesture of support and friendship," Sabolic said.

Clubs and athletes from the neighboring Bosnia and Herzegovina also sent messages of support.

On Sunday, Sarajevo football clubs Sarajevo and Zeljeznicar, Portland Trail Blazers basketball player Marija Hezonja, Jusuf Nurkic, and captain of the BiH national football team and Roma striker Edin Dzeko, stepped forward. 

“Be strong, Zagreb, Zeljeznicar wrote on its Facebook page. “A series of earthquakes hit the Croatian capital this morning. Take care, Zagreb!” Sarajevo announced.

Jürgen Klopp, the famous German coach who has led Liverpool to the greatest results in the last 30 years, also sent a message to Zagreb on his Facebook page.

HRT reported that Barcelona footballer Ivan Rakitic said that the Croatia national team would "give a lot of help" to Zagreb.

“We are going from one bad situation to another. A lot of people, friends, family called me this morning... the earthquake was stronger than many years ago. It happened when we were all in our homes. The situation with the virus in Croatia is not so difficult yet, but the earthquake has destroyed hospitals, homes,” Rakitic said in a video posted on the website of Barcelona.

“I would like to send support to the residents of Zagreb. The national team players have spoken, and we will be of great help in getting everyone out of this situation together,” added the 32-year-old midfielder.

After Sunday's earthquake in Zagreb, Pope Francis expressed his closeness to the Croatian people and asked Christ to give them strength and solidarity in the face of disaster during a church service in the Vatican.

The Pope indicated that he would send an extraordinary message and blessing this week to "Urbi et Orbi" (City and World), which is usually referred only to Christmas and Easter, and called for prayer worldwide in response to the coronavirus pandemic.

According to the Vatican News website:

At the close of his remarks following the Angelus, Pope Francis expressed his closeness to the people of Croatia, which was struck by magnitude 5.4 earthquake Sunday morning.

The Holy Father prayed, "May the Risen Lord give them the strength and solidarity to face this calamity".

TCN even received a nice message of support:

Dear TCN,

In 2011 my city - Christchurch, New Zealand-suffered a devastating earthquake which cost us 185 lives. We also lost our iconic cathedral. 

I fell in love with your country when I visited last year and you have been in my thoughts constantly. It’s time like this people feel the need to ‘do something’. From so far away I feel so powerless. 

I don’t know the point of this email but it is written with tears in my eyes. 

A phrase emerged that bought us together at the time, and through further horrific events that occurred in our city:

Kia Kaha

Kia kaha is a Māori phrase used by the people of New Zealand as an affirmation, meaning “stay strong”

KIA KAHA ZAGREB

KIA KAHA CROATIA

You are never alone.

Follow our live updates on the Zagreb earthquake. 

March 22, 2020 - Pope Francis took some time to pray for Croatia today after the devastating earthquakes in Zagreb this morning.

After Sunday's earthquake in Zagreb, Pope Francis expressed his closeness to the Croatian people and asked Christ to give them strength and solidarity in the face of disaster during a church service in the Vatican today.

The Pope indicated that he would send an extraordinary message and blessing this week to "Urbi et Orbi" (City and World), which is usually referred only to Christmas and Easter, and called for prayer worldwide in response to the coronavirus pandemic.

According to the Vatican News website:

At the close of his remarks following the Angelus, Pope Francis expressed his closeness to the people of Croatia, which was struck by magnitude 5.4 earthquake Sunday morning.

The Holy Father prayed, "May the Risen Lord give them the strength and solidarity to face this calamity".

The Pope's decision to pray for Croatia will bring some comfort to many in Croatia, which is a very Catholic country, with about 90% of the country adhering to the Catholic faith. Only last month, Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic met with Pope Francis and invited him to visit Croatia. 

The earthquakes in Zagreb have caused considerable damage to the city, and they come at a time when the authorities in the Croatian capital are battling to contain the coronavirus threat. 

Only yesterday, all public spaces were effectively closed, intercity buses and trains halted, and a raft of other strict measures introduced. 

You can read more about the coverage of the Zagreb earthquakes and their aftermath on TCN on the following link. 

Croatia currently has 254 cases of the coronavirus, five of them serious, but the country is bracing itself for a sharp increase in cases in the coming days. 

To follow the latest from the coronavirus crisis in Croatia, follow the dedicated TCN section here. 

March 22, 2020 - Dinamo Zagreb’s beloved fan group Bad Blue Boys were in action on Sunday in the wake of the Zagreb earthquake. 

The Bad Blue Boys again came to the aid of the people of Zagreb after a strong earthquake hit the Croatian capital Sunday morning.

After assisting in the relocation of the Dubrava Clinical Hospital over the past few days due to a coronavirus pandemic, delivering medicines and supplies to the elderly and infirm, the ardent football fan group is now helping after a severe 5.3 magnitude earthquake hit Zagreb Sunday morning.

