ArmInfo.Restoration work is underway at an active pace in the disaster zone. This was announced at a government meeting on June 6 by head of the operational headquarters for the elimination of the consequences of the May 26 floods, RA Minister of Territorial Administration and Infrastructure Gnel Sanosyan.
According to him, many areas affected by the natural disaster have been completely cleaned of mud and dirt. Four temporary pedestrian bridges have been erected, which has significantly facilitated land communication between residents of the affected regions. Tomorrow, another bridge will be put into operation, but this time for automobile transport, which will allow communication between seven settlements. Gas, electricity and water supply have been restored by 90%. The Minister emphasized that the first cargo of gasoline and diesel fuel after the flood arrived by rail in Armenia, at the Ayrum station bordering Georgia. Moreover, as the Minister noted, the volumes of gasoline and diesel fuel significantly exceed the number of vehicles, and for this reason, work is currently underway to attract additional equipment. Sanosyan also reported that the restoration of rail communication continues at an active pace.
For his part, RA Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan noted that at the moment it remains to clean the surroundings of Karpot village. Pashinyan highlighted the work of Russian partners, who are carrying out large-scale work to restore rail communication. According to the Prime Minister, the Armenian authorities are also actively working with international partners on the issue of building new bridges, and Yerevan hopes for their assistance. Pashinyan expressed hope that the issue of the extent of the damage will be determined in the very near future so that specific restoration programs can be presented to international partners.
Meanwhile, as noted by the head of the Armenian MFA Ararat Mirzoyan, at least several partners have already expressed such readiness, especially in terms of bridge construction. On other issues, the partners are waiting for clarification of the areas of assistance.
On May 26, due to heavy rains, the Debed and Agstev rivers overflowed their banks. As a result of the flood, four people died, several hundred citizens were evacuated, and significant destruction of roads and infrastructure was recorded in the Lori and Tavush regions of the republic. According to information provided by the Ministry of Internal Affairs on May 26, the natural disaster damaged roads, bridges and railways. The main impact of the natural disaster was felt by the Lori region. About 50 meters of the road were destroyed on the Vanadzor-Alaverdi highway, several houses and outbuildings at the Ayrum railway station were flooded, the bridge over the Debed River connecting the Sanahin station with the city of Alaverdi was destroyed. In addition, international train services on the Yerevan-Tbilisi-Yerevan route were cancelled by the South Caucasus Railways company due to a landslide on the Ayrum-Akhtala section.