Comprehensive emergency-prevention measures implemented, says Rescue Service chief

Armenian authorities are implementing a comprehensive set of preventive measures to reduce the risks of spring flooding and mudflows, with recommendations submitted to the relevant ministries regarding preventive measures at 193 flood-prone sections of river, drainage and mudflow channels in 244 settlements.

Acting Director of the Rescue Service and Acting Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs Aram Ghazaryan provided updates on the work at a press conference.

“From January to May, cleaning works were carried out through communities at 167 flood-prone sections of river and drainage channels in 59 settlements (in 2025: 36 settlements, 24 sections). Safety assessment and monitoring activities were carried out for chemically hazardous facilities, reservoirs, tailings storage facilities, hydraulic structures and fire-hazardous production facilities. To revise and implement disaster risk management plans, disaster risk management plans were developed in 67 communities (out of 69),” Ghazaryan said.

On March 5 and 6, 2026, working discussions were held on issues concerning hydraulic structures located in Armenia, including reservoir warning systems, mechanisms for assessing seismic conditions, procedures for safety measures by organizations operating reservoirs, and other matters.

“Pursuant to Government Decision No. 1582-N of November 10, 2011, information received from regional emergency commissions on the damage caused to individuals and legal entities as a result of emergencies that occurred in Armenia from January to May 2026 was submitted to the Office of the Prime Minister. During the first half of the year, the Rescue Service held another meeting of the working group established by Prime Minister’s Decision No. 817-A of August 7, 2023, to monitor potential forest fire hazards in Armenia, prevent fires, assess necessary capacities, ensure rapid response, combat fires, and carry out measures to eliminate their consequences,” Ghazaryan said.

According to him, relevant agencies and organizations were instructed to actively participate, through cooperation, in planning and implementing preventive measures to combat forest fires.

“To ensure the safety of vacationers in connection with the opening of the swimming season, starting July 1, 2026, rescuers have been on round-the-clock duty in the coastal areas of Lake Sevan in the Shoghakat community and at Public Beaches No. 1, No. 2 and No. 3 of the ‘Sevan’ National Park of the Ministry of Environment. The duty will continue until September 10. Throughout the swimming season, rescuers regularly conduct public awareness activities at public beaches and adjacent areas using leaflets, loudspeakers and UAVs,” Ghazaryan said.