Country: Armenia Source: International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies Please refer to the attached file. Description of the Event Date of event 06-06-2026 What happened, where and when? On 6 June 2026, at approximately 12: 56 PM, a severe hailstorm struck the Stepanavan community and surrounding areas in Lori Region, northern Armenia. The hailstorm lasted approximately 15-20 minutes and was accompanied by exceptionally large hailstones, reportedly measuring between 4 and 6 centimetres in diameter. The intensity of the storm caused widespread damage to residential buildings, particularly roofs and windows, leaving many households exposed to weather conditions and subsequent rainfall. Significant damage was also reported to agricultural land, greenhouses, vehicles, public infrastructure, solar energy systems, and livestock. The most affected areas were Stepanavan community and nearby settlements in the Lori Berd cluster, including Bovadzor, Lejan, Gyulagarak, and Lori Berd. The event affected both urban and rural populations, causing significant damage to housing, essential household assets, and community infrastructure. Damage to roofs and windows compromised minimum safe living conditions for many households and increased exposure to weather-related risks. Armenia has experienced recurrent severe hailstorms over recent years, particularly affecting agricultural regions. Following previous events, anti-hail protection systems, including anti-hail stations and other mitigation measures, were installed in several rural areas of the country to reduce the impact on agricultural production. However, urban centres such as Stepanavan were not covered by these protection systems. As a result, the city and surrounding communities remained highly exposed to hail-related hazards, contributing to the extensive damage observed during this event. The absence of protective infrastructure, combined with the unusually large hailstones and concentrated impact area, resulted in extensive damage to roofs, windows, and essential household assets, compromising minimum safe living conditions for many affected households and creating urgent humanitarian needs. Given the scale and severity of the impact, the Stepanavan Municipality requested support from the Armenian Red Cross Society (ARCS) 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, conducting rapid assessments, and gathering information on the impact of the hailstorm. Initial activities focused on identifying affected households, documenting damages, and prioritizing urgent humanitarian needs. As of 7 June 2026 (12: 30 PM), preliminary assessments conducted by local authorities indicated extensive damage across Stepanavan and Lori Berd communities. In the Lori Berd area, approximately 930 hectares of agricultural land were affected, including 260 hectares in Bovadzor, 350 hectares in Lejan, 250 hectares in Gyulagarak, and 70 hectares in Lori Berd community. Crop losses were 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. Many affected households reported damage to roofs and windows that left homes exposed to rainfall and adverse weather conditions, increasing the risk of deterioration of living conditions and damage to essential household items. As of 10 June 2026, approximately 1, 680 households had been identified as affected in Stepanavan community. Damage was reported to roofs, windows, solar energy systems, greenhouses, household plots, and other private property. Around 650 vehicles sustained damage. Public infrastructure was also affected, including parks, recreational areas, public attractions, and street lighting systems. Subsequent rainfall entered a number of damaged homes, affecting bedding, clothing, furniture, and other essential household items. Vulnerable households with limited financial resources, including older persons living alone, persons with disabilities, individuals with chronic health conditions, and low-income families, may be unable to undertake urgent repairs independently, increasing health, safety, and protection risks. In addition, 52 individuals sustained minor injuries, including swelling and soft tissue injuries, although no hospitalizations were reported. Livestock losses included 60 lambs, four ewes, and four foals. Information collection and verification efforts remain ongoing, and the number of affected households and the extent of damage may increase as additional assessments are completed. ARCS, local authorities, the Rescue Service, and other stakeholders continue to monitor the situation, assess priority needs, and coordinate response actions.
Armenia: Severe Hailstorm in Stepanavan – DREF Operation (MDRAM018)
RELATED ARTICLES
