31 years ago, on December 7, 1988, at 11:41 local time, Armenia was shaken by the devastating Spitak earthquake. It affected the northern and northeastern regions of the republic, approximately 40% of its territory.
Within counted seconds, the cities of Spitak, Leninakan, Kirovakan, and Stepanavan were completely or partially destroyed, along with more than a hundred villages and settlements in the districts of Spitak, Akhuryan, Gugark, Aragats, Kalinino, and Stepanavan.
More than 25,000 people perished, and 500,000 were left homeless. 17% of residential buildings, approximately 8 million square meters of living space, went out of commission. 170 industrial enterprises ceased operations, and around 1,200 livestock facilities were destroyed. The damage to Armenia’s economy amounted to 13 billion rubles.
Countries from around the world rushed to help. Hundreds of rescuers and doctors came to Armenia. From the first hours of the earthquake, all the republics of the Soviet Union began transporting medicines, medical equipment, construction equipment, tents, and food supplies to Armenia, and subsequently carried out construction work. In 1989, more than 40,000 specialists and military personnel from various regions of the Soviet Union were working in the disaster zone.
More than 113 countries and 7 international organizations provided comprehensive assistance to Armenia.
Various states continued their assistance to Armenia in subsequent years as well. The Italians built an entire residential neighborhood in Spitak, and the Norwegians a modern hospital. The Austrians also built a neighborhood. In Gyumri, a school built by the British was put into operation.
This year, by decision of the Government, 3 billion drams have been allocated for solving the problems of the disaster zone.
With that sum, the Government plans to resolve the housing problems of 227 families left homeless by the earthquake in the disaster zone.
