The Ministry of Internal Affairs in collaboration with the local self-government body, UNICEF and various international and local partners organized the regular headquarters exercise in the Masis community with financial support from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID).

According to the scenario, cracks had developed in the dam of the Akhurian Reservoir and there was a high risk of collapse due to an earthquake. There was destruction as a result of the earthquake in the settlements of Shirak province, where the country’s rescue and emergency recovery forces and resources were immediately focused.

The disaster scenario was planned as follows:

• Disaster Risk Management Plan of the community will be tested.
• Collaboration between regional and local self-government bodies, international organizations and all interested parties will be checked and improved.
• The resilience of communities and the safety of children in educational institutions will be enhanced.

"We are purely here to conduct the organizational activities, monitoring the process to see how the community can withstand such disasters and whether it is prepared in general", said Gurgen Martirosyan, Head of the PPRRD of the Rescue Service of MIA of RA.

The practical part of the event held in the area adjacent to Marmarashen school, where the knowledge and skills in the field of participants were tested. This was followed by immediate response actions.

According to Hegine Ghukasyan, Head of Emergency Response Programs at UNICEF, "The exercise is organized by the community with the support of both the Rescue Service and UNICEF.  Permanent work with the community here is crucial, as these evacuated schools also need disaster risk management development, which we have already identified as a subsequent step".

Considering that the flooding of the reservoir could affect several settlements, a warning and awareness campaign was conducted in schools. This program was tailored to different age groups and included phased actions on evacuation, inventory of essential needs, survival strategies and psychological support. At the end of the campaign, a comprehensive review of the outcomes took place.

The chief specialist of Masis municipality Gnel Apinyan told, "We maintain constant communication with the personnel of the Rescue Service of Ministry of Internal Affairs and organize disaster risk management council meetings twice a year. Additionally, we conduct training exercises once a year."

The Ministry of Internal Affairs prioritized public safety and the need for preventive measures helping to increase disaster resilience in communities. The purpose of such exercises is to save as many lives as possible and minimize damages in emergency situations.