Defence Minister Mario Banožić and Army Chief of Staff, Admiral Robert Hranj, on Monday visited troops involved in removing quake debris in Sisak-Moslavina County and on that occasion Banožić said that since the 29 December earthquake, 2,300 soldiers had been engaged.

The two officials met in the Petrinja army barracks with members the task force for dealing with the aftermath of the 6.2 magnitude quake which took seven lives and caused extensive damage.

“Just like it was in the first moments, the Croatian Army will continue helping the area all the time. We have offered material resources, our know-how and logistics to help achieve all the objectives and tasks that have been set here,” Minister Banožić said.

After visiting the barracks the two officials visited troops engaged in engineering tasks to prepare an area for setting up containers to accommodate people who have been left homeless by the disaster. They also visited works for a potential drainage network and new road in the village of Majske Poljane between Petrinja and Glina.

Minister Banožić underscored that the army was supporting civil institutions in distributing hot meals and essential commodities to the most remote settlements and hamlets.

Today there are about 380 soldiers in the field assigned to various tasks in the area while over the weekend there were 680 soldiers here.

“As always until now the Croatian army, that is, you soldiers and officers, have proved that our citizens can count on you. You were among the first to be out in the field to clear the rubble off the streets, to remove dangerous objects and help save human lives,” said Minister Banožić.

He thanked members of the civil protection authority for their energy and huge efforts to improve the situation in the field.