Armenia's Minister of Territorial Administration and Infrastructures provides updates on disaster zone situation

YEREVAN, MAY 29, ARMENPRESS. Minister of Territorial Administration and Infrastructures of the Republic of Armenia, Gnel Sanosyan, at a press conference held in Alaverdi, presented details of the work carried out in the settlements declared disaster zones following severe flooding caused by heavy rains on May 25-26.

Sanosyan said that the consequences of the disaster are very serious and the amount of damage is huge.

"We will need a lot of time and significant financial resources to eliminate the consequences," said the minister. He detailed that the most severe destruction occurred in the city of Alaverdi and in the sections along the river from Alaverdi to Bagratashen.

"Particularly two areas, several buildings and shopping areas in Alaverdi were partially or completely submerged underwater. Our first priority has been to evacuate people from those locations. Our rescuers successfully evacuated approximately 430 individuals from various areas. The most extensive evacuation took place in the village of Karkop, which was entirely evacuated. Only today we have been able to start work in this village; it was not possible in the previous days", said Gnel Sanosyan.

According to him, as a result of the significant amount of work, it was possible to reopen several sections of interstate roads.

Sanosyan noted that seven settlements have been partially isolated from the city of Alaverdi due to bridge damage.

“We are working on this problem. Deliveries to these settlements are being made via the field road. There were problems with water supply, gas supply, the energy system, internet, and mobile communication. However, most of these problems have been resolved at the moment," said the minister.