December 7 marks the 34th anniversary of the devastating earthquake in Spitak. The earthquake hit 40% of the territory of Armenia, a densely populated region with 1 million people.
The cities of Spitak, Gyumri, Vanadzor and Stepanavan, as well as hundreds of villages, were totally or partially destroyed. 25 thousand people were killed, and 500 thousand were left without shelter. 17% of the buildings were destroyed, and the work of 170 industrial companies was halted.
Immediately after the earthquake, Armenians all over the world united and offered comprehensive support to the Motherland. “SOS Armenie”, “Aznavour for Armenia”, and tens of other organisations were created. Many Diaspora-Armenians rushed to Armenia, bringing food, clothes and medicine.
Many of them – doctors, psychologists, constructors, and architects – stayed in Armenia and personally participated in the rescue works.
A number of countries of the world continued to support Armenia years after the earthquake. Italians built a whole dwelling district in Spitak, and Norwegians built a hospital, which was named after the great humanist F. Nansen.
A school built by Englishmen was opened in Gyumri. Prime Minister of Great Britain, Margaret Thatcher, participated in the opening ceremony.
https://en.armradio.am/2022/12/07/34-years-after-the-devastating-earthquake-in-spitak/
