World Bank Group launches national disaster risk management program in Armenia

To offer support to further advance disaster resilience in Armenia, the World Bank Group launched on Tuesday 19 January the National Disaster Risk Management Program in the country, reports the Arka News Agency. According to a WB expert on disaster risk management in Europe and Central Asia Ko Takeuchi, the aim of the program is to assist the government and other stakeholders to reduce the risks of disasters, to assist in enhancing the capacity of relevant institutions and the provision of technical assistance.

Floods in the country pose serious danger. For instance, flooding in 2010 caused an estimated US$ 10 million in damage. However, this list of natural disasters is not complete - Armenia also faces other hazards such as droughts, hail storms and landslides. The government of Armenia has recognized the importance of disaster risk management, highlighting that natural hazards threaten the country’s development.