Spitak Earthquake Remembrance Day · Spitak

Culture of origin: Armenian · Historical

Holiday sources: Armenian

At 11:41 on 7 December 1988 an earthquake of surface-wave magnitude 6.8 struck northern Armenia, destroying much of Spitak and heavily damaging Leninakan (Gyumri) and Kirovakan (Vanadzor). The official toll was 25,000 dead, with estimates up to 50,000, and 113 countries sent aid. Armenia keeps the day as a day of remembrance.