23 years after devastating earthquake: still remembered, still mourned

YEREVAN, DECEMBER 7, ARMENPRESS:

1988, December 7, 11.41 local time, 22.7 seconds. In the twinkling of an eye eight-magnitude earthquake turned Armenia into a disaster zone. Twenty one towns and regions, 342 villages were damaged. The earthquake claimed lives of 25 thousand people, about 20000 got different injuries, 514 thousand people remained homeless. The greatest number of the victims was recorded in Gyumri and Spitak.

Every year December 7 the leadership of the country, political figures visit the disaster zone paying tribute to the victims of the devastating earthquake, a divine liturgy is being served.