The Croatian Bishops' Conference (HBK) has donated HRK 7 million to earthquake-stricken areas, saying that the money will be distributed to those most in need in the areas of the Sisak Diocese and the Zagreb Archdiocese, the IKA Catholic news agency said on Thursday.

HBK secretary-general Krunoslav Novak said that further aid would be discussed at a plenary of the HBK when the situation in the field would be analysed and actual needs determined.

HBK announced a project, to be conducted by its charity Caritas in cooperation with the Knights of Malta, to obtain camper vans as temporary accommodation.

Caritas director Fabijan Svalina said after visiting the quake-hit area that sufficient material aid had been collected and that anyone interested could make a financial donation to the Caritas account or directly to the Sisak Diocese.

HOK collecting humanitarian aid for earthquake victims

The Chamber of Trades and Crafts (HOK), too, has launched a funding campaign to help earthquake victims.

Many tradies have been left without their workshops and homes and material damage is huge and it is not known when they will be able to start working again, HOK said in a press release.

“Tradies from Croatia and other countries have shown a huge interest in helping the earthquake-hit area so we have opened an account and call on them to make a donation. The funds collected will be distributed to those most in need,” HOK said.

HOK has already donated 50 power units as well as plastic sheets to cover roofs and it has organised the delivery of 200 kilograms of bread to Petrinja every day.

HOK’s section of caterers prepare 300 hot meals every day and deliver them to people in the earthquake-hit areas.

Many local government units and associations as well as private businesses from Herzegovina have donated money for earthquake relief.

Mostar Mayor Ljubo Beslic has allocated 10,000 Bosnian marks from the city’s budget to be donated to Petrinja, Sisak and Glina.

The Violeta company has donated 15 fully-equipped container homes to accommodate families whose homes were destroyed in the quake.