The earthquake resistance of schools built in Soviet times is in a deplorable state, the chair of the Armenian Association for Earthquake Engineering (AAEE) said.

As Prof. Mikael Melkumyan told a December 10 news conference in Yerevan, funds are necessary to fortify school buildings, with the issue being an urgent one.

The expert further recommended the use of seismic resistance technology, allowing to withstand 9-point quake, in newly-constructed buildings. The technology, developed by Mr. Melkymyan has been patented in Armenia.

Mr. Melkymyan is the founder of “Save the Yerevan Schools from Earthquakes” Fund, aiming to bring the buildings to conformity with seismic safety norms.