Volunteers Hear Voices from Under Rubble, Rescue Operations Underway, Minister Says

At the site of the 'Surmalu' shopping center, the Ministry of Emergency Situations' rescue service is focused on the area where a citizen's voice was heard. In a conversation with reporters, Minister of Emergency Situations Armen Pambukhchyan stated that as of 9:00 PM, no citizen has been rescued from under the rubble.

“Incorrect information has been circulated in the last hour. Unfortunately, I must say that no citizens have been rescued yet. Our service members are currently concentrating their efforts in that area and are conducting search and rescue operations, using special equipment. We mobilize the appropriate forces in every such response. An ambulance service vehicle was on site. As you know, such moments can be critical, so we focus all efforts to provide timely medical assistance if necessary,” said the Minister of Emergency Situations.

Armen Pambukhchyan elaborated that operations will continue throughout the night. Rescuers have adopted the principle of not pausing for even a moment. “Seconds are important for us. We will work through the night, and shortly there will be reinforcements in equipment and a shift will take place. We do not lack rescuers. As of 9:00 PM, 22 citizens are considered missing,” he noted.

On August 14 at 13:23, the National Crisis Management Center received a report of an explosion at the 'Surmalu' shopping center. The latest reports indicate that 7 people have died, more than 60 citizens have been injured, and over twenty are missing.