In June 2025, the regional rescue subdivisions of the Rescue Service of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the RA organized and conducted various types of training exercises and drills in Shirak, Lori, Kotayk, Gegharkunik, Tavush, Vayots Dzor, and Armavir provinces. These activities were aimed at enhancing public preparedness, strengthen the readiness and effective response capacities of state, municipal, and private sector structures in different emergency situations, and reinforce interagency cooperation.

Under the initiative and coordination of the subdivisions, specialized tactical exercises were conducted in kindergartens, medical centers, organizations, and gas stations in various communities of these provinces.

These drills were designed to improve the safety of kindergarten staff and children by developing skills for proper response during emergencies, particularly fires, including safe evacuation and situational awareness.  

The exercises covered the following scenarios:
•    fire suppression and evacuation operations in administrative buildings, industrial areas, warehouses, gas stations, and multi-apartment buildings;
•    partial building collapses caused by earthquakes, search and rescue of victims trapped under debris, and provision of first aid;
•    firefighting activities following gas leaks and explosions;
•    search and rescue activities in Lake Sevan following the capsizing of a fishing boat.

Command-post and staff exercises focused on increasing the effectiveness of the civil protection system, aiming to improve the operational and organizational capacities of leadership, staff, and relevant services for timely, coordinated, and efficient implementation of population protection measures during emergencies. These drills emphasized high-level response coordination and interagency cooperation.

Training themes included population protection measures during strong earthquakes, forest fires, epidemics, landslides, and threats of military conflict, as well as key issues regarding the transition of the civil protection system from peacetime to wartime.

In Kotayk and Tavush provinces, comprehensive public awareness courses were held. These included procedures for alerting, sheltering, and evacuation; behavioral guidelines during air raid alarms and protective actions during and after floods. Special attention was given to the environmental and safety risks posed by uncontrolled burning of grass in fields and orchards, and to the importance of its prevention.

In Lori province practical training exercises were conducted on firefighting and rescue activities at height using fire truck ladders. These were aimed at improving the professional readiness of firefighting and rescue squads and enhancing their ability to operate effectively under challenging conditions. 

The planned exercises and trainings play a crucial role in preventing emergencies and developing the capabilities for rapid and effective crisis response. These initiatives conducted across Armenia’s provinces contribute to raising public awareness and improving the preparedness and coordination of relevant services.