ArmInfo.The international HOPE FSX 2023 was successfully completed in Armenia, the practical part of which began on October 10. It was no coincidence that the topic of the exercise was the response to a major earthquake, the press service of the RA Ministry of Internal Affairs reported.
According to the scenario, early in the morning a devastating earthquake struck Armenia, the epicenter of which was 8 kilometers northeast of Garni, the intensity of the shock wave was 8-9 points. The underground disaster caused the most destruction to the Kotayk region of the republic.
The forces of the Rescue Service of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the Yerevan Municipality and the administration of the Kotayk region are beginning response measures. In earthquakes of this magnitude, the destruction is typically extensive, and no single country can provide relief to all affected communities. An international appeal for humanitarian assistance has been launched through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Emergency Response Coordination Center of the European Human Protection Mechanism has been activated. Within 24 hours, European population protection teams, including teams from Georgia, Greece, France, Montenegro and North Macedonia, arrive in Armenia by air and land. Rescue forces meet the arriving groups at the Bagratashen border checkpoint and at the Zvartnots international airport and direct them to the operational center of Lusakert, Kotayk region.
Urban search and rescue operations begin in collaboration with local forces. In the settlements of Argel and Arzni, Kotayk region, early in the morning, activities begin to transfer international groups to the disaster zone and organize gatherings of command personnel for search and rescue operations. In the village of Argel, which is the operational base, in addition to local forces, 6 urban search and rescue teams set up tents and carry out rescue operations together with local emergency authorities.
At three training grounds located in the Arzni Valley, active work simultaneously begins to open the rubble, search for victims with the help of canine teams, extract victims from buildings and cars using hydraulic tools, and provide them with first aid. Search and rescue operations are accompanied by reconnaissance conducted by drones, and a helicopter from the RA Ministry of Defense is involved in the work to take the seriously wounded out of the valley. Historical and cultural monuments in the city of Yerevan - the Erebuni Historical and Archaeological Museum-Reserve and the Armenian Genocide Museum-Institute - were also damaged by an earthquake. The Armenian Red Cross and the volunteer organization provide assistance in the rubble, providing the necessary first aid. At the same time, rescuers, with the help of employees, are evacuating museum exhibits.
According to the scenario, a fire breaks out in a special school for children with mental and physical disabilities as a result of an earthquake; employees of the Rescue Services and the Psychological Support Department are working on the spot. The goal is the safe evacuation of children and personnel and provision of psychological assistance to them. Active search and rescue operations continue throughout the night at locations located in the cities of Abovyan and Charentsavan, with the participation of international and local rescue teams and canine teams.