Operation MACEDOINE

International Operation Name: not applicable

International Operation Dates:  not applcable

Mandating Organization: Government of Canada

Region Name:  Europe

Location:  Armenia

Canadian Operation Name: Operation MACEDOINE

Canadian Operation Dates: 1988/12/12 – 1988/12/22

Mission Mandate:

To deliver humanitarian aid to Armenia

Mission Notes:

On December 7th, a magnitude 6.9 earthquake struck the Armenian Soviet Socialist Republic. Four minutes later, a second earthquake, magnitude 5.8, struck. Whole towns in northwest Armenia were reduced to rubble, including Kirovakan Leninakan, Spitak, and Stepanovan. The destruction killed 25,000 (2.5 percent of Armenia’s population) injured 40,000 and left 400,000 homeless at the start of winter. With the transportation network in ruins and rubble filling the streets, rescue efforts were hindered and aid was slow in arriving.

Red Cross relief supplies and food and clothing donated by the Armenian community in Montreal were flown to Larnaca, Cyprus using 437 Squadron Boeing. It was then flown to Armenia in shuttle runs by 436 Squadron Hercules from 12 to 22 December.