2022 August 16

Daily news wrap-up

Tuesday news from Armenia. Aug/16/2022.
by ar_david_hh

---

11 minutes. 2805 words.

Day 3: Rescue operations continue at the site of Surmalu shopping center explosion

Get the context in Monday news briefing. On Tuesday the number of casualties rose to 15 dead (including a pregnant woman and a child) and 62 physically injured (7 remain in hospitals), while hundreds of others received other types of first aid and psychological support from the Red Cross agents.

The 665 rescuers and volunteers have been using dogs, drones, and construction equipment since Sunday to clear the debris carefully to not cause further collapses. Part of the exploded building is still standing.

All the efforts are focused on removing the debris to rescue the survivors. Firefighters have finished their main job. They occasionally sprinkle the area to prevent fire breakouts because the wind was causing problems yesterday.

No one was found alive from the rubble after yesterday's reports claiming that volunteers heard a sound. They might have confused it with sounds coming from activities in the basement.

... casualties

Authorities reported the discovery of the 16th body on Tuesday morning.

18 people were missing as of Tuesday morning. One person was later discovered alive, she wasn't even in the country during the incident. The number further reduced to 8 after the rescuers found the bodies of 7 missing persons.

The one Russian citizen who was listed as missing since Sunday has been found alive, said the Emergency Ministry. Lyuba Gribova's family was concerned after the explosion because they couldn't immediately reach her. It turns out she wasn't in Surmalu.

The number reduced to 4 after an Iranian citizen was found alive. Initially, an Iranian-Armenian family and two other Iranians were reported missing. The family was later confirmed alive, located in Georgia.

As of Tuesday evening, 16 are dead and 2 are missing.

... around 4 tons of fireworks were stored in the building at the time of the blast

The crews are searching the storage areas for more fireworks. They have cleared 50%-60% of the area. No additional materials have been found so far.

... more officials called for a ban on the unrestricted sale of fireworks explosives

ANIF's Tigran Avinyan: The sale of fireworks to the general public should be banned, and the organization of fireworks shows must be limited to state and local holidays [presumably organized by licensed companies only]. The unrestricted sale of fireworks disturbs the peace, angers the public, and leads to serious injuries.

We were discussing this bill back in 2020. In 2021 the Government gave its approval and sent it to Parliament. I urge the MPs to unshelve the bill. //

... the air remains polluted in districts neighboring the blast

Near the blast area, sulfur dioxide (SO2) is 4.6x above the recommended, while nitrogen dioxide (NO2) is 2.6x.

The dioxide levels are significantly lower in Kentron and Nor Nork districts, but still above the recommended limit. The dust levels, on the other hand, are very high in Kentron.

Residents living on upper levels of high-rise condos are advised to keep the windows closed. The elevated pollution, especially due to the dry and hot weather, is expected to last another couple of days.

Humidify your apartment, drink liquids, and wear a mask outdoors. Every rescuer dealing with the debris is also advised to wear a mask.

... of course there is no story without a dumb conspiracy theory

Informed Citizens NGO chief: Here are some of the conspiracy theories: Islamists did it, Russians did it to frame the hardline nationalist anti-Russian group Sasna Tsrer, Sasna Tsrer did it to frame the Russians. Some paid propagandists claimed QP MP Khachatur Sukiasian organized the explosion so he can take over the Surmalu business. Others blame the lack of restrictions on fireworks. Then there are those who believe this was a punishment by God for not respecting religious holidays.

And in all this noise, people forget to discuss the importance of following safety rules. Do not deviate from the main issue. The real problem is the total neglect of fire safety rules across the country.

Reporter: Why are people spreading conspiracy theories?

Informed Citizens NGO chief: The primary reason is to get likes on social media; the emotional headlines get more clicks. The second is political and economic motivation. The disinformation can cause problems for the rescuers and volunteers.

It must be noted that the Emergency Ministry has been very professional and has done a great job. Communication has been far more professional than during the war. //

The Surmalu owner was misidentified as a member of Aram Sargsyan's "Republic Party". The Republic "Faction" of 1995, which the Surmalu owner was reportedly a member of, is completely different from the Republic "Party" formed in 2001, said a party member.

