Croatian Red Cross had so far raised more than 44 million kuna (€5.8 million) and collected 35 million kuna (€4.6 million) worth of goods for earthquake relief, the organisation's executive director Robert Markt said on Thursday in an interview for Nova TV.

In reference to calls making rounds on social media advising everyone to make donations directly rather than through allegedly corrupt relief organisations, Markt said that funds raised through donations would be entirely distributed to people in need, and assured the public that none of the donations would be kept by Red Cross Croatia itself as it is financed from ‘international sources.’

Markt said that a meeting was held with representatives of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in Geneva on Thursday where ‘the reputation of Red Cross Croatia was confirmed’ and more assistance was agreed in the provision of funding, equipment, as well as special teams for psychological and social assistance to those affected by the December quake.

He added that aid for the earthquake-hit areas continues to pour in, and also thanked all individuals and companies that have made donations.

(€1 = 7.56 kuna)