Sixth Grade
Worksheets
Earthquake Mourning Day in Armenia
December 7 Daily theme
Reading Comprehension for December 7
In Armenia, December 7 is a day off for everyone. People don't go to work. Children don't go to school. Almost all public places like banks and libraries are closed. December 7th is a public holiday in the Republic of Armenia, but it is not a happy day. It is a day of mourning. On December 7, the people of Armenia remember those who died in 1988 in a terrible earthquake.
Armenia is a country in southwestern Asia. It joins Turkey, Georgia, and Azerbaijan. Armenia is a very old country. It has a very distinct culture and traditions. At different periods of time, Armenia was a part of the Roman, Byzantine, Arab, Persian, and Ottoman empires. Armenia was the first nation to formally adopt Christianity as a state religion in the year 301. In 1920, Armenia became one of the republics of the Soviet Union.
Armenia was still a part of the USSR when a horrible disaster happened. On December 7, 1988, an earthquake wiped out the northern parts of Armenia. At least 25,000 people died. Half a million people were left homeless. The earthquake happened at 11:41 in the morning. A series of smaller quakes followed. It happened on a regular working day. Many people were at work, and children were in schools.