... more foreign leaders sent condolences on Tuesday

Georgia's president and premier, Japanese embassy, Albania's MFA, Serbia's president, Russia's church leader, Mexican embassy, Egypt's MFA, EU's Maria Burich, etc.

... what's next?

Rescuers are concerned there could be small amounts of unexploded fireworks in the section of the building that hasn't collapsed. They are using cameras to study the scene so they can draw a plan. They won't take any steps to demolish the building until every missing person is found, said the Ministry representative.

The authorities are seeking details from the survivors about the events leading to the explosion. CCTV footage from nearby businesses is being examined. They are investigating the cause of the fire and the explosion, the content of the storage and whether they were stored legally, and the circle of individuals responsible for the incident.

Over two dozen victims and persons of interest have been questioned as part of the criminal investigation. They will question the Surmalu administration soon. Surmalu employees have been cooperating with rescuers at the scene by providing useful information about the facility.

... day of mourning

August 17 and 18 will be public mourning days in memory of the citizens who died, announced the government. Ads and TV entertainment are prohibited under the law.

In separate decisions, the August 20 beer festival in Gyumri and Nemra's August 17 concert have been postponed.

[read,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1090385.html) [read,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1090372.html) [read,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1090373.html) [read,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1090374.html) [read,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1090385.html) [read,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1090387.html) [read,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1090390.html) [read,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1090394.html) [read,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1090402.html) [read,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1090406.html) [read,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1090413.html) [read,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1090420.html) [read,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1090430.html) [read,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1090440.html) [read,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1090446.html) [read,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1090449.html) [read,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1090453.html) [read,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1090454.html) [read,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1090448.html) [read,](https://factor.am/544096.html) [read,](https://factor.am/544125.html) [read,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1090461.html) [read,](https://www.armtimes.com/hy/article/242217) [read,](https://www.armtimes.com/hy/article/242230) [read,](https://www.armtimes.com/hy/article/242251) [read,](https://www.armtimes.com/hy/article/242258) [read,](https://www.armtimes.com/hy/article/242242) [read,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1090465.html [watch,](https://www.civilnet.am/news/671327/իրավիճակը-սուրմալու-ում-օր-երրորդ/) [read,](https://www.armtimes.com/hy/article/242233) [foreign response,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1090392.html) [foreign response,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1090407.html) [foreign response,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1090408.html) [foreign response,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1090410.html) [foreign response,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1090428.html) [foreign response,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1090435.html) [foreign response,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1090439.html) [foreign response,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1090443.html) [foreign response,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1090457.html)

fake bomb hoaxer(s) continue to target public areas

This is the second fake bomb report in two days, and probably the hundredth in a month. The Yerevan subway traffic was temporarily suspended. No explosives were found. Zvartnots airport and Gyumri's IRS facility were also cleared. The NSS took over the investigation yesterday.

[read,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1090393.html) [read,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1090412.html) [read,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1090422.html)

authorities have identified one of the bomb hoaxers who targeted buildings in Yerevan and Gyumri in recent days

A 63yo resident of Gyumri has confessed to getting drunk and making fake bomb reports to the police on August 15 and 16. He targeted the parliament building in Yerevan and the IRS building in Gyumri.

Suspects in other previous hoaxes have not been identified yet. They usually do it through email.

[read,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1090433.html) [read,](https://armeniatoday.news/hy/law/515811/) [watch,](https://youtu.be/slD1M-yEJSE?t=84)

defense ministers of Armenia and Russia met on Tuesday

MOD Papikyan is in Moscow to attend an army expo show. He met MOD Shoygu to discuss topics relating to Russian peacekeepers' activities in Nagorno Karabakh.

Shoygu: We have several issues to discuss today, including traditional topics about our military-technical and military cooperation. There are also topics regarding our peacekeepers who are carrying out their duties in Nagorno Karabakh. We remain convinced, as you do, that the main stabilizing factor is the respect for the ceasefire regime along the entire line of contact. Thanks again for attending the Army-2022 expo.

