Croatia earthquake: Swiss respond to appeal for help
Switzerland is to supply emergency shelters to families left homeless after a strong earthquake in Croatia in December.
This content was published on
1 minute
Reuters/FDFA/ilj
Thousands of people lost their homes in the 6.4 strength quake, which hit the Sisak-Moslavina region of central Croatia on December 29, 2020. At least seven people died and more than 20 were injured.
The tremor was felt as far away as the Croatian capital Zagreb, located 50 kilometres away from the epicenter and shockwaves were felt in neighbouring countries, according to a statementExternal link by the Swiss Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) released on Friday.
It was the second quake to strike the area in two days.
Croatia has appealed for containers and other shelters for around 1,200 families whose homes have been completely destroyed. Swiss Humanitarian Aid, which is part of the FDFA; will provide 20 mobile housing units for 100 people until the end of January. 12 sanitary facilities were follow on later.
A total of CHF400,000 (little over $450,000) has been allocated to the relief operation.
The FDFA said that two experts had already visited Croatia to help implement Swiss relief efforts and to consult with the civil protection authorities.
“The priority was to house these people quickly, mainly because of the harsh winter conditions,” said architect Rolf Grossenbacher in a FDFA news itemExternal link marking the two experts’ return. The other expert, Michael Stoller, will return to Croatia in the next few days with the mobile homes.
Protein in abdominal fat could help shape obesity treatment
This content was published on
The study analysed fat cells from different locations in the body, and found that those in the abdomen have unique properties.
North African asylum claims fall after rapid Swiss processing
This content was published on
The accelerated procedure, now out of its test phase, has resulted in a significant drop in applications from North African countries.
This content was published on
The artist's song "The Code" focuses on their journey as a nonbinary individual. It is one of the favourites to win this year's contest.
Swiss climate activists block vehicles near Gotthard tunnel
This content was published on
Around ten climate activists briefly blocked the A2 motorway near the northern entrance of the Gotthard tunnel on Thursday.
Watches belonging to Michael Schumacher up for auction
This content was published on
Schumacher's family is auctioning off eight rare watches from his collection in Geneva. The Christie's auction will take place on Monday.
Joya Marleen and Baschi named best solo acts at Swiss Music Awards
This content was published on
St. Gallen singer Joya Marleen and Baschi from Basel were named artists of the year at the Swiss Music Awards 2024 on Wednesday night.
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.
Read more
More
Swiss pledge millions to earthquake-stricken Albania
This content was published on
Switzerland has committed CHF10.2 million ($10.4 million) to help with reconstruction efforts following the November earthquake in Albania.
This content was published on
In Indonesia, the overriding theme seems to be the same as in the past: 'where is the aid and why is it taking so long to arrive?'
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.