Halfway to recovery: Five years after the devastating Petrinja earthquake

(Photo: Grad Petrinja)

ZAGREB, 29 Dec (Hina/CW) – On Monday, Croatia marked the fifth anniversary of the devastating 6.2-magnitude earthquake that struck Petrinja, Sisak, and surrounding areas on 29 December 2020, with a full-day programme beginning on the Petrinja Volunteer Bridge.

The events also included an Open Day of restored public buildings, showcasing the ongoing reconstruction efforts.

The commemoration opened with a parade of emergency services and a joint prayer at the memorial plaque on Croatian Veterans’ Square, honouring all those who lost their lives in the disaster.

Ten seconds of earthquake meant ten years of reconstruction.

Today, more than half of the damaged buildings have been restored, with the reconstruction of around a thousand family homes expected to be completed by 2027, and the full recovery process projected for 2030.

(Photo: Grad Petrinja)

Authorities emphasise that rebuilding efforts have gone beyond restoring the previous state, aiming instead for comprehensive renewal, improved living conditions, and modernised public spaces.

Ahead of the anniversary, Prime Minister Andrej Plenković toured reconstruction sites in Sisak, Glina, and Petrinja, accompanied by key ministers including Branko Bačić, Nina Obuljen Koržinek, Nataša Mikuš Žigman, and Radovan Fuchs.

(Photo: Grad Petrinja)

In Sisak, he visited a 144-unit residential building, the newly opened Knowledge Centre and Planetarium – Gradska Munjara Sisak, and the Galdovo educational complex.

Mayor of Sisak, Domagoj Orlić, highlighted the importance of the Galdovo project, describing it as a long-awaited milestone for children, parents, and the wider community. “This is not just a new building, this is an investment in the future of Galdovo and all of Sisak,” he said.

(Photo: Grad Petrinja)

In Glina, Plenković visited the renovated Ban Josip Jelačić Square and the House of the Croatian Anthem, while in Petrinja he toured a replacement family home, eight multi-storey buildings under construction, the cultural-historical centre, the newly opened Fran Lhotka Music School, and the local library.

Petrinja Mayor Magdalena Komes praised the ongoing reconstruction efforts, noting the restoration of numerous public, cultural, and private buildings in collaboration with the government and Sisak-Moslavina County.

Reconstruction Progress and Investment

PM Plenković underscored the scale and complexity of the recovery, highlighting the cooperation between central and local authorities.

Since the earthquake, over 10,000 reconstruction procedures have been completed, including 9,299 family homes and 329 multi-storey buildings, amounting to nearly 15,000 housing units.

(Photo: Grad Petrinja)

Notable projects include 59 multi-storey buildings with 1,024 new units in Sisak-Moslavina County, of which 45 are complete and 12 are in progress.

To date, 449 replacement family homes have been built, with 69 purchased and nearly €90 million paid in financial aid. The largest single project, the 144-unit building in Sisak, is valued at €20 million.

A total of €4.23 billion has been allocated to the reconstruction, with €1.77 billion already spent in the Banovina region. The plan remains to complete all family homes by 2027 and finalise the full reconstruction by 2030.

(Photo: Grad Petrinja)

Plenković also emphasised the importance of reviving cultural heritage, citing the renovation of 95 cultural buildings under the Ministry of Culture and Media, which contribute to the sophistication and value of local communities.

Authorities remain committed to completing reconstruction and revitalisation projects, improving public infrastructure, cultural and educational facilities, and residential housing. Sisak-Moslavina County now has 45 more multi-storey buildings than before the earthquake, providing a strong foundation for demographic growth and a more attractive environment for investment and quality living.

“Five years on, we have rebuilt hospitals, schools, roads, and housing. The solidarity and dedication of citizens and emergency services have made this possible,” said Župan Ivo Žinić, reflecting on the progress and resilience of the affected communities.

(Photo: Grad Petrinja)

Citizens were today able to tour renovated public buildings, including schools, universities, and healthcare facilities, observing how spaces have been adapted to modern needs while preserving historical and cultural value.

At the “Dr. Ivo Pedišić” General Hospital in Sisak, preventive health checks were offered alongside mental health guidance, while cultural institutions hosted exhibitions and guided tours.

The Open Day was organised collaboratively by the Ministry of Physical Planning, Construction, and State Property, the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Culture and Media, the Ministry of Education, and local authorities from Petrinja, Glina, Sisak, Karlovac, and the counties of Sisak-Moslavina and Karlovac.