Dust Devil Rips Off Huge Roof of Ostrich Farm in Masis

On July 4, a powerful wind and dust devil caused damage in the Ararat region, particularly affecting the Masis ostrich farm located in the administrative area of Masis town. According to Shamshyan.com, the farm's director, 65-year-old Armenak Asatryan, stated in an interview with a photojournalist, “The strong wind and dust devil lasted so briefly. It took the huge metal roof of the newly constructed ostrich barn and tossed it around. The only consolation is that we did not have human losses, but a male ostrich, worth about 1.5 million drams, was injured, and since it was impossible to save it through treatment, we had to slaughter it. I don’t know if it is worth appealing to the Ararat regional administration; will they help, or will it be like the previous incident where they came, took pictures, and did not extend a helping hand? If they show goodwill now and provide at least a little assistance, I would still be grateful.”

Earlier, it was reported that an emergency incident occurred in the Ararat region on December 4, 2019. At around 10:45, the Ministry of Emergency Situations received a call indicating that a large number of ostriches had been slaughtered under suspicious circumstances in the territory of the newly constructed Masis ostrich farm in the inter-farm area of Masis town. Police and rescuers discovered 25 slaughtered ostriches aged 4-7 months at the specified farm, while another 8 ostriches were found injured. This farm was established by Armenak Asatryan, a 65-year-old resident of Masis, through loans, and it was expected to create job opportunities, which would have significant importance for the local residents.