YEREVAN, MARCH 19, NOYAN TAPAN. The strong winds and heavy rain in Shirak marz (province) on March 15 damaged electricity poles, roofs of dwelling houses and public buildings in several villages, while the level of water in the Akhurian River rose and the water filled cellars of village houses and covered many land plots. In the village of Arapi, the water completely destroyed a pedestrian bridge and partially damaged a bridge for vehicle traffic. In the villages of Gusanagyugh, Shirakavan, Lusaghbyur, and Isahakian, 35 telephone poles and 15 electricity poles were wrecked, due to which the power supply of these villages was cut off. 23 roofs were damaged and gas supply was interrupted in Gusanagyugh. The wind and rain damaged 25 roofs in Shirakavan village, 77 in Lusaghbyur, and 21 roofs in Isahakian (including the roofs of the granary and milk plant in Isahakian village). On the same day, a strong wind in Aragatsotn marz caused damage in the villages of Melikgyugh, Nigavan, Derek, and Geghadzor. The wind in Syunik marz early in the morning of March 16 broke windows and damaged roofs in the following villages: Brnakot (190 sq.m), Ishkhanasar (116 sq.m), Noravan (1,270 sq.m), and Spandarian (532 sq.m). The villages of Antarashat, Verin Khotanan, Nerkin Khotanan, Dzorastan, Vanek, and Aghvani also suffered from the wind. The PR and Information Unit of the Rescue Service of the RA Ministry of Emergency Situations reported that on March 15 and 16 such information was also received from Kotayk marz (strong wind and floods of the Merzavor and Hrazdan Rivers), Gegharkunik marz (thaw, rain, wind, and flood of the Argich River), Vayots Dzor (strong wind, floods of the Arpa and Yeghegis Rivers), Aratat marz (strong wind and flood of the Hrazdan River), Syunik marz (flood of the Tsav River), and Lori marz (strong wind and floods of the Debet and Pambak Rivers).

---