During the June 10 sitting, the Armenian government approved a plan submitted by Armenian Minister of Emergency Situations Armen Yeritsyan for organization of population’s protection in case of a massive earthquake.
The plan is of keen importance for Armenia, which is located in a seismic zone. Besides, according to experts, around 80% of constructions in Yerevan are not earthquake-proof.
On December 7, 1998, a 6.9-magnitude earthquake hit northwestern Armenia and was followed four minutes later by a 5.8-magnitude aftershock. In the epicenter, the village of Nalband, the tremors were reported to measure 10 on the Richter scale.
The earthquake leveled the cities of Spitak and Gyumri and left about 25,000 people dead, 100,000 wounded and 500,000 homeless.
