Metković earthquake: M3.4 shakes Neretva valley, no damage reported

Status of the reports: Monday 5 October 2026, 13:53. An earthquake shook Metković and the lower Neretva valley on Monday, 5 October 2026, at 11:35 local time. The Croatian Seismological Survey (PMF Zagreb) puts the magnitude at 3.4 and the intensity at the epicentre at IV on the EMS scale, and recorded a second, very weak quake of magnitude 2.1 in the same area at 12:02 (PMF Zagreb). The European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC) puts its magnitude at 3.2 and its depth at about 10 km (EMSC); the Federal Hydrometeorological Institute of Bosnia and Herzegovina (FHMZ) lists magnitude 3.3 and an intensity of IV (FHMZ). By early afternoon there were no reports of damage or injuries on either side of the border (juginfo.hr, klix.ba).

Where the epicentre was

The quake originated on the Bosnian side of the border. FHMZ names Počitelj, the historic village on the Neretva between Čapljina and Mostar, as the epicentral area. In its update at 12:04, EMSC placed the epicentre about 10 km east-north-east of Čapljina and 23 km south of Mostar. Early EMSC figures, quoted by the City of Metković, had put it about 5 km north-east of the town near Gabela, at a depth of about 10.7 km (Grad Metković); portals cited other early distances of 6 to 13 km (Slobodna Dalmacija, klix.ba). The Croatian Seismological Survey, which recorded magnitude 3.4, describes the epicentre as near Metković (PMF Zagreb).

The main quake and a weak second one

Witnesses reported a few seconds of shaking, often with a rumble. Among the reports collected by EMSC, a resident of Čitluk wrote of two very loud bangs, and others of a rumble that ended in a thud (Slobodna Dalmacija, klix.ba). EMSC and FHMZ list only the main quake; the Croatian Seismological Survey also recorded a second, very weak one in the same area at 12:02, magnitude 2.1 and intensity II to III at the epicentre. The Croatian Seismological Survey explains how one quake can feel like two: the faster P waves arrive first and are often heard as a rumble, then the slower S waves shake the ground harder. Close to the source both arrive almost together and feel like a single jolt (PMF Zagreb, PMF FAQ).

Where it was felt

By early afternoon, more than 50 people had reported the quake to EMSC (EMSC). Reports came from Metković, Ploče, Čapljina, Čitluk, Ljubuški, Stolac and Ston, from Trpanj on the Pelješac peninsula and even from Mokošica near Dubrovnik (juginfo.hr, net.hr, Dubrovački dnevnik).

Is the area prone to earthquakes?

The lower Neretva lies in a seismically fairly active zone. FHMZ counts the Neretva fault among the major regional faults in Bosnia and Herzegovina that can produce strong earthquakes, and notes that damaging quakes around Dubrovnik and Makarska can also significantly affect Bosnia and Herzegovina (FHMZ). Weak quakes are frequent: in the past week alone, the Croatian Seismological Survey reported a magnitude 2.7 quake near Ljubovo, 19 km north-east of Dubrovnik, on 1 October and a magnitude 2.9 quake near Berkovići in Bosnia and Herzegovina on 2 October (PMF Zagreb).

What it means for travellers

Nothing in the reports suggests that visitors to the Neretva delta, Metković or Ploče, or drivers heading to Mostar, need to change plans. No damage, injuries or closures were reported, and HAK's road report, updated at 13:13, lists no earthquake-related restrictions (HAK). If you felt the quake, you can report it through the Croatian Seismological Survey's online questionnaire, linked from its reports page (PMF Zagreb).

What to do if you feel an earthquake in Croatia

The earthquake brochure of Croatia's Civil Protection Directorate recommends the following (Civilna zaštita):

• Indoors: stay inside, crouch under sturdy furniture and protect your head with your hands. Keep away from windows, glass and tall furniture, and do not use stairs or lifts during the shaking.
• Outdoors: move away from buildings, poles, power lines and glass facades.
• In a car: stop away from buildings, not on bridges or viaducts and not under overpasses, and leave the way clear for emergency vehicles.
• Afterwards: expect aftershocks, avoid damaged buildings and lifts, and check for gas leaks. Use the phone only in an emergency and follow official news rather than rumours.
• Emergency number: 112 for all emergencies. It also accepts text messages, which helps people who cannot speak or hear.