Armenia commemorates Spitak earthquake victims
19 years have passed since the devastating Spitak earthquake that shocked Armenia December 7, 1988. At 11.41 a.m. local time a magnitude 10 earthquake destroyed the entire city of Spitak. There was great damage to the nearby cities of Leninakan (now known as Gyumri) and Kirovakan (today Vanadzor) and some 350 surrounding villages.
The earthquake claimed lives of 25 thousand people; some 100 thousand were wounded; over 500 thousand became homeless.
It was rated among the most crushing calamities of the world.
By Armenian President's edict, a newly formed state committee was charged with the task to develop a program of events till January 15, 2008. The government was instructed to finance the events dedicated to the 20th anniversary of the earthquake.
The earthquake claimed lives of 25 thousand people; some 100 thousand were wounded; over 500 thousand became homeless.
It was rated among the most crushing calamities of the world.
By Armenian President's edict, a newly formed state committee was charged with the task to develop a program of events till January 15, 2008. The government was instructed to finance the events dedicated to the 20th anniversary of the earthquake.
