1988 Armenian earthquake
The 1988 Armenian earthquake, also known as the Spitak earthquake (Armenian: Սպիտակի երկրաշարժ, Spitaki yerkrasharj), happened on December 7 at 11:41 local time with a surface wave magnitude of 6.8 and a maximum MSK intensity of X (Devastating).[1]
The shock happened in the northern region of Armenia. Between 25,000 and 50,000 were killed and up to 130,000 were injured.
Despite the tensions of the Cold War, Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev formally asked the United States for humanitarian help within a few days of the earthquake.[2]
1988 Armenian Earthquake Media
USGS shakemap showing the December 7 mainshock intensity
Building damage in Leninakan
The Holy Saviour's Church in Gyumri after the earthquake
References
- ↑ Harutyunyan, Arpi (December 7, 2007). Still Recovering: A visit to the 1988 "center of the epicenter". http://www.armenianow.com/features/7913/still_recovering_a_visit_to_the_19. Retrieved March 7, 2014.
- ↑ Brand, David; Blackman, Ann (December 19, 1988). "Soviet Union: When the Earth Shook – A killer quake devastates Armenia, and the West responds with unprecedented aid". Time. http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,956559,00.html. Retrieved August 10, 2012.(subscription needed)