Members of Parliament observe moment of silence commemorating Spitak earthquake victims

Emil Lazarian 2023

 10:51, 7 December 2023

YEREVAN, DECEMBER 7, ARMENPRESS. Members of Parliament held a moment of silence on Thursday to commemorate the victims of the 1988 Spitak earthquake.

The Spitak earthquake occurred on December 7, 1988 with a surface wave magnitude of 6.8 and a maximum MSK intensity of X (Devastating).

Over 25,000 people were killed and 20,000 others injured in the quake. Over half a million people became homeless. 17% of the entire housing stock of Armenia was destroyed.

Emil Lazarian

“I should like to see any power of the world destroy this race, this small tribe of unimportant people, whose wars have all been fought and lost, whose structures have crumbled, literature is unread, music is unheard, and prayers are no more answered. Go ahead, destroy Armenia . See if you can do it. Send them into the desert without bread or water. Burn their homes and churches. Then see if they will not laugh, sing and pray again. For when two of them meet anywhere in the world, see if they will not create a New Armenia.” - WS