21 years have passed since the devastating earthquake of Spitak, but we still experience its economic, social and psychological impact, according to Armenia’s Prime Minister Tigran Sargsyan. “The present-day world teaches us to manage disaster risks based on international experience,” he told Monday a World Bank-organized discussion devoted to “Reducing Disaster Risks and Managing Emergencies in Armenia”.
“80% of Armenia’s population is exposed to the risk of catastrophes. Natural disasters will require large-scale expenditures by the Government unless the latter undertakes measures towards reducing the risks,” said Aristomene Varudakis, Head of WB Office in Yerevan.
Discussion was attended by Heads of interested departments, local and international experts, policy makers and NGO representatives. Participants proposed measures for reducing the risk of natural disasters, considering the studies conducted in Armenia. They also stressed the importance of establishing state-private sector cooperation.
