Yerevan, Armenia – The capital city of Yerevan has been paralyzed by heavy snowfall, leading to widespread disruptions and public outcry. Harutyun Khachikyan, head of the “Mother Armenia” faction in the Vagharshapat City Council, took to his Facebook page today, January 19, 2026, to share a video and express his strong disapproval of the situation, directly blaming Yerevan City Hall for its apparent inaction.
City Hall Unprepared for Expected Snowfall
Khachikyan’s post, titled “Paralyzed Yerevan,” highlighted the severe impact of the snow, stating, “The result of unfinished work – a paralyzed Yerevan. The snow was again unexpected for Yerevan City Hall.” This sentiment resonates with many residents who have voiced their frustration over the city’s inability to cope with predictable winter weather conditions.
The heavy snowfall, which began earlier this morning, has brought traffic to a standstill across the city. Major roads are impassable, and public transportation has been severely affected, leaving commuters stranded and daily routines disrupted. Residents report difficulties in navigating streets, with many sidewalks and pedestrian areas remaining uncleared.
Public Outcry and Calls for Accountability
The criticism from Khachikyan underscores a growing concern among the populace regarding the city’s infrastructure and emergency response capabilities. The recurring issue of Yerevan’s unpreparedness for snowfall has become a point of contention, with citizens demanding greater accountability from local authorities.
Social media platforms have been inundated with images and videos depicting the chaotic scenes across the city, further amplifying the public’s dissatisfaction. Many residents are questioning why, despite previous experiences with heavy snow, the city administration seems to consistently fail in implementing effective snow removal and management strategies.
Impact on Daily Life and Economy
The paralysis of Yerevan has had a significant impact on daily life. Businesses are struggling, with many employees unable to reach their workplaces. Schools and educational institutions have also faced disruptions, and essential services are experiencing delays. The economic repercussions of such widespread paralysis are likely to be substantial, affecting various sectors.
Local meteorologists had forecast snowfall for the region, raising questions about why City Hall did not take adequate preventative measures. Critics argue that a proactive approach, including pre-salting roads and mobilizing snow removal teams in advance, could have mitigated much of the current chaos.
Future Actions and Demands for Improvement
As the city grapples with the aftermath of the snowfall, there is an increasing demand for immediate action and long-term solutions. Residents and political figures alike are calling for a comprehensive review of Yerevan’s winter preparedness plans and a commitment from City Hall to invest in the necessary resources and infrastructure to prevent similar situations in the future.
The current situation in Yerevan serves as a stark reminder of the critical importance of effective urban planning and responsive governance, particularly in cities prone to challenging weather conditions. The public awaits a clear explanation and a concrete plan of action from the Yerevan City Hall to address these persistent issues.