?? Bad Blue Boys of Dinamo Zagreb gathered to help people after 6.0-magnitude earthquake hit Zagreb this morning pic.twitter.com/70JJJdHKmM

— 101% ULTRAS (@101ULTRAS) March 22, 2020

The Bad Blue Boys assisted at the maternity hospital on Petrova street, escorting pregnant women out of the building and transferring newborn babies to safer hospitals.

Croatian Army and Dinamo Zagreb supporters Bad Blue Boys are helping to evacuate newborns ❤️?? pic.twitter.com/NCmB5JvgJn

— ????'? ??? (@CillsWife) March 22, 2020

The Bad Blue Boys were led by competent services and equipped with protective masks to reduce the risk of the possible transmission of the coronavirus.

As an incubator baby myself, only love and respect for @badblueboys_zg helping in the aftermath of #ZagrebEarthquake https://t.co/giq77yWk35

— Emma Stepinac (@emmchywarrior) March 22, 2020

More than a thousand members gathered to help.

As so many times before, from the Homeland War to all the adversities that hit Croatia in recent years and decades, members of Croatian football fan groups have always been among the first to help their fellow citizens.

Dinamo Zagreb's #BadBlueBoys helping to evacuate newborn babies shortly after #Zagreb #earthquake: https://t.co/8Vh8P8aCoB pic.twitter.com/BoBJ2jC2xJ

— Dario Brentin (@DarioBrentin) March 22, 2020

When it's hardest, they're always on the front line.

This is really not what we needed right now amid the #CoronaCrisis , but what can you do?It will unite us even more-here is a picure of Dinamo Zagreb ultras #badblueboys help evacuating a maternity hospital.With so many heroes on the streets, Zagreb will recover quickly #Zagreb pic.twitter.com/lwfC1QBWbl

— Siminho (@Siminho_) March 22, 2020

There were three initial earthquakes, all a few kilometers north of Zagreb. The first had a magnitude of 5.3 at 06:24, the second 5.0 at 07:01, and a third at 07:41, measuring 3.7. There were two further quakes, both 3.0, 6km north of Zagreb at 09:04 and 09:10. Follow this official global earthquake monitoring website for the latest.

Click here for the latest updated article.  

March 22, 2020 - Important contact information and advice for Zagreb citizens in the aftermath of the earthquake on Sunday morning.

The City of Zagreb has introduced a toll-free hotline for citizens directly affected by today's earthquake

The City of Zagreb has introduced a toll-free hotline for citizens directly affected by today's earthquake. If you’re in need, please call 0800 8805.

The City of Zagreb is urging, first of all, those who have lost their homes or have homes that have been severely damaged in the earthquake, to immediately contact this telephone number to ensure that they receive adequate assistance as soon as possible.

Also, anyone who has been left homeless will be provided with accommodation. For now this is the Cvjetno naselje student dorms at Odranska ulica 8. If necessary, additional accommodation will be provided. You can read more below. 

Anyone worried about gas leaks after the earthquake can call the toll free number 0800 400 400.

In case of problems with water supply, contact 01 / 616-39-99.

The City of Zagreb is asking citizens for understanding and patience and to act responsibly and follow the instructions of the competent institutions

Teams of construction experts are currently on the streets evaluating the damage to buildings by priority. After inspection, they will mark each building visibly. Construction experts are working to assess post-earthquake damage, the Office noted.

The Zagreb Emergency Management Office is pleading for citizens to strictly obey the markings and do not risk entering the building. You can also send a photo of the damage and the address to the e-mail address of the Emergency Management Office: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Beans and tea are being distributed at the French Republic Square

The Croatian Red Cross reported that its crews were heading to the downtown and wider center of Zagreb, where blankets would be distributed to citizens who could not return to their homes, and tents would be erected in the French Republic Square where beans and tea will be distributed.

"1200 blankets will be distributed, and we will first take care of the elderly, the sick, children and pregnant women. Tents will be set up in the French Republic Square, where beans and tea will be given out," HCK posted on its Facebook page.

"We invite you once again to stay calm. This morning, we distributed blankets and water to people in front of Petrova and Klaiceva hospitals.

Do not gather in groups, keep a distance of two meters. If you have masks and gloves, put them on. All measures related to the protection against coronavirus infection are still in force,” HCK told citizens.

Meals will also be available after 1 pm at Zrinjevac, Mazuranic Square, and Franjo Tudjman Square, the Office of Emergency Management announced.

Accommodation for Zagreb residents whose homes are damaged is being arranged at the Cvjetno naselje student dorms

Interior Minister and President of the National Civil Protection Headquarters Davor Bozinovic said that all residents of downtown Zagreb whose homes suffered from the Sunday earthquake would be accommodated in the student dormitory Cvjetno naselje.

"There are more than 20 statics engineers on the scene at the moment who will expertly evaluate which buildings can still be used and which will require remediation," said Bozinovic.

He added that, according to initial estimates, about 1,000 people could not get into their homes due to damage. If there are no new earthquakes, no additional accommodations will be needed.

"The capacity of the dormitory is 1800 places, so unless there are new waves of earthquakes, we hope that we will not need to mobilize additional facilities," Bozinovic said.

Source: Dnevnik.hr

Click here for the latest updated article.