MOD Papikyan: This is our second meeting this year. This shows the high level of AM-RU partnership. This meeting is important for us. We value Russia's presence in the South Caucasus.

[read,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1090416.html) [watch,](https://youtu.be/MgmA0htTaTM)

Iran and Azerbaijan organized joint sniper competitions

Iranian army officials visited Azerbaijan's Tartar and Barda regions, while Azeri army officials visited Iran. They have a sniping tournament.

[read,](https://www.azatutyun.am/a/31991382.html)

Iran organized the annual drone competition with CSTO member states

Iran, Russia, Belarus, and Armenia took part in the event organized in Iran. The competition includes physical fitness tests, shooting, aerial reconnaissance, air support, correction of artillery fire, and night and constant reconnaissance. The competition has been held since 2015.

[read,](https://www.jpost.com/international/article-714873)

India blocks Azerbaijan's participation in upcoming BRICS summit: Greek & Azeri press

BRICS is a union between Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. A Greek journalist reported that India blocked Azerbaijan's status as a guest. The Azeri media later confirmed the claim.

Press: This isn't the first time India refuses to support Azerbaijan. Both countries are part of the Non-Aligned Movement. During a recent session, India and Bhutan blocked a motion proposed by Azerbaijan to condemn the recent hijacking of the Azeri embassy in London by a religious group.

It is unclear why India has taken such a drastic position toward Azerbaijan, but Azerbaijan's military partnership with Pakistan might be to blame. //

[read,](https://factor.am/544168.html)

Iraq is studying Armenia's experience with the school meal program

Education Ministry hosted a delegation from Iraq on Tuesday. Armenia will share information about organizing the meal distribution process, the peculiarities of the UN-subsidized program, and the challenges.

The UN has been subsidizing free meals for Armenian students since 2010. In 2017 the UN decided to gradually "nationalize" the process in Armenia. Every year, a provincial administration takes over the free meal program in their province. The "nationalization" will conclude in 2023.

In turn, Armenia will study Iraq's experience with securing food supplies during emergencies.

[read,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1090401.html)

infrastructure projects

Several streets of Astghadzor (Gegharkunik) will soon have a new irrigation network as part of a government-subsidized ֏19m project. Around 200 families will have improved access to water.

[read,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1090396.html)

ladies have been getting driver's license in Artsakh after the war | VIDEO

The overall number of applicants increased after the war. Today the majority of people who register for exams are women. The road police chief believes female drivers are less likely to break traffic rules.

There is only one driving school in Artsakh. Ever since they launched the business in December 2021, around 90% of the 600 students have been women.

Kristine Danielyan: I've always admired female drivers since my childhood but the fear has always prevented me from becoming a driver. After the war, I realized I had to overcome the fear and do it, so that in the event of war I can take care of our children while my husband defends the borders. //

[watch,](https://youtu.be/99gBegmOvSI) [read,](https://www.civilnet.am/news/671332/արցախ․-պատերազմից-հետո-կին-վարդորդները-շատացել-են/)

truck drivers complain about the new axle-weighing requirements on interstate highways

To prevent damage to asphalt and improve road safety, the government decided to install vehicle scales on several roads. The scale measures the truck's overall weight, as well as the weight balance on each axle (front, middle, back).

The drivers have no problem with measuring the overall weight, but they want the axle requirement to be scrapped or amended, because by the time they descend from the nearby hill, the cargo shifts to the front of the truck, thus breaking the balance, said one driver. Another driver said that in order to comply with the axle requirement, they would have to position the cargo in a way that would make driving more dangerous while descending down a hill. If you place the load in the back, the truck won't be able to climb the hill, said another driver.

Several drivers threatened to shut down the road after receiving a $400 fine. The Infrastructure Minister met the drivers. They will be given a temporary waiver while the government discusses their proposals.

