Hailstorm Declared Natural Disaster in Croatia's Varaždin County

The prefect of Varaždin County, Anđelko Stričak, has declared a natural disaster caused by hail affecting six municipalities and the city of Lepoglava. The declaration comes after severe weather events, including intense hailstorms, caused widespread damage across the region.

The municipality of Cestica was particularly hard-hit, experiencing hailstorms on June 10 and again just four days later on June 14. The damage to agricultural crops in Cestica was substantial, with losses in orchards, vineyards, and field crops estimated between 30 and 100 percent. Similar devastating conditions struck the other six affected local government units on June 14, with large hailstones falling repeatedly.

In addition to the agricultural losses, the storms also damaged residential and commercial buildings, as well as transportation infrastructure. Local mayors and the city mayor of Lepoglava have submitted requests for the natural disaster to be declared, prompting the prefect's action.

Following the declaration, affected individuals and businesses are required to report their damages in writing to their respective municipal/city commissions within eight days. These commissions will then prepare initial damage assessments within 15 days and submit final estimates to the County Commission within 50 days. The County Commission will subsequently forward these final assessments to the State Commission and relevant ministries.