ZAGREB, 1 January, 2021 – President Zoran Milanovic on Friday spoke with citizens and representatives of state services helping take care of residents of Petrinja and Glina, hit by a strong earthquake on December 29, noting that one can always do better but that a good job was being done.
“I can say that I’m pleased with the coordination of services on the ground. Everything that can be done is being done. People are working selflessly, both those whose job that is and those who are doing so because of the culture of heart and love. Two days have passed since the earthquake, just a few more days and everything will be functioning. One can always do better, but things are being done well,” Milanovic told reporters while visiting Petrinja and Glina.
He said the people are scared and afraid to sleep in their homes. “It’s obvious it will take a few weeks for things to settle down,” he said.
Speaking about his expectations of 2021, Milanovic said that he was cautious but was not afraid. “I’m certain the resilience of our people will be crucial. It will be a difficult year but I am confident that it will be better than the last one,” he said.
Asked how long the reconstruction of the earthquake-hit area could last, Milanovic said that the area had suffered extensive damage in the 1991-95 war and that it had been losing population to emigration also before the latest disaster.
“The damage is huge but it will be repaired. Millions of euros will come from the EU,” he said, adding that reconstruction should not be spontaneous but organised by the state.
“Now is an opportunity to rebuild what was destroyed but also to give new hope and resources to the people. The government must find a way to provide for the people who have lost their homes,” said Milanovic.
The president held a working meeting in Petrinja with representatives of the Civil Protection, the Red Cross, the Croatian Mountain Rescue Service and the Croatian Army, which was also attended by Army Chief-of-Staff Admiral Robert Hranj, Defence Minister Mario Banozic, War Veterans’ Minister Tomo Medved and Petrinja Mayor Darinko Dumbovic.
The Office of the President said that Milanovic, who is Armed Forces’ Supreme Commander, offered his best wishes to members of the Croatian Army and other services for the New Year, thanking them for everything they were doing for earthquake victims.
For more on the Petrinja earthquake, follow our dedicated section.
