Omiš begins recovery after devastating fire

Split-Dalmatia County has allocated 200,000 euros in financial assistance to Omiš, where a catastrophic fire caused extensive damage five days ago. 

Cleanup and damage assessment are ongoing, with an initial estimate of the total damage expected by tomorrow evening. The assessment will help inform the Government's decision on additional financial assistance for Omiš, expected on Thursday.

Crews from various services are working on the ground, clearing debris from roads and drainage channels and repairing power lines and water pipes.

Mobile homes are being brought in from the national stockpile to provide temporary accommodation for people who lost their homes in the blaze.

Local residents say they are still in shock but grateful to have survived the ordeal. Among them is Ante Pešić, who was trapped by the fire at his home.

"There was no way out. I was forced to stay put. I poured the last few drops of water over my head and clothing and crawled into a storage space, where I stayed for about 45 minutes. The air was scorching hot, like breathing in boiling water."

Pešić survived, but many residents have similar stories. Neven Lelas told Croatian Radio that his son and son-in-law immersed themselves in water-filled barrels when the fire drew near.

Boris Doljanin lost his seafront restaurant in the blaze.

"Had I come down here to save the restaurant, I would not be talking to you today. It will all get rebuilt, but I am concerned about my employees and getting them some income while we get back on our feet."

Local tourism officials are working to reassure visitors that the city is recovering and remains open to tourists.

The cause of the massive blaze is still under investigation.