Armenian regions suffer 2-3 milliard AMD loss annually due to hail damage
The increase of the number of the anti-hail stations was an important direction in the government program last year, yet no progress was recorded in increasing the number of those stations, MP Khachatur Kokobelyan asked on Monday to the Minister of Emergency Situations during the discussion in the National Assembly.
To Kokobelyan’s words, 496 anti-hail stations operating with only 8,9 percent protective coverage of the rural areas.
Minister of the Emergency Situations Armen Yeritsyan said each year the number of anti-hail stations in the republic is increased by 15-20, yet major funds are needed to buy additional 5000 stations.
Aside from that, 50 percent out of the 496 anti-hail stations are not placed in right areas, while the anti-hail stations of the Republic are managed from both the central and regional crisis management centers.
To the minister’s words, every year each of Armenia’s regions loses 2-3 milliard AMD, while the price for one anti-hail station is 3,5 – 4 million AMD.
The minister next mentioned the necessity to increase the number of radar stations in the republic.
“The matter was raised during the meeting between Armenian and Russian presidents. Russia intends to provide two more stations,” Minister Yeritsyan said, saying the price for one radar station is USD 1,5 million.