Question

question
why did the 1988 armenian earthquake (in the armenian republic, then part of the former soviet union) result in an estimated 25,000 deaths?
answer
the quake hit at rush hour, thousands of motorists were killed when freeways collapsed
the area was densely populated and right at the epicenter of a magnitude 8.5 quake.
the buildings were constructed on unconsolidated, water - saturated lakebeds; foundation failures were common.
numerous, poorly constructed, top - heavy concrete slab buildings collapsed.
i dont know yet

Explanation:

The 1988 Armenian earthquake had high casualties mainly due to the construction quality. The buildings were poorly constructed, top - heavy concrete slab structures. Such structures are more prone to collapse during an earthquake.

Answer:

Numerous, poorly constructed, top - heavy concrete slab buildings collapsed.