A strong earthquake of magnitude 5.1 struck the northern coast of Croatia on February 11, 2023, at 18:43 local time, sending tremors felt across the Adriatic Sea, particularly impacting parts of Italy such as Ancona, Veneto, and Friuli.
The earthquake originated at a depth of 10 kilometers, with the epicenter located near Posadarje along the Dalmatian coast, close to cities like Zara and Spalato. Observers reported intense shaking, prompting many to rush out of their homes, but fortunately, there have been no significant injuries or damage reported.
According to the National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (INGV), the earthquake was detected at 18:43, followed shortly by aftershocks, the strongest of which measured 2.5, occurring at 18:53. Residents from across the region experienced frightening moments, with many posting hurried accounts on social media. Zanet, one local, shared his alarming experience: "I went to panic, I couldn’t move. I felt as if the epicenter was in my living room.”
This naturally generated apprehension among the local population, particularly noted was the reaction within the Marche region, where the tremors were especially strong. Discussions emerged around earthquake preparedness amid the seismic activity being reported from nearby regions, including the Greek island of Santorini which has seen increased tremors in recent days.
Despite the earthquake's strength, quick evaluations confirmed no widespread damage or injuries. Eyewitnesses described alarmingly swaying furniture and rattling walls, but no structures were reported to have been compromised. "It was like our whole house was moving, and all we could do was stand still and wait for it to end," stated another local resident.
The quick response from local authorities and the effectiveness of emergency services were highlighted, showing remarkable preparedness to handle such incidents. While the psychological impact on the population can be significant, the physical ramifications have been minimal this time around.
Seismologists note the region’s geological volatility, being situated along the Adriatic tectonic plate boundary, making it prone to earthquakes. Local building codes, informed by historical earthquake data, may have played a role in mitigating potential damage, ensuring residents can feel somewhat secure knowing their homes are built to withstand such natural occurrences.
Overall, this seismic event serves as another reminder of the dynamic nature of earthquakes shaped by the geological framework under Croatia and northern Italy. Authorities continue to monitor the situation and provide updates to the public. The community, having been shaken yet again, expressed their desire for constant vigilance and preparedness in facing nature's unpredictable forces.