Four Die in Armenian Floods, Rescue Efforts Continue
Recent floods in two regions of Armenia have claimed the lives of four people. Search and rescue teams are still looking for missing individuals.
The Ministry of Internal Affairs of Armenia reported that rescuers have evacuated and rescued 429 people from the flooded areas. Gnel Sanosyan, the Minister of Territorial Administration and Infrastructure, confirmed the discovery of one more body, bringing the death toll to four.
Severe flooding has caused extensive damage, destroying 17 bridges, including 5-6 large ones, and isolating over 5,000 people in various villages. Nine communities are cut off from main roads, and about 3,500 residents are without electricity. Gas supplies have been disrupted, and many power lines and water pipelines are damaged.
The railway has also suffered significant damage, with about 2.5 km of tracks needing repairs. The M6 road has been heavily affected, with 8-9 sections completely or partially destroyed. The M4 interstate road also sustained damage, but emergency repairs have kept it passable.
Efforts are underway to restore electricity, gas, and water supplies gradually. Authorities are also organizing alternative routes to ensure transportation and food delivery to the affected areas.
The heavy rainfall on the night of May 25-26 caused the flooding, affecting settlements and key roads, including the Yerevan-Tbilisi-Yerevan railway. The Prime Minister has set up an operational headquarters to manage the crisis.
