Yerevan hosts command and staff exercise of Emergency Ministry
30.11.2012,
16:57
Armenia’s ministry of emergency situations launched today major command and staff exercises in Yerevan to handle a simulated strong earthquake.
YEREVAN, November 30. / ARKA /. Armenia’s ministry of emergency situations launched today major command and staff exercises in Yerevan to handle a simulated strong earthquake. The exercise embraces staff members from all government agencies, the regional administration of Shirak province, the South Caucasian Railway, the evacuation and other commissions of the municipality and the UN disaster management team.
The ministry said in a press release that the main goals of the command and staff exercise is to check and improve the professional skills and abilities of the State Commission for Emergency Situations.
Besides, the exercise is aimed at improving the interaction between government agencies and the response force, as well as to check the disaster management plan in Yerevan, developed by the ministry in close cooperation with Japan’s International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
Under the scenario of the exercise the Kotayk region is hit by a strong earthquake of 7.2 magnitude the epicenter of which lies at the depth of 10 km and is located 8 km north-west of Garni village.
The quake destroys thousands of structures and kills many people. The administrative districts of Avan, Nor Nork and Arabkir in Yerevan are affected by the quake, which destroys water supply system and other facilities. The Armenian government has to ask for international community’s help.
The exercise consists of two stages. The first is to inform the stakeholders and bring them together and the second is to start rescue operations.
The December 7, 1988 devastating earthquake destroyed northern parts of Armenia killing 25,000 people; 140,000 became disabled, and half a million homeless. -0-
