30 Dec

A powerful earthquake has hit central Croatia, leaving six people dead and at least 26 injured.

The US Geological Survey says the quake occurred on Tuesday around noon local time and had an estimated magnitude of 6.4. It hit at a depth of 10 kilometers.

Croatian government officials say many buildings collapsed in the hard-hit town of Petrinja. They say a 12-year-old girl was killed there, and five other people died near the town.

Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic rushed to the disaster site. He said army troops have been dispatched to help with search and rescue operations.

The quake was also felt in the capital Zagreb, about 50 kilometers away from the epicenter. Video footage from the city shows people evacuating onto the streets.

Zagreb is still recovering from a major earthquake in March that also caused casualties.

NHK