Country: Armenia Sources: Armenian Red Cross Society, International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies Please refer to the attached file. Description On 6 June 2026, at approximately 12: 56 PM, a severe hailstorm struck the Stepanavan community and surrounding areas in Lori Region, Armenia. The hailstorm lasted approximately 15–20 minutes and was accompanied by exceptionally large hailstones, reportedly measuring up to 4–6 cm in diameter. The event caused extensive damage to residential properties, agricultural land, public infrastructure, vehicles, and livestock. Given the scale and severity of the impact, the Stepanavan Municipality requested support from the Armenian Red Cross Society to assist affected communities and support ongoing response efforts. Immediately following the event, the municipality activated the Community Emergency Response Group, of which ARCS is a member. ARCS joined local authorities and the Rescue Service in coordinating response efforts and gathering information on the impact of the hailstorm. Initial activities focused on identifying affected households, documenting damages, and supporting the prioritization of urgent humanitarian needs. Coordination among municipal authorities, ARCS, the Rescue Service, and other relevant stakeholders remains ongoing to monitor the evolving situation and inform response planning. 7 June 2026 update (as of 12: 30 PM) Based on initial observations and information provided by local authorities, extensive damage has been reported across Stepanavan and Lori Berd communities. In the Lori Berd area, approximately 260 hectares of crops were damaged in Bovadzor, 350 hectares in Lejan, 250 hectares in Agarak, and 70 hectares in Lori Berd community. Crop losses are estimated to range between 30 and 70 per cent. More than 500 households reportedly sustained damage to roofs, windows, household plots, greenhouses, and other property. In Stepanavan, 52 individuals sustained various minor injuries, including swelling and soft tissue injuries. According to available information, none of the affected individuals sought medical treatment at health facilities. Livestock losses were also reported, including 60 lambs, four ewes, and four foals. The hailstorm caused extensive damage to private property and infrastructure in Stepanavan community. Around 950 households were reportedly affected, with damage to roofs, windows, household plots, solar energy systems, and greenhouses. Approximately 650 vehicles were damaged. Public infrastructure was also affected, including parks, recreational areas, attractions, and street lighting systems. Information collection and verification efforts are ongoing, and the number of affected households and the extent of damages may increase as additional information becomes available. ARCS, local authorities, and other relevant stakeholders continue to monitor the situation and identify priority humanitarian needs. Request For Assistance Government Requests International Assistance: Yes NS Requests International Assistance: Yes Information Bulletin Published No Actions taken by National Society General Damage/Needs assessment Summary Since the onset of the hailstorm on 6 June 2026, the Armenian Red Cross Society has been actively supporting the response efforts in close coordination with municipal authorities and other relevant stakeholders. Considering the longstanding cooperation between ARCS and the Stepanavan community and municipality, as well as ARCS’s experience in disaster response and emergency operations, the Stepanavan Municipality requested ARCS to provide the necessary support to the affected population and assist in the response efforts. As a member of the Community Emergency Response Group, ARCS has participated in coordination meetings and supported the municipality in collecting and consolidating information on the impact of the hailstorm. ARCS has maintained regular communication with local authorities to monitor the evolving situation and identify priority humanitarian needs. ARCS staff and volunteers are currently conducting rapid assessments in the affected communities to better understand the extent of the damage and its impact on affected households. The assessment findings will support the identification of priority needs and inform the planning of potential humanitarian assistance for the most affected and vulnerable households. ARCS continues to coordinate closely with municipal authorities, the Rescue Service, and other response actors to support ongoing assessment and response efforts. Actions taken by Federation Summary Since the onset of the hailstorm, the IFRC Country Office has maintained close communication and coordination with the Armenian Red Cross Society to monitor the evolving situation, assess the humanitarian impact of the event, and assist in the preparation of the DREF application. The IFRC Country Office continues to work closely with ARCS in monitoring the situation and remains available to provide technical and operational assistance as required. In addition, colleagues from the IFRC Regional Office Europe have been informed of the situation and are being kept updated on developments. Actions taken by others Following the hailstorm on 6 June 2026, local authorities, the Rescue Service, and relevant government institutions initiated information collection and damage verification efforts to assess the impact of the event on households, infrastructure, agriculture, and livelihoods. A coordination committee has been established under the leadership of the Deputy Regional Governor, Arsen Gharibyan, to oversee and coordinate the response efforts. The Head of Lori regional Rescue Service is actively involved in the committee and supports coordination among relevant stakeholders. Assessment and information collection efforts are currently ongoing to determine the full extent of the damage and identify priority needs. Based on the assessment findings, the authorities will develop an appropriate response plan and identify the necessary support measures for affected communities. The Stepanavan Municipality continues to coordinate with local and national stakeholders, including the Armenian Red Cross Society, to monitor the situation and support affected households. Planned International Response DREF: Planned
Armenia: ARM: Other – 06-2026 – Severe Hailstorm in Stepanavan (2026-06-07)
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