Zagreb earthquake of 22 March 2020 – preliminary report on seismologic aspects and damage to buildings

Abstract

Significant characteristics and main consequences of the 5.5 magnitude earthquake that struck Zagreb and its surroundings in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic are presented in the paper. Although, from the seismologic aspect, the earthquake was of moderate magnitude, it caused the loss of one life and considerable material damage. An overview of the situation before the quake is given, and information about the location, seismic activity, and organisation of building inspection activity, is presented. The data on damage are roughly classified, with the focus on historic core of the city and districts situated close to the epicentre. A strong emphasis is placed on indispensable activities that should have been carried out a long time ago, in the hope that they will be prompted by this earthquake.