Copyright Information: All images are in the public domain and available for free. If you use this image, credit NOAA/NGDC, G. Sobolev, Academy of Sciences of U.S.S.R.. |
Damage to four story building in Leninakan resulting from poor ties between floors and walls. Such a collapse in the middle of pre-cast, concrete-frame buildings was common. Leninakan's location along the eastern banks of the Akhurian River also contributed significantly to the damage. Most buildings in the area were built on shallow foundations on thick sections of clay, sand, soil, and tuffs which amplified and increased the duration of the ground motions. Image Credit: G. Sobolev. Academy of Sciences of U.S.S.R. December 7, 1988 Leninakan-Spitak-Kirovakan Armenia earthquake The magnitude 6.9 earthquake shook northwestern Armenia, and was followed four minutes later by a magnitude 5.8 aftershock. The earthquakes affected an area 80 kilometers in diameter. This set includes damage photographs taken in and around the devastated cities of Spitak and Leninakan, where 25,000 deaths occurred. Location: Northwestern Armenian SSR, 18 kilometers north northwest of Spitak. Damage: $14.2 billion. Fifteen thousand were injured and 517,000 lost their homes. The death toll (25,000) could have been much worse had it not been for the heroic rescue of 15,000 who were pulled from the rubble. Event Data:
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