New buildings in Yerevan can withstand nine point earthquakes
18.11.2011,
23:44
Exclusive interview with Valery Arzumanian, head of analysis and monitoring stations division of the National Seismic Protection Service of Armenia.
Exclusive interview with Valery Arzumanian, head of analysis and monitoring stations division of the National Seismic Protection Service of Armenia
ARKA - Mr. Arzumanian, the seismic situation in the region has been deteriorating over recent months and the latest devastating earthquake in the Turkish city of Van is the proof of it . Three-five point tremors were felt in Armenia as well because of the proximity of borders. In some districts of the Armenian capital people even fled their homes. In this connection we would like to ask how earthquake-resistant the buildings in Yerevan are and especially those built in recent years?
Valery Arzumanian – Newly-built buildings in Yerevan are quite steady able to with withstand a 9-point earthquake. As for the old Soviet-era buildings they certainly pose some threats since they were built by old standards, designed to stand 7-8 point quakes and therefore they need to be reinforced.
ARKA -Iis anything being done to reinforce old buildings of Yerevan?
Valery Arzumanian – Of course, certain steps are being made in this direction.
The government keeps this issue in its limelight. As you might know, this area is governed by two effective government resolutions, both developed by the National Seismic Protection Service of Armenia in 1995 and approved by the government in 1999. They are called "Seismic risks in the territory of Armenia and Yerevan" and "Reduction of seismic risks in the territory of Armenia and Yerevan". The plan of actions to improve seismic-resistance of edifices and other structures is designed for 30 years comprising a detailed description of all aspects of the seismic safety and reinforcement of the buildings in the country.
ARKA - Could Yerevan become the epicenter of an earthquake?
Valery Arzumanian - Armenian and foreign researchers say the most dangerous seismic scenario may be caused by the Garni seismic fracture that has the potential of a 7 point magnitude earthquake, but this scenario does not exceed the standards of seismic risk. Yerevan may become an epicenter if the Yerevan fracture gets active, but it is still poorly investigated. I can say that at this time the seismic activity of this fracture has not been confirmed, and we have no weighty arguments that it can lead to disastrous consequences.
ARKA – Tthe main tremor is usually followed by weaker tremors and residual tremors, which geologists call aftershocks. Can an earthquake near the city of Van in Turkey lead to such damages specifically in Yerevan?
Valery Arzumanian – You are right. Strong earthquakes are followed by aftershocks, as was after the Spitak earthquake in 1988. It is natural. Today there is no evidence that aftershocks could lead to a strong earthquake. I would like to note that no strong quakes have been recorded in Yerevan this year. Usually, tremors are felt when they exceed 3 points. This kind of things happen virtually every day. I would like to remind that the last fairly strong earthquake of 4.7 magnitude occurred in Yerevan in 1937, causing panic among the population and great destruction.
ARKA - What is the situation in the country as a whole?
Valery Arzumanian – Over the last two years we have recorded increased seismic activity in Garni, Vardenis and Ararat. However, we do constant monitoring, carry out research, and I must say that at present there is no reason to worry.
ARKA - What is being done to raise the awareness of population and teach them how to act in the event of such natural disasters?
Valery Arzumanian - Of course, the Emergencies Ministry, the National Survey for Seismic Protection of Armenia and other organizations do significant preparatory work among the public and educational institutions, distributing, particularly, brochures about safety measures, conduct classes, seminars, etc. However, it is important that these measures are long-lasting and regular. -0-
ARKA - Mr. Arzumanian, the seismic situation in the region has been deteriorating over recent months and the latest devastating earthquake in the Turkish city of Van is the proof of it . Three-five point tremors were felt in Armenia as well because of the proximity of borders. In some districts of the Armenian capital people even fled their homes. In this connection we would like to ask how earthquake-resistant the buildings in Yerevan are and especially those built in recent years?
Valery Arzumanian – Newly-built buildings in Yerevan are quite steady able to with withstand a 9-point earthquake. As for the old Soviet-era buildings they certainly pose some threats since they were built by old standards, designed to stand 7-8 point quakes and therefore they need to be reinforced.
ARKA -Iis anything being done to reinforce old buildings of Yerevan?
Valery Arzumanian – Of course, certain steps are being made in this direction.
The government keeps this issue in its limelight. As you might know, this area is governed by two effective government resolutions, both developed by the National Seismic Protection Service of Armenia in 1995 and approved by the government in 1999. They are called "Seismic risks in the territory of Armenia and Yerevan" and "Reduction of seismic risks in the territory of Armenia and Yerevan". The plan of actions to improve seismic-resistance of edifices and other structures is designed for 30 years comprising a detailed description of all aspects of the seismic safety and reinforcement of the buildings in the country.
ARKA - Could Yerevan become the epicenter of an earthquake?
Valery Arzumanian - Armenian and foreign researchers say the most dangerous seismic scenario may be caused by the Garni seismic fracture that has the potential of a 7 point magnitude earthquake, but this scenario does not exceed the standards of seismic risk. Yerevan may become an epicenter if the Yerevan fracture gets active, but it is still poorly investigated. I can say that at this time the seismic activity of this fracture has not been confirmed, and we have no weighty arguments that it can lead to disastrous consequences.
ARKA – Tthe main tremor is usually followed by weaker tremors and residual tremors, which geologists call aftershocks. Can an earthquake near the city of Van in Turkey lead to such damages specifically in Yerevan?
Valery Arzumanian – You are right. Strong earthquakes are followed by aftershocks, as was after the Spitak earthquake in 1988. It is natural. Today there is no evidence that aftershocks could lead to a strong earthquake. I would like to note that no strong quakes have been recorded in Yerevan this year. Usually, tremors are felt when they exceed 3 points. This kind of things happen virtually every day. I would like to remind that the last fairly strong earthquake of 4.7 magnitude occurred in Yerevan in 1937, causing panic among the population and great destruction.
ARKA - What is the situation in the country as a whole?
Valery Arzumanian – Over the last two years we have recorded increased seismic activity in Garni, Vardenis and Ararat. However, we do constant monitoring, carry out research, and I must say that at present there is no reason to worry.
ARKA - What is being done to raise the awareness of population and teach them how to act in the event of such natural disasters?
Valery Arzumanian - Of course, the Emergencies Ministry, the National Survey for Seismic Protection of Armenia and other organizations do significant preparatory work among the public and educational institutions, distributing, particularly, brochures about safety measures, conduct classes, seminars, etc. However, it is important that these measures are long-lasting and regular. -0-
