Armenia: Early Recovery after Floods 2024 (Direct Action)

• On May 25-26 Northern Armenia was seriously affected by heavy rains, which caused flooding of the rivers Debed, Aghstev and Tashir. Flash floods and significant damages were reported in several communities in Lori and Tavush Provinces.
• 4 human losses were reported, and about 2’400 people were evacuated. The economic losses are considerable.
• Over 44 pedestrian and 24 road bridges were damaged, and several parts of the M6 and M4 roads became impassable. Emergency temporary footpassing measures (such as in Sanahin) were again washed away due to new floods on 10.6.
• Several communities were totally cut off from the surrounding areas. Essential services such as water, sewage and gas were disrupted.
• The main transport axis (national highway M6 and a railway line) between Armenia and Georgia passes through the narrow and deep valley of the river Debed.

Direct beneficiaries are:

• Flood affected people in Lori and Tavush provinces
• National / local technical staff such as road department and local/ municipal civil engineers

Indirect beneficiaries is the population using the rehabilitated infrastructure; and students in engineering who will improve the quality of their design and construction works.

1. Armenia’s authorities (national, regional and local level) are aware of how the floods unfolded and of possible risk reduction measures for future events (outcome at institutional level)
2. Flood affected people have regained access to basic services and main road (outcome at community level)
3. Bridge/river infrastructure are more resistant through better design and construction (outcome at institutional level)

Expected results:  

1.1. An event analysis for the main affected region is conducted with the involvement of main national/local authorities and Crisis Management State Academy. Lessons learned and recommendations for risk reduction measures are shared with relevant stakeholders (O1)

2.1. Three pedestrian bridges are sustainably rebuilt and allow access for all (Sanahin Station/Tavush region and Akthala and region, Saratovka/Lori) (O2)

3.1. Engineering support for a specific bridge and/or embankment is provided based on close to state-of-the art design (O3)

3.2. Engineers (m/f) from defined municipalities, the Road Department and other institutions, including professors from the National University of Architecture and Construction of Armenia, have improved their knowledge in hydraulic and river engineering through training (O3)

Results from previous phases:  

• Dispatched upon Armenia’s request, the SHA Rapid Response Team (RRT) conducted a detailed analysis of the damages (bridges, roads, riverbank protection) and identified the main causes of the disaster.
• A Technical Assessment Report was handed over to the GoA with main conclusions and reccommendations for (1) immediate actions (Reconstruct/rehabilitate access bridges and riverbed protection, data recording along the river before flood signs are washed away); (2) mediumterm actions (e.g. Event analysis, data monitoring for early warning systems, capacity building for sound river/hydraulic engineering)