Armenia: Hailstorms - Jun 2023

Severe hailstorms struck various regions of Armenia, causing extensive damage and disruption. On 15 June 2023, the South region, particularly rural communities near the border, experienced heavy precipitation that overwhelmed sewage systems, flooded streets and houses, and rendered roads and bridges impassable. The hail and subsequent flooding resulted in significant damage to houses, livestock, gardens, and food stocks. The impact of the storms extended to other regions as well. On 18 June, Gyumri and neighbouring villages in the Shirak region were hit by a hailstorm, followed by heavy rainfall in Ijevan and neighboring villages in the Tavush region on 19 June. Furthermore, the Lori region experienced heavy rain on 19 and 20 June, affecting rural areas near Stepanavan. These events led to road destruction, disruptions in energy and water supply, and other infrastructure damages. The Tavush Regional Rescue Department Crisis Management Center received numerous alerts on 19 June, reporting significant damage caused by heavy rain, hail, and wind in Ijevan, Tavush. Uprooted trees, flooded roads and buildings, damaged roofs, and disruptions in power and gas supply networks were observed. Crop gardens and fields were also affected, leading to accidents in utility and energy systems. Committees were formed in Tavush Marz and Ijevan municipalities to assess the extent of the damage [...] The damage of the disaster within the two regions is the following: A total of 1,224 people were affected in Tavush, located in the northeast of Armenia, sharing borders with Georgia and Azerbaijan, and Gegharkunik, Kotayk, and Lori provinces internally. The town of Ijevan, the capital of Tavush, mainly suffered the consequences of the hailstorm. A total of 1,720 people were affected in Lori, which is situated in the northern part of Armenia, sharing a border with Georgia. A total of 12,500 people were affected by the hailstorm in Syunik and Shirak areas. (IFRC, 30 Jun 2023)

On 2 August the severe hailstorm struck another part of the targeted Lori region, the Alaverdi community. The heavy hail started at 8 p.m. local time, and continued until 8.30 p.m., followed by rain and wind. The disaster mainly affected the urban area of Alaverdi and rural areas near the city. On the following day, Head of the Municipality sent a formal letter to ARCS with the request to support the most vulnerable, as the burden on the Municipality has been extensive. [...] The recent hailstorms had a significant impact on four regions of Armenia: Syunik, Shirak, Lori, and Tavush. These regions have experienced recurrent hailstorms, landslides, and floods due to climate change, resulting in severe agricultural losses. The recent events have heightened the threats faced by vulnerable population groups, particularly in communities already burdened by the recent conflict and its aftermath. The current DREF operation has been focusing on supporting affected population in Lori and Tavush regions; the new allocation will target a new community in Lori region, where an overall 18,000 people were affected. (IFRC, 29 Aug 2023)