The Director of RS-Deputy Minister of IA Aram Ghazaryan summarized the results of the activities by the structural subdivisions of the Rescue Service’s central apparatus during the first half of 2026 and outlined the main directions of upcoming activities.

During the reporting period, the Rescue Service’s subdivisions conducted top-table, staff and special tactical exercises, as well as seminars and training sessions, drills and awareness-raising activities. These initiatives were aimed at increasing public awareness of civil protection, strengthening ability to properly assess and respond to emergencies and enhancing overall preparedness of the people.

The measures implemented represent an important component of the continued development of the disaster risk management system, particularly efforts aimed at reducing disaster risk. Their purpose was to enhance the level of preparedness of both the population and response structures.

Effective cooperation with local and international partner organizations had continued in the disaster risk reduction field. The river channels and drainage channels in flood-prone areas were cleared to reduce the risk of flooding and prevent potential consequences.

At the same time, complex fire cases were analyzed to assess their causes, progression, the forces and resources deployed and the effectiveness of the rescue operations implemented. These analyses help identify existing challenges and risks, evaluate the effectiveness of the response, as well as develop practical solutions aimed at preventing the recurrence of similar incidents or mitigating their potential consequences.

To ensure the continuous development and improvement of rescuers’ professional capabilities and practical skills, approximately 1,000 personnel received training during the reporting period.

Activities also continued on establishing volunteer fire and rescue stations and institutionalizing volunteerism. As part of the “Institutionalization of the Volunteer First Response Service in the Republic of Armenia” program, implemented jointly with the Austrian Red Cross and the Armenian Red Cross Society, the number of operative volunteer fire and rescue stations was increased to 12.

The development of volunteer fire and rescue stations was of particular importance for disaster risk reduction and strengthening community resilience. These stations enable a faster initial response to emergencies at the community level, helping to minimize potential damage and consequences.

During the first half of 2026, a total of 6,421 emergencies and accidents were registered in the Republic, of which 4,737 were man-made, 569 were natural and 1,115 were of a socio-biological nature.

According to the statistics, the overall number of emergencies and accidents decreased compared with the same period of the previous year.

Summarizing the activities done, Aram Ghazaryan emphasized the need to continue efforts aimed at enhancing the professional and practical preparedness of the Rescue Service, improving the effectiveness of exercises, reducing disaster risks, and strengthening preventive measures.

He also emphasized the need for an in-depth examination of identified challenges and their underlying causes, as well as the implementation of practical solutions to prevent similar accidents from recurring. He stressed effective emergency management should be based not only on rapid and effective response, but also on the principles of disaster risk reduction.

At the same time, the further enhancement of the prevention component was emphasized, with the aim of identifying potential hazards and risks at the earliest possible stage, reducing their potential impact and mitigating possible consequences should they occur.

The main directions and priorities for upcoming activities were also outlined, with the aim of organizing future operations of the Rescue Service more effectively, continuously strengthening capacities in the field of disaster risk management and enhancing the effectiveness of public protection.