YEREVAN. – A Japanese team of experts is conducting seismic risk studies in Armenia, for the past two years, and the intermediate results of capital Yerevan’s seismic risk study was presented on Thursday.    

The team’s leader Fumio Kaneko informed news reporters that they, together with Armenian experts and scientists, conducted studies. “At this time we know the risks that exist for Yerevan,” he noted. As per Kaneko, the capital’s greatest problem is the time-worn housing. It is also important that Yerevan residents be aware of the potential dangers and be prepared for potential disasters,” Fumio Kaneko stated.  

Since the majority of Yerevan’s buildings were constructed during the Soviet times, they have become considerably weak, over time. According to the expert, around 5,000 buildings were constructed during that time period, and almost half of Yerevan’s population lives in those buildings. “In our estimation, around 1,000 buildings would collapse and the rest will be damaged in the case of a strong quake. Close to 30 thousand could die and twice as many could be injured,” the expert maintained, adding these numbers refer to an over-magnitude-7 earthquake.       

The Ministry of Emergency Situations and Yerevan City Hall need to create a powerful system for earthquake preparation. “They should decide whether to reinforce the old buildings, or to demolish them and construct new ones. It is also necessary teach earthquake preparation in schools,” Fumio Kaneko noted.