Governor Reports Evacuation of Residents from Vardenis Community Due to Aggression

As a result of the aggression launched by Azerbaijan against the Republic of Armenia on September 13, 539 families, comprising 2,121 individuals, have been evacuated from the border areas of the Vardenis community in the Gegharkunik Region.

According to Gegharkunik Governor Karen Sargsyan, the evacuated families have primarily found shelter in various settlements within the Gegharkunik Region. Some have sought refuge in Yerevan or other regions of Armenia, staying with relatives or friends.

Due to enemy artillery strikes, preliminary data indicates that 73 residences were damaged, of which 7 in the village of Sotk are uninhabitable. The buildings of the school and health post in Sotk, as well as infrastructure in Kut, Azat, and Tretuk, have also been damaged.

An assessment of the needs of the evacuated population is currently underway to ensure their return to their permanent homes. Governor Sargsyan stated, “The assessment of the needs of the displaced population, the elimination of the consequences of aggression, is nearing completion by the Gegharkunik Regional Administration and the Vardenis Municipality. Assistance, psychological support, and measures to facilitate their return to their permanent residences are being provided to the displaced population, with the support of state, public, and international organizations. Restoration of damaged houses and infrastructure is a priority, for which we will require specific resources and time. The government of Armenia has expressed its readiness to allocate the necessary resources.”

“Following the needs assessment, the first step will be to renovate the residences that have sustained relatively minor damage and are suitable for quick restoration. Those homes that are not fit for renovation will be rebuilt from scratch, which will require additional time, especially since unfavorable months for construction are ahead. All evacuated families are under our constant attention. As of today, 442 out of the 539 evacuated families have returned to their places of residence, totaling 712 individuals. It should be noted that families have returned with incomplete family compositions,” Governor Karen Sargsyan concluded.