2012 to be year of seismic protection and developing hydrometeorology services in Armenia.

Armenia’s Emergency Situations Minister Armen Yeritsyan declared 2012 as the year of improving and developing seismic protection and hydrometeorology services in the country. Yeritsyan stated this, on Monday, during his ministry’s weekly consultation.

The first step in this direction will be the strengthening of the Garni Observatory, and the updating and re-operation of its deformography device, the Ministry of Emergency Situations (MES) informed.

The Minister was informed that, as a result of the recent heavy snowfall and blizzards in Armenia, the Ministry’s fire and rescue squads had rendered assistance to numerous stranded vehicles and their passengers. The Minister noted that MES will acquire several new four-wheel-drive automobiles to more effectively carry out such activities.

And in connection with the World Civil Defense Day being celebrated on March 1, respective events will be held in Armenia’s 162 schools.

Armen Yeritsyan also instructed MES senior officials to properly prepare for this year’s NATO international training, which will be held in Georgia.