Advancing earthquake preparedness in Croatia

Earthquake Early Warning (EEW) systems represent a vital advancement in mitigating seismic risks in densely populated areas. By continuously monitoring seismic activity in real time, they send alerts to at-risk populations shortly before strong shaking reaches them, allowing for at least basic personal and automated protective measures. This study explores public perception of EEW systems and their potential implementation in Croatia through a survey. Due to the proximity of seismogenic faults to urban areas and financial constraints, Croatia currently lacks a functional EEW system. Nonetheless, the survey results indicate that most respondents, even when informed about the limitations of EEW systems, believe that early warnings would enhance their sense of safety, with 85% advocating for investments in EEW systems and related infrastructure.Additionally, 89% participants support earthquake-related education starting from school age. Even with extremely short warning times or providing post-earthquake information only, an EEW system, combined with trained responses to earthquakes, could reduce confusion and panic during and after an earthquake, thereby improving the overall seismic resilience.