Attention: Weak and Moderate Earthquakes Expected in Armenia and Surrounding Areas in the Coming Days - EMERCOM

On February 5th, at 19:36 local time, a 4.7 magnitude earthquake was recorded 5 km northeast of Shorja village in Gegharkunik province, at a depth of 10 km. The intensity at the epicenter, according to the MSK-64 scale, was assessed at 6-7 points. It was felt in Gegharkunik province with an intensity of 5-6 points, in several settlements of Kotayk, Tavush, Lori, and Ararat provinces with an intensity of 4-6 points, and in Yerevan city with an intensity of 3-4 points.

According to information from the EMERCOM website, approximately 60 aftershocks occurred following the earthquake from February 5 to 6 (as of 11:00), of which 5 were M≥2.5 (all weaker than the initial tremor). It is important to note that in the early instrumental period, significant earthquakes of M=5.0 in 1933 and M=4.8 in 1947 occurred in the same epicentral area.

The Territorial Service for Seismic Protection of EMERCOM is conducting 24-hour seismic monitoring in Armenia and surrounding areas. Due to the mentioned seismic events, particular attention has been paid to assessing the current seismic hazard. An analysis of geophysical and hydrogeochemical data has been conducted. According to the latest data from the national seismic monitoring network, the number of anomalous manifestations increased before the earthquake occurrence. These manifestations have not yet concluded.

Considering the above, it can be concluded that in the coming days, seismic activity will continue to manifest in the form of weak and moderate earthquakes in Armenia and surrounding areas. At the same time, based on the available data, the probability of strong seismic shocks is low.

The Territorial Service for Seismic Protection of EMERCOM is conducting continuous monitoring; periodic information will be provided regarding the situation.