Strong earthquakes hit Armenia's eastern region

YEREVAN, February 6. / ARKA /. A strong earthquake struck Armenia's eastern regions on February 5 evening, the Ministry of Emergencies reported. It said the quake's strength at the epicenter was magnitude 6-7.

The quake was registered by the National Seismic Protection Service at 19.36 local time (15.36 GMT) 5 km northeast of the village of Shorzha in Gegharkunik region.

The magnitude of the earthquake in Shorzha was 4.7; the source was located at a depth of 10 km.

The earthquake was felt in Gegharkunik with a force of 5-6 points, in numerous settlements in Kotayk, Tavush, Lori and Ararat with the force of 4-6 points, as well as in Yerevan - 3-4 points.

The Ministry of Emergency Situations said as of 20.10 no reports of destruction, casualties and injuries were registered.

Later, the governor of Gegharkunik, Gnel Sanosyan, confirmed that no serious destruction was recorded in the region, there were no casualties or injuries.

"Some old buildings and sheds, mainly in Shorzha and Artanish communities, as well as power lines have been damaged, as a result of which there was no electricity in the nearby populated communities of Shoghakat and Chambarak," Sanosyan said.

Later,  a second earthquake struck the same area at 0.6 am on February 6. Its strength was weaker (magnitude 3.7) than the first one (magnitude 4.7). -0-