Catastrophe not ruled out

There are 5 micro-districts in Baku that were established in 1955-1965. The reinforced concrete houses in them may collapse any time because their life-span has long expired, vice-president of the Union of architects Nariman Aliyev told AssA-Irada Tuesday.

According to him, such buildings were designed for 12 years to house the needy. However, they have been in service for over 40 years.

Asked why the structures managed to withstand the recent powerful earthquake in Baku, Mr. Aliyev said that it was good luck. Chances of their sudden collapse still run high. In Moscow, he says, such buildings are being razed and we need to follow suit, he concluded.*