Strong earthquake shakes Croatia

Streets in the centre of Croatia's capital were littered with debris after a strong earthquake shook the country on Sunday, causing widespread damage and panic.

A 15-year-old was killed and there were other injuries, Croatian media reported.

The European seismological agency, EMSC, said the earthquake measured 5.3 and struck a wide area north of the capital, Zagreb, at 6:23 a.m. (0523 GMT) Sunday.

The epicenter was 7 kilometers (4 miles) north of Zagreb at the depth of 10 kilometers (6 miles).

Many buildings cracked in Zagreb and walls and rooftops were damaged.

Concrete slabs fell on cars and chimneys landed in front of entrances.

Officials said there were other injuries, but gave no immediate details.

Inside homes, residents shared photos of belongings falling off shelves, broken bottles and glass.

Zagreb's iconic cathedral was also damaged with the top of one of its two spires collapsing. The cathedral was rebuilt after it toppled in the 1880 earthquake.

Power was cut as people ran out of their homes. Several fires were also reported. At least two other tremors were recorded later.

The earthquake struck amid a partial lockdown of the capital because of the spread of the coronavirus.

People were told to avoid public areas, such as parks and public squares, but had no choice as they ran out of their apartments.

Up to five people keeping distance are allowed to be together.

Globally, the coronavirus pandemic has infected more than 307,200 people and killed more than 13,000.

For most people, the COVID-19 illness causes only mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough.

For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia.

The majority of people recover from the new virus.