Russian Armenian Organizations mark Spitak quake 25th anniv.December 7, 2013 - 11:47 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Coordination Committee of Russian Armenian Organizations issued a commemorative statement on the 25th anniversary of the devastating Spitak earthquake. In the statement, the Committee commemorated the victims of the tragedy, thanking the countries who lent helping hands in aiding the survivors, volunteer doctors and rescuers who saved lives while risking their own, and all those who shared the sorrow of the Armenian people. Armenia marks the 25th anniversary of the Spitak earthquake on December 7. 25 years ago today, at 11:41 am local time a magnitude 6.9 earthquake shook northwestern Armenia to be followed by a magnitude 5.8 aftershock four minutes later. 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, leaving about 25000 people dead, 100000 wounded and 500000 homeless. Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Biden honors resilience of Armenian people on April 24 U.S. President Joe Biden has issued a statement on the 109th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. Ex-Karabakh leader moved to solitary confinement cell in Baku, his son says David Vardanyan is the son of former Karabakh leader Ruben Vardanyan who who is currently imprisoned in Azerbaijan. Macron says France commemorates 109th anniv. of Armenian genocide Today France commemorates the 109th anniversary of the Armenian genocide of 1915, Macron says. Freedom House concerned by mounting reports of police violence in Armenia Freedom House urged Armenian authorities to investigate this pattern of excessive force and inhumane treatment. |