Bridge Collapse in Gegharkunik Village Due to Spring Flooding

In the village of Gegharkunik in Gegharkunik Province, a bridge connecting different neighborhoods has collapsed due to spring floods, while two others have been deemed unsafe. According to Arayik Abrahamyan, the head of the Gegharkunik community, the swollen river has eroded and displaced the bridge's supporting walls, posing a risk of collapse for the bridge deck as well.

As a result, the community administration has decided to dismantle the bridge entirely. Additionally, efforts have been made by the municipality to clear various sections of the riverbed to protect crops and buildings in the area from flooding.

“Currently, the water level has decreased, and the flood risk has become manageable. However, due to the collapsed state of the bridge, communication between two neighborhoods has been disrupted. The construction of a new bridge will naturally require significant expenses, but we must find the necessary funds. To assess the situation on-site, Gegharkunik Governor Gnel Sanosyan and officials from the Ministry of Emergency Situations’ Gegharkunik Rescue Department have visited the area. It is currently difficult to determine the exact cost of repairs until the floods have fully subsided. We are also considering reinforcing the other two damaged bridges,” the community leader reported.