On 29 December 2020, a 6.4-magnitude earthquake struck the central part of Croatia. It killed several people, injured many more and caused extensive damage to homes and infrastructure. The European Commission helped coordinate the emergency response and facilitated the delivery of urgently needed assistance.
Through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism, 15 countries sent immediate assistance, including housing containers, winterised tents, sleeping bags, beds, and electric heaters.
![The European Commissioner for Crisis Management, Janez Lenarčič, visited the hardest hit area immediately after the earthquake.
"I am very thankful to countries that have immediately rushed to Croatia's help in these difficult times. My thoughts are with all those affected, especially those who have lost loved ones, and with the brave first responders on the scene who are doing their best to help people in need," said Commissioner Lenarčič.
© European Union, 2020 (photographer: Denis Lovrovic)](https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50824128176_8f4b9877b1_w.jpg "The European Commissioner for Crisis Management, Janez Lenarčič, visited the hardest hit area immediately after the earthquake.
"I am very thankful to countries that have immediately rushed to Croatia's help in these difficult times. My thoughts are with all those affected, especially those who have lost loved ones, and with the brave first responders on the scene who are doing their best to help people in need," said Commissioner Lenarčič.
© European Union, 2020 (photographer: Denis Lovrovic)")
![Dragan has received a housing container equipped with a heater, offered by Romania and delivered through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism.
“Most probably I will live here [in the container] until the old house is demolished and a new one is built. At least I feel safe here,” says Dragan.
© European Union, 2021 (photographer: Lisa Hastert)](https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50824128021_d061594d91_w.jpg "Dragan has received a housing container equipped with a heater, offered by Romania and delivered through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism.
“Most probably I will live here [in the container] until the old house is demolished and a new one is built. At least I feel safe here,” says Dragan.
© European Union, 2021 (photographer: Lisa Hastert)")
