TODAY IS 13-TH ANNIVERSARY OF SPITAK EARTHQUAKE IN ARMENIA

PanARMENIAN.Net - Today Armenia marks the 13-th anniversary of Spitak earthquake. December 7, 1988 the earthquake with intensity of 9,8 points shook the northern regions of Armenia. Town of Spitak was entirely demolished as a result of the natural cataclysm, Gyumri (former Leninakan) lost 80%, Vanadzor (former Kirovakan) and Stepanavan towns also suffered much. The natural disaster took 25 thousand people's lives and 40 thousand were extracted from under the obstructions. The consequences of the earthquake are not overcome yet. According to the data provided by "Arminfo" agency, building and reconstruction works to the amount of 32 million dollars are carried out in the disaster area. The entire program of reconstruction in 2001-2003 is estimated to spend nearly 150 billions. In the words of the Minister of town planning of Armenia David Lokian, 1906 families are provided with accommodation this year. The state has obligations to 14200 families who suffered during the earthquake. It is planned to carry out works to the sum of some 60 million dollars in 2002. The external sources will give the lion share of the payments, in particular "Linsi" fund created by billionaire Kirk Kirkorian.