Chaired by Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, another hearing on public agencies’ performance reports was held in the Office of Government. Minister of Emergency Situations Felix Tsolakyan reported the activities implemented in 2019 as part of the Government’s Action Plan for 2019-2023. In particular, he advised that under a grant arrangement signed between the Government of Armenia and the Japan International Cooperation Agency, the regional units of the Rescue Service in Syunik, Lori and Shirak marzes (18 fire and rescue teams) were furnished with fire-fighting equipment. The replenishment sought to develop rapid response capabilities and achieve enhanced efficiency in organizing firefighting activities.

Periodic monitoring of landslide-prone hazardous areas was carried out; 14 out of 133 active landslides are being surveyed as part of an instrumental research program. The Ministry came up with legislative initiatives aimed at solving existing problems in the field of emergency situations in 2019.

By the decision of January 23, 2020, the Government of the Republic of Armenia approved a draft pilot program for assessing the seismic exposure of apartment buildings in Jermuk City of Vayots Dzor Marz. The project seeks to assess the vulnerability of buildings and submit proposals for each type of building.

A concept is being developed to ensure the technical safety of elevators and develop a relevant framework of state regulations. A strategy for the development of the Ministry of Emergency Situations has been submitted, a draft law “On Material Reserve” and related bills were approved. Legislative initiatives have also been developed for a national strategy for disaster risk management, technical safety and hazardous production facilities.

In 2019, the Ministry of Emergency Situations classified communities based on reports of hazards, vulnerabilities and opportunities, and classified disaster risk reduction measures in individual communities.

The Crisis Management Academy of the Ministry of Emergency Situations conducted trainings on the rules of behavior of population in emergency situations for 1038 students from educational institutions in Yerevan and in the provinces; civil defense rescue teams were trained in 11 border communities of Tavush Marz.

Coming to the reforms implemented in the period under review, Minister Tsolakyan reported that the rescuers’ wages rose by an average of 30%. Due to the increase in the minimum wage on January 1, 2020, 127 employees of Hydrometeorology and Active Environmental Impact Service SNCO saw their wages up 20%.

The salary of teachers at the Crisis Management Academy of the Ministry of Emergency Situations has been increased. The Rescue Service staff saw their working conditions improved, which in turn considerably increased the attractiveness of jobs. The Rescue Service employees were provided with high-quality uniforms. The buildings of 32 fire and rescue brigades underwent major repairs.

On the territory of the Armenian-Russian Center for Humanitarian Response, a construction site for rescuers is being carried out jointly with the Russian side. An inventory of civil defense structures was carried out, their funds were increased: for this purpose, an interdepartmental working group was set up by the Government’s decision. The meeting reviewed compliance with the instructions given to the Ministry of Emergency Situations.

Pleased with the Ministry’s performance, as a whole, Prime Minister Pashinyan stressed the need for building capacity in a number of areas, including the fire fighting activities. In this context, the Minister of Emergency Situations dwelt on the existing opportunities. He pointed out that the current capacity allows organizing firefighting activities at a proper level, but there is a refurbishment problem, especially in the field of forest fires. Nikol Pashinyan suggested working together in a bid to build capacity in this area and in firefighting, in general.

Touching upon the situation with landslides, Prime Minister stressed the importance of rapid instrumental studies. Nikol Pashinyan instructed to start the process and ensure its continuity, by developing and applying both professional and technical capacities.

Prime Minister Pashinyan highlighted the modernization and development of the rolling stock of elevators and instructed those responsible to keep the development of the concept in the spotlight and work together with the Yerevan Municipality, which is implementing an effective program in this area.

The issue of managing civil defense structures was also discussed. Nikol Pashinyan emphasized the importance of properly performing the functions of civil defense and instructed to develop strategic solutions for continued improvement of existing infrastructure.

Issues related to effective enforcement of safety standards, development of a roadmap for solving problems in the field of emergency situations were discussed during the meeting.

With reference to the status of previous instructions issued by the Prime Minister’s Office, the Premier stressed the need for state agencies to observe discipline.