Spitak Earthquake: Wiped Out Within 30 Seconds
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29 years ago, one of the worst disasters in the history of Armenia struck northwest of the country. As result of the devastating earthquake, the town of Spitak was almost completely destroyed within 30 seconds. 25,000 people were killed, while 140,000 more were injured.
The 10-magnitude quake struck on December 7, 1988, at 11.41 am and affected more than 300 Armenian settlements. The town of Spitak which was at the epicenter of the disaster was virtually leveled to the ground within 30 seconds. Other cities like Leninakan (now Gyumri), Stepanavan and Vanadzor were partially destroyed.