ZAGREB, CROATIA, March 27, 2020–
In moments of crisis, it’s the strength of community and collaboration that carries us through. This spirit of cooperation is alive and well in Zagreb, Croatia, where residents are recovering from the city’s most powerful earthquake in over a century, made even more challenging by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
When the 5.3 magnitude quake struck on Sunday, March 22nd, it left a wake of damaged buildings and uncertainty across the capital. Among the thousands who stepped up to help was Ivan Matoric, the director of PASE’s Zagreb office. A structural engineer by trade and a public servant at heart, Ivan has been on the front lines, volunteering his time and expertise to assess buildings impacted by the earthquake.
Working alongside the Croatian Civil Service, Ivan is helping to evaluate more than 7,000 structures for safety. These assessments are a critical first step before residents can return to their homes or businesses. Once the initial inspections are complete, Ivan will assist in determining long-term strategies for deeper evaluations and potential retrofitting. His work is helping restore not just physical safety, but peace of mind.
Back in the USA, our engineers are standing by to support the next phase of Zagreb’s recovery, sharing decades of seismic retrofit experience to guide the city’s rebuilding efforts.
At PASE, we believe engineering is about more than concrete and steel—it’s about people. We’re proud of Ivan’s tireless service and honored to support a community working together in the face of adversity. Our thoughts are with Zagreb as the city heals and rebuilds.
Ivan Matoric, Office Director of PASE Zagreb