Epress.am News from Armenia
Affected by the storm, inhabitants of the town of Vardenis, located in the southeast corner of Gegharkunik marz (province), were waiting for RA Prime Minister Hovik Abrahamyan, who was supposed to have arrived to the town at 11 am today. There was no sign of Abrahamyan, but residents met with Gegharkunik governor (marzpet) Raffi Grigoryan and MP Karen Botoyan.
Speaking to Epress.am, resident Artur Sahakyan said that the more than 100 residents gathered hope that the government won't ignore them and take action to help them recover as soon as possible from the devastation caused by the storm.
"What can we do? We were told he'll come, so we're waiting. Let him come, see with his own eyes the situation we've found ourselves in, and solve the problem. People toiled to build their homes — [and] in a few seconds they were wiped out. The houses are without roofs and windows; we've covered the roofs with plastic sheets so that water doesn't come in when it rains. How long can we live like this?" he said.
A tornado struck Vardenis on June 29, causing widespread devastation, stripping houses of roofs, smashing windows, and damaging vehicles and homes in a matter of minutes. Inhabitants blocked the road to the town, demanding the prime minister meet with them. They said the regional governor's presence is not enough, saying the problem can be solved only at a higher level. If Abrahamyan doesn't visit their town, they said they will block the train station.
The regional administration promised residents that Hovik Abrahamyan would meet with them today.
Photo: Plastic sheets are used to replace the missing roof in a house in Vardenis.