Rescue Service reports decline in emergencies and incidents in first half of 2026

The number of emergencies and incidents registered in Armenia fell in the first half of 2026 compared with the same period last year, with 6,421 cases recorded, according to the Rescue Service.

Of the total, 4,737 were man-made, 569 natural and 1,115 socio-biological in nature.

The figures were presented at a meeting with senior management of the Rescue Service.

Aram Ghazaryan, Director of the Rescue Service and Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs, summarized the results of the work carried out by the structural subdivisions of the Rescue Service’s central apparatus during the first half of 2026 and outlined the main directions of upcoming work.

During the reporting period, the Rescue Service subdivisions conducted command-and-staff, staff and special tactical exercises, as well as seminars and training sessions, drills and awareness-raising events. They were aimed at increasing public awareness of civil protection, the ability to properly orient and act in emergency situations, as well as overall preparedness.

The measures implemented are an important component of the continuous development of the disaster risk management system, particularly in terms of work aimed at disaster risk reduction. Their purpose is to increase the level of preparedness of both the population and response agencies.

In the area of disaster risk reduction, effective cooperation with local and international partner organizations continued. In order to reduce the risks of flooding and prevent possible consequences, work was carried out to clean riverbeds and flood channels in flood-prone areas.

At the same time, analyses of major fires were conducted to assess their causes, course of development, the forces and resources used, as well as the effectiveness of the rescue operations carried out. The analyses make it possible to identify existing problems and risks, assess the effectiveness of response, and develop practical solutions aimed at preventing the recurrence of such incidents or reducing their possible consequences.

For the purpose of continuously developing and improving the professional capabilities and practical skills of rescue personnel, around 1,000 personnel received training during the reporting period.

Work also continued on establishing volunteer fire-and-rescue posts and institutionalizing volunteering. As part of the “Institutionalization of the Volunteer First Response Service in the Republic of Armenia” program implemented jointly with the Austrian and Armenian Red Cross Societies, the number of operating volunteer fire-and-rescue posts was increased to 12.

The development of volunteer fire-and-rescue posts is important in terms of disaster risk reduction and strengthening community resilience. They make it possible to organize the initial response more quickly at the community level in the event of a hazard and reduce possible damage and consequences.

Summarizing the work carried out, Chief Ghazaryan noted that work should continue to improve the professional and practical preparedness of the Rescue Service, the effectiveness of exercises, disaster risk reduction and preventive measures.

He also emphasized the need for an in-depth study of the problems identified and their causes, as well as the introduction of practical solutions to prevent the recurrence of incidents, stressing that the effective management of emergencies should be based not only on the principles of rapid and effective response, but also on disaster risk reduction.

At the same time, the further improvement of the prevention component was highlighted, with the aim of identifying potential hazards and risks at the earliest possible stage, reducing their potential impact and mitigating possible consequences if they occur.

The main directions and priorities of upcoming work were also outlined, with the aim of organizing the further activities of the Rescue Service more effectively, continuously developing capabilities in disaster risk management and increasing the effectiveness of population protection.