Renal failure
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A destructive earthquake devastated northwestern Armenia on December 7, 1988. The size of the affected area (radius of 50 miles), the time of the day when it occurred (11:41 a.m.), deficiencies in the design and construction of buildings, and inadequate initial rescue and relief capabilities resulted in one of the most lethal and traumatic natural disasters of the century. ⋯ The limited number (8-10 dialysis machines) of antiquated dialysis facilities available locally were overwhelmed. International dialysis relief efforts resulted in meeting the immediate acute needs and provided the motivation and elements of the more efficient system for the future delivery of maintenance dialysis.