Gyumri, January 14 – A state of emergency was declared yesterday, January 13, on the Yerevan-Gyumri highway, particularly along the 15-kilometer stretch between Mastara, Lanjik, and Gyumri. The road closure is a result of a severe blizzard, which has brought traffic to a standstill.
Traffic Halted Between Gyumri and Yerevan
Traffic from Gyumri towards Yerevan, specifically in the direction of Lanjik, has been temporarily suspended due to the relentless blizzard. Snow depths in certain areas have reached approximately 30-40 centimeters, making the road impassable.
Emergency Response and Rescue Operations
Following instructions from Davit Khudatyan, Minister of Territorial Administration and Infrastructure of the Republic of Armenia, road construction workers from the “Road Department” Foundation in Talin, Lanjik, and Maralik have been actively engaged since early morning. They are utilizing specialized equipment to clear snow from the affected road sections.
Rescue teams from Talin and Maralik, along with patrol officers from the Aragatsotn and Shirak regions, have successfully extricated approximately 30 vehicles that were caught in the blizzard. These vehicles have been moved to safe locations.
Coordinated Efforts to Clear the Road
When road crews manage to clear a section of the road and the blizzard temporarily subsides, Shirak patrol officers escort vehicles to the Aragatsotn region. From there, Aragatsotn patrol officers continue the escort to Mastara, where traffic is fully passable and the roads are clear of snow.
As of yesterday, more than 1,000 vehicles were unable to travel due to the blizzard. The coordinated efforts of road construction workers and emergency services are crucial in managing the challenging conditions and ensuring the safety of travelers.
Previous Incidents and Ongoing Weather Concerns
This incident follows a series of similar weather-related road closures in recent months. Previous reports indicate blizzards and fog in various mountain passes and road sections across Armenia, highlighting the persistent challenges posed by winter weather conditions in the region.
Authorities continue to monitor weather conditions closely and urge drivers to exercise extreme caution or avoid travel in affected areas until conditions improve. Further updates on the road situation will be provided as they become available.
Source: https://www.pastinfo.am/hy/news/2026/01/13/%D4%B5%D6%80%D6%87%D5%A1%D5%B6-%D4%B3%D5%B5%D5%B8%D6%82%D5%B4%D6%80%D5%AB-%D5%A1%D5%BE%D5%BF%D5%B8%D5%B3%D5%A1%D5%B6%D5%A1%D5%BA%D5%A1%D6%80%D5%B0%D5%AB%D5%B6/1955482
