The Croatian capital of Zagreb has been struck by the strongest earthquake for 140 years, causing panic, the evacuation of hospitals, and widespread damage to the capital's iconic cathedral — all amid a partial coronavirus lockdown.

Key points: The earthquake struck at 6:23am (local time), affecting a wide area north of the city

The earthquake struck at 6:23am (local time), affecting a wide area north of the city A maternity hospital had to be evacuated after the quake, prompting a makeshift hospital

A maternity hospital had to be evacuated after the quake, prompting a makeshift hospital Zagreb remains on partial lockdown, with 235 coronavirus cases recorded across Croatia

A 15-year-old was reported to be in critical condition and several others were injured, news outlets reported.

The European seismological agency, EMSC, said the earthquake measured 5.3 and struck a wide area north of the capital, Zagreb, at 6:23am Sunday (local time).

The epicentre was 7km north of Zagreb at a depth of 10km.

Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic said the earthquake was the biggest in Zagreb in the past 140 years.

Footage from the scene showed mothers dressed in nightgowns hugging their newborn babies in a parking lot as they evacuated a damaged maternity hospital amid freezing temperatures.

Responders salvaged infant incubators from the maternity ward. ( AP: Darko Bandic )

The women, newborn babies and incubators were being moved to a new location with the help of the army.

Zagreb's iconic cathedral was also damaged, with the top of one of its two spires collapsing. The cathedral was rebuilt after it toppled in the 1880 earthquake.

Power was cut as people ran out of their homes. Several fires were also reported. At least two other earthquakes were recorded later.

Residents shared photos of belongings falling off shelves, broken bottles and glass inside homes.

Zagreb's historic Heart of Jesus Basicila suffered significant damage during the earthquake. ( Reuters: Antonio Bronic )

Social distance should be heeded, government says

The earthquake struck amid a partial lockdown of the capital because of the spread of the coronavirus.

People were told to avoid public areas, such as parks and public squares, but had little choice as they fled their residences.

Up to five people are allowed to be together while keeping a distance.

The earthquake prompted many residents to seek refuge on the street in violation of social distancing decrees. ( AP )

Health Minister Vili Beros warned people to keep a two-metre social distance as per Government decrees in an attempt to prevent the spread of COVID-19. There are 235 coronavirus cases confirmed so far in Croatia.

"Earthquakes are dangerous, but coronavirus is even more so," Mr Beros said, as people rushed out of their homes to congregate in city parks.

'Worry about yourself first and the mask later'

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Some of Zagreb residents disagreed with the Government's insistence on social distancing.

"Earthquakes are more important than the coronavirus. If the earthquake hits, and you are under a door, you worry about yourself first and then the mask later," Paul, a man from Peru who lives in Zagreb, told a local TV station. He gave only his first name.

Prime Minister Plenkovic, urged citizens to remain calm and stay outside their homes in the central parts of Zagreb, which sustained the most damage.

"We have two parallel crisis that contradict each other," Mr Plenkovic said after an emergency meeting of Croatia's top officials.

The earthquake's epicentre was 7km north of Zagreb at a depth of 10km. ( ABC News: Alan Weedon )

Croatian soldiers wearing masks and carrying shovels could be seen helping efforts to clear the damage on the streets of Zagreb.

Top officials toured the damaged areas as some citizens criticized city authorities over the poor states of buildings in the old part of the city, some of which date back to the 19th century.

"We will try to clear the streets as soon as possible," Mr Plenkovic said. "Stay outside your homes and keep distance."

Interior Minister Davor Bozinovic said the situation was complicated by the restrictive virus-related measures in place.

"There are rules for when there is an earthquake, but when there is an earthquake at the same time when there is a global pandemic, then it's a much more complex situation," Mr Bozinovic told the state HINA news agency.

Numerous vehicles were destroyed as a result of the earthquake. ( Reuters: Antonio Bronic )

ABC/AP