We Expect to Complete the Cleanup Work by the End of the Day: Deputy Minister of Emergency Situations

90% of the rubble cleanup work has been completed. This was stated by David Hambaryan, Deputy Minister of Emergency Situations, in an interview with NEWS.am today, August 18.

“We are currently focused solely on rescue operations. There is a portion of the structure that remains standing, and there is an adjacent area where rubble is still present. It is likely that the citizens we are searching for are there. Once the remaining area is addressed, we will note that the structural question remains, which does not represent an urgent emergency recovery operation, and therefore, it will not be carried out solely by the Ministry of Emergency Situations. It may also be addressed through the property owners. We believe that we will be able to complete the work by the end of the day,” the Deputy Minister stated.

According to David Hambaryan, the biggest challenge is posed by the emergency condition of the building, as there are dangers associated with entering it. “Large constructions are also suspended from the building, which need to be separated so that we can monitor the adjacent area, although this will not be sufficient on its own,” he added.