Earthquake devastates Armenia
In the Soviet Union an earthquake of a 6.9 magnitude on the Richter scale hits northwestern Armenia affecting an area 50 miles in diameter.The initial earthquake was followed four minutes later by a powerful 5.8 magnitude aftershock.More than 20 towns and 342 villages were affected and 58 of them were heavily damaged.
Spitak a major population center was almost completely destroyed.The earthquakes killed more tha at least 60000 people injured at least 15000 and left some 500000 Armenians homeless.Direct economic losses were estimated at 14 billion.
With the USSR nearing economic collapse rebuilding was slow and ineffective.
