Tornado-like wind ravages Aparan infrastructure

PanARMENIAN.Net - Local officials and emergency services worked overnight in Aparan to assess structural damage and organize relief efforts.

On June 15, a powerful whirlwind struck Aparan, inflicting massive destruction, the municipality reported. Initial findings indicate damage to 50 private homes, 20 shops, roofs of 20 apartment buildings, and 10 institutional rooftops. Affected were Schools No. 1 and No. 2, as well as arts and culture centres. The municipality, police, prosecutor’s office, ACBA Bank, and other entities also experienced damage. Many residents saw broken windows, wall deterioration, and exterior facade harm.

The municipal government, Emergency Situations Service, and other bodies mobilized fully to evaluate damage and coordinate aid and restoration. Overnight and into the early morning, Aparan’s mayor Karen Yeghiazaryan, alongside deputies and department heads, remained on site overseeing relief operations.

Narek Sargsyan, press secretary for the Ministry of Internal Affairs, stated that on June 15 from 16:10, the regional crisis centre in Aragatsotn received reports of strong winds damaging rooftops, vehicles and uprooting trees in Aparan city and Lusagyugh community. By 21:00, the winds had damaged 43 roofs, 22 passenger cars and 3 trucks, felled 21 trees, and damaged 17 power poles and 3 solar installations. The MIA rescue teams and firefighting units responded according to protocol, with a total of 137 rescuers engaged. According to the Ministry of Health, four individuals received first aid.

On June 14 evening, Gyumri suffered from torrential hail and heavy wind, severely impacting city infrastructure and causing power outages in several districts. The Russian 102nd military base stationed in the city offered assistance for recovery efforts, Sputnik Armenia reports. Major General Alexander Bezborodov, the base commander, expressed concern and proposed providing technical equipment and personnel to support cleanup and repair.

Deputy mayor Gagik Manukyan, speaking on behalf of Mayor Vardan Ghukasyan, thanked the base for its attention and readiness to assist, emphasizing that such gestures reflect partnership and mutual respect during difficult times. He added that municipal services have so far managed the situation independently but will consider the military’s help if needed.