In the early hours of Sunday morning, an earthquake measuring 5.3 on the Richter scale struck Croatia and caused damage across an area of the country including the capital Zagreb.

The epicentre was seven kilometres north of the Capital and at least two other tremors were recorded later. Several buildings in the city centre have been damaged and streets were littered with debris. The Parliament has been closed due to damage received and the headquarters of ALDE Party member HSLS, located in one of the historic buildings in the city centre, has also suffered structural damage.

Responding to the news, the European Commissioner for Crisis Management, Janez Lenarčič, wrote: “EU is here to assist Croatia in this difficult time. EU support is already on its way. Very thankful to Slovenia, Hungary, Austria and Italy for their offers via our Civil Protection Mechanism. Our thoughts are with all those affected & Croatian first responders. We stand ready to provide further assistance.”

Support and wishes also came from around the ALDE family: ALDE Party Vice President Ilhan Kyuchyuk MEPsaid his thoughts are with the people of the country. Roman Jakič, Chairman of LIBSEEN wrote: “My thoughts are with all my friends from Croatia after this morning's earthquake. I want to express my solidarity with the Croatian people in this difficult time and hope for a speedy recovery. Hold on dear neighbours! Hold on to beautiful Zagreb!”. The leader of the Renew Europe group in the European Parliament, Dacian Cioloş MEP, added: “Thoughts & solidarity with the people of Croatia at this difficult time. Know that the EU will support the recovery.”

Valter Flego MEP (IDS) wrote: “My heart and thoughts are with all people in Zagreb! Since we are dealing with two crises, try to stay calm, follow the directions of the HQ, and take care of yourself as much as possible when contacting other people! Istria is with you.”

Anka Mrak-Taritaš MP, leader of GLAS, said: “citizens of Zagreb have been hit by a disastrous earthquake in the midst of coronavirus pandemic. In this unprecedented and challenging situation, they have shown grit and  tremendous amount of support and solidarity for each other, and we are proud immensely of their spirit. We are also deeply moved by the support of our friends across Croatia and Europe, who haven’t forgotten us and offered us their help, even as they all face the hardest crisis of their lifetimes. One of the first to respond was Italy ❤️"

A devastating earthquake in #Croatia. My thoughts are with the people of the country. https://t.co/j0xJLxlm3P

— Ilhan Kyuchyuk (@ilhankyuchyuk) March 22, 2020