Video: Uncertainty Remains on How Many Hours It Will Take to Extinguish the Fire

At the "Surumalu" shopping center, operations are currently ongoing by relevant authorities. In a conversation with Auroranews.am, the spokesperson for the Ministry of Emergency Situations, Hayk Kostanyan, stated that rescuers are conducting both search and rescue and firefighting operations.

"It is still unclear how many hours it will take to extinguish the fire. Weather conditions are hindering our work. The wind is preventing us from putting out the flames," Kostanyan said in an interview.

In addition to this, he mentioned that the area of the shopping center is burning not only flammable materials but also plastic. Regarding the possible dangers of smoke inhalation or poisoning for nearby residents, Kostanyan stated that there is no such threat.

"It is advisable to keep windows closed, but there is no threat. I have been here for 8 hours, and I feel fine," he added.

When asked about the information provided by the Minister of Emergency Situations, indicating that 20 citizens have reported being unable to contact their relatives, Hayk Kostanyan noted that there is no information yet about those individuals, and it is possible that rescuers are currently searching for them.

Regarding the health status of injured rescuers, Kostanyan mentioned that one had suffered smoke inhalation but is now well and has been discharged from the hospital, while another rescuer is still in the medical facility, having injured his leg.