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On May 26, the Ministry of Internal Affairs reported that as a result of the overflow of Debed River emergency situation was created in Northern parts of Armenia, namely in Lori and Tavush regions. As reported, as result of the flood, a 31 km section of the M6 highway between Vanadzor and Alaverdi was flooded, with a portion approximately 50 meters in length collapsing (the highway connects Armenia to Georgia). The flash flooding also forced authorities to close Armenia’s main border crossing with Georgia and suspend rail service between the two countries.
The Ministry reported that bridges over the Debed River have been destroyed and several settlements were cut off. Many residential houses were flooded prompting the evacuation of hundreds of residents from their homes. Lori town of Alaverdi and nearby communities were hit hardest. The Armenian government set up a task force to cope with the natural disaster led by the Minister of Territorial Administration and Infrastructure Gnel Sanosyan. AM PM Nikol Pashinian visited the flooded areas in the afternoon to inspect rescue efforts and damage caused to them.