On September 18, a demonstration of a special tactical exercise on "Organization and implementation of rescue and search and rescue operations in case of strong earthquake" was held at the Cultural House in Aparan of Aragatsotn province.

The primary purposes of the exercise were the followings:

• Testing and improving the practical skills of response forces in carrying out rescue and recovery operations;
• Checking the tactical and technical capabilities of forces and resources.
• Strengthening the organization of cooperation between response forces.

Participants included staff from the Aragatsotn Regional Rescue Department, Aparan Fire and Rescue Squad, Aparan Police Division, the emergency medical service of "Aparan Medical Center" CJSC, the regional electric network branch of Musaler (Armenian Electric Networks CJSC), the Aragatsotn Regional branch unit of Gazprom Armenia in Aparan and representatives from the Aparan Municipality.

According to the exercise scenario,  earthquake with 8 magnitude had occurred 2 km southeast from Aparan, as a result partial the administrative building of the Aparan Cultural House was collapsed. The construction parts were detached from the main supports due to the weakening of the main structure and the staircases connecting the second and third floors partially collapsed. Several individuals sustained varying degrees of injuries (as part of the scenario). The fire broke out on the stage and there was also a gas leak.

The participants were given specific tasks and responded accordingly throughout the exercise. Firefighting, search and rescue, as well as recovery operations were conducted as planned.

At the end of the exercise, a debriefing was held to analyze the results, review the actions of the participants, to identify issues and provide relevant instructions and recommendations to address and correct them.