Armenian parliament passes bill on disaster resistance day
The National Assembly unanimously adopted in the first reading on Thursday a bill on making an addendum to the law “On Holidays and Remembrance Days of the Republic of Armenia” which would make December 7 the Day of Remembrance for Earthquake Victims and Disaster Resistance.
The document says taking into consideration that December 7, according to Article 15 of the Law “On Holidays and Remembrance Days”, is dedicated to the memory of the 1988 Spitak earthquake victims, as well as the general direction of the measures to be envisaged by the PM’s draft resolution "On Approving the Plan for Conducting Disaster Resistance Day” December 7 will also be marked as the Day of Disaster Resistance in Armenia.
According to official date, the devastating Spitak quake killed more than 25,000 people, leaving more than 15,000 disabled, and over 500,000 – homeless. Within minutes, large-scale destructions were recorded in Spitak, Leninakan, Kirovakan and other cities.
The whole world responded to the tragedy. More than 113 countries and 7 international organizations provided support to Armenia.