U.S. aid to Armenia for recovery from Spitak earthquake totaled $51 million

PanARMENIAN.Net - On December 5, U.S. Ambassador Marie L. Yovanovitch opened a photo exhibit at the Moscow Cinema in Yerevan that tells a visual story of the 1988 earthquake and the international relief effort that followed. The exhibit entitled "From Survival to Revival" highlights U.S. government assistance to the disaster zone, starting with humanitarian and immediately following the earthquake and continuing the story to the present-day developmental programs that foster sustainable growth in the region.



"The U.S. was one of 74 countries which extended a helping hand to Armenia. The U.S. aid to Armenia totaled $51 million," the U.S. Ambassador said.



Mr. Steve Anlian, former chief of party of USAID's $35 million Earthquake Zone Recovery Program (200-2004). Gave a presentation explaining how the program helped over 7 000 households living in temporary shelters find permanent housing.



"I am confident that we are close to complete elimination of the consequences of the 1988 calamity although we have a great deal of work yet. All families should be provided with homes," he said.