VIDEO: What Will Happen to Yerevan's Housing Fund in the Event of a 9-Magnitude Earthquake

In Yerevan, the seismic risk during the Soviet Union era was underestimated for the entire region, which is why buildings were constructed to withstand lower seismic danger than necessary. This was stated by Sos Margaryan, the director of the seismic service of the Ministry of Emergency Situations, during a press conference.

“Most of the buildings in the capital were constructed during the Soviet era for a 7-8 magnitude zone. Yerevan is considered a 9-magnitude zone on the seismic risk map, and if we experience a 9-magnitude earthquake, we will face severe consequences, with 40-45% of buildings falling into the risk zone,” Margaryan noted.

He emphasized that there are two fault lines in Yerevan, one located in the northwestern part of the city and the Garni fault, which is very close. The difference between them lies in their potential. The potential for generating a strong earthquake from the Yerevan fault is much lower than that of the Garni fault.

The expert stressed that when discussing the consequences of an earthquake, it is essential not only to measure the seismic situation by the magnitude's strength but also to consider ground conditions, building vulnerability, and the earthquake's depth.