Meeting was held led by of RA Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, during which the progress of the implementation of the Action Plan for the Disaster Risk Management Strategy for 2023-2030 was discussed.

Minister of Internal Affairs Arpine Sargsyan was presented the performance of the strategy. The strategy was indicated by 46 measures.

It was announced that during the reporting period, efforts were made to improve the functional and methodological foundations of the Disaster Risk Management (DRM) system. These efforts included the enhancement of DRM legislation at the national level, the development of a disaster risk assessment and indexing system, the establishment of frameworks for post-disaster needs assessment and recovery processes, the incorporation of DRM requirements in the field of urban planning and the enhancement of DRM processes at the local level in field such as climate change adaptation and biological hazards. At the community level, in educational institutions, and in healthcare facilities, efforts were made to implement DRM plans and enhance capacities. Additionally, DRM components were incorporated into strategic programs for the development of the tourism sector.

Efforts were made to continuously improve the DRM technological system, focusing on the development of climate change adaptation capabilities, strengthening capabilities in managing landslide risks and enhancing the disaster resilience of cities based on geographic information systems. New specializations (educational programs) were introduced at “Crisis Management National Academy of MIA” SNCO. Seismic risk assessments were conducted in the urban areas of Agarak and Meghri.

As part of human resources development efforts, at least one volunteer rescue squad was established in each province of Armenia, including of Yerevan city. In 2024, the activity of 9 volunteer fire and rescue squads was launched in the provinces of Armenia. Previously, such units did not operate at full capacity.

In terms of strengthening the culture of safety, efforts were made to raise the level of public awareness on DRM by integrating DRM educational components into training programs.

Among the key achievements of 2024, the definition of institutional mechanisms, increased awareness and improved material and technical readiness was highlighted.

Additionally, a summary of the activities implemented following the floods in Lori and Tavush provinces were presented.

It was noted that according to new experience, the following activities were planned such as increasing the number of community rescue and volunteer teams and developing their capabilities, improving interdepartmental cooperation and crisis communication processes in the field of DRM, continuous improvement of the capabilities of the Rescue Service, including educational, development of the material and technical base, modernization and improvement of the early warning system, development of the hydrometeorological system, widening of river beds, regular cleaning of garbage and water bodies, restoration and construction of retaining walls and coastal protection structures, development of a disaster risk indexing system.

Prime Minister Pashinyan emphasized the importance of developing capacities in communities to combat disasters, as well as conducting an audit of existing disaster risk management plans, comparing them with the actions actually taken in the event of a disaster. Nikol Pashinyan noted that as a result, gaps in already developed plans should be identified and appropriate changes should be made to them. In the context of disaster management, the Prime Minister also highlighted the need to define early warning standards and map existing infrastructure.