Remarks by H.E. Mr. Mher Margaryan, Permanent Representative of Armenia to the UN at a side event on “Strengthening Preparedness against Natural Disasters”

07 դեկտեմբերի, 2018

I am pleased to be part of this panel to share our experience in responding to and recovering from a massive natural disaster, as well as preparing for the future. Located in one of the most seismically active regions of the world, Armenia is familiar with the risk of natural disasters and their potential to cause grave destruction.

In fact, today marks the 30th anniversary of the Spitak Earthquake in Armenia. On December 7, 1988 the devastating quake struck the northern region of Armenia which took the lives of more than 25,000 people, leaving tens of thousands injured and hundreds of thousands without shelter. In addition to human tragedies, the country also incurred colossal economic losses in billions of dollars.

Armenia still feels the earthquake’s aftermath today as many families were left fragmented, communities were destroyed, industries were crippled, and the haunting memories of the devastation remain.

Nevertheless, this unexpected disaster was met with an overwhelming amount of support from the international community, to whom we owe tremendous gratitude. We are appreciative of their collaborative response and participation in our immediate recovery process.

Our experience has shed light on the significance of regional and global cooperation for disaster response and risk mitigation; and has led our country to prioritize building resilience and strengthening national capacity for disaster preparedness.

Since the ‘88 earthquake, our institutional capacity for addressing emergency situations has been recognized as one of the most comprehensive in the region.

With support from the World Bank and UNDP, Armenia has strengthened its disaster risk management system and has integrated a strong legal and regulatory framework for disaster risk reduction.

Over the past decade, Armenia’s Ministry of Emergency Situations has developed a National Disaster Risk Reduction Strategy and Action Plan, and established a Crisis Management Center, and National Disaster Observatory, which enables relevant government institutions to systemically collect, analyze and share data useful for identifying points of hazard and vulnerabilities.

Armenia also has put measures in place for local risk management, which involves communities’ direct participation in risk identification and management, as well as educational programs for young students and training for specialists. These initiatives are aimed towards building a culture of safety and enhancing capacity at various levels for disaster response and risk reduction.
With UNDP’s support, Armenia has taken efforts to improve drainage systems, mudflow channels and soil dams. These combination efforts have been important for promoting climate risk impact mitigation culture at the local level.

Armenia’s decentralized disaster risk reduction system has been instrumental in improving management capacities of the Ministry of Emergency Situations and has allowed for a more effective national system for monitoring and coordinating response.

In addition to our national efforts, we recognize and reiterate the importance of strengthening disaster resilience through regional and international cooperation.

As such, in June this year, Armenia hosted the Sub-Regional Platform on Disaster Risk Reduction in Yerevan, during which representatives of the Central Asian and South Caucasus countries, and various stakeholders involved in development and humanitarian affairs, gathered to reflect on the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction and address key issues to accelerate the implementation process. Three years following its adoption, participants reviewed progress, shared insights and reaffirmed their commitment to the Framework in coherence with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and relevant instruments.

Additionally, just two days ago, on December 5, the International Search and Rescue Advisory Group’s (INSARAG) Africa-Europe-Middle East Regional Earthquake Response Simulation Exercise (SIMEX) was conducted in Yerevan on the occasion of 30th anniversary of Spitak earthquake. A few dozen urban search and rescue and emergency medical teams, and the UN disaster assessment and coordination team participated. Exercises like this one are critical for addressing disaster risks and increasing public awareness and preparedness.

The value of regional and international cooperation in strengthening disaster resilience, particularly through exchanging best practices and technical expertise, data sharing, and capacity building cannot be overestimated.

As we will continue to experience risks of natural disasters, including those related to the impacts of climate change, understanding vulnerability, developing capacity for effective early warning, formulating coordinated disaster response plans, and ensuring the availability of necessary infrastructure and services will be fundamental for mitigating risk to human lives and property.

Thank you.

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