[read,](https://www.civilnet.am/news/671354/սիսիանում-բեռնատարների-վարորդները-փակել-են-միջպետական-ճանապարհը/)

Lake Sevan: government invites an international organization specialized in cleaning lakes from algae

Lake Sevan blooms with toxic algae every year because of high temperatures and polluted water. Efforts are underway to minimize pollution.

Infrastructure Ministry invited representatives of ["LG Sonic"](https://www.lgsonic.com/) company to discuss joint projects. Armenia will share the available details about the lake. The company representatives will then visit the lake to study possible options.

LG Sonic: Our solutions reduce cyanobacteria & diatoms up to 95%. It lowers pH, TSS, and chemical consumption. We use ultrasound technology. We are trusted by 100+ water & energy utilities in the US, EU, and elsewhere. //

How does their ultrasonic treatment work? The wave blocks algae's access to sunlight and nutrients. Algae sink to the bottom and die off without releasing toxins.

[read,](https://www.armtimes.com/hy/article/242216)

fires in Azerbaijan and Armenia

▶︎ Firefighters were dispatched to isolate a 60ha fire on grassland near Nerkin Tsaghkavan (Tavush). It was isolated two hours later.

▶︎ Large forest fires broke out in two regions of Azerbaijan. The emergency ministry urged residents living near the forests and the picnickers to respect safety rules amid high temperatures and an increased risk of wildfire.

[read,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1090459.html) [read,](https://factor.am/544232.html)

Armenian wrestler defeats Azeri opponent 11:2, reaches the final

79kg Mushegh Mkrtchyan will compete for gold during the World Junior Weightlifting Championship. He earlier defeated the Swiss 9:0, and the Azeri 11:2.

The certified chad will compete against Iran's Soban Yari in the final.

[read,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1090441.html)

flashback 2017: STARMUS 4 science festival

[STARMUS 6](https://www.reddit.com/r/armenia/comments/w32hbf/your_tuesday_news_digest_from_armenia_jul192022/) will be held in Yerevan next month. This is the 4th installment of the series that covers the [previous festivals](https://www.reddit.com/r/armenia/comments/wdtszs/your_monday_news_digest_from_armenia_aug12022).

... the main theme of STARMUS 4 was "Life and the Universe"

Manned flights to the Moon will one day become as routine as Paris-New York flights. And what if we are forced to relocate to another planet? What was sci-fi yesterday is becoming a serious conversation today.

STARMUS 4 hosted many Nobel Prize winners, astronomers, biologists, chemists, economists, astronauts, and artists.

Charlie Duke, an astronaut who served on 5 different Apollo missions and became the youngest man to walk on the Moon at age 36, spoke on the legacy of Apollo 16.

Sandra Magnus shared her experience of spending half a year in orbit with the Discovery crew in 2009.

Harrison Schmidt, who was part of the last Apollo 17 mission, offered insights into future space missions.

Movie producer Oliver Stone and several artists were invited.

... the OGs get together

Apollo 11's Buzz Aldrin, 16's Charlie Duke, and 17's Harrison Schmitt appeared for the first time on the same stage to discuss their experience on the Moon. The event was moderated by Neil deGrasse Tyson.

16's Charlie Duke joked that after landing on the surface of the Moon he exclaimed "fantastic" about 900 times. “When you look out at the bright Lunar landscape which is mostly grey, and you look up in the horizon and there’s a sharp horizon break between the Moon surface and the darkness of the sky, and you look up and there’s just this jet-black sky, what a contrast, you never get over it..you say I’m on the Moon’...”

17's Harrison Schmitt was the only scientist to have walked on the Moon. He is a big fan of sending people to Mars. He believes it should be done in this century by involving multiple generations of experts to figure out the risks of deep space.

11's Buzz Aldrin believes many issues can be dealt with on the Moon, and that it should be used as a path of getting humans to Mars. "Everything must begin from the Moon."

[Watch their video here.](https://youtu.be/_sgp6QQkPmk)

[Continue in English,](https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1090009.html) [Armenian,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1090009.html)

STARMUS is inviting young volunteers ahead of the 6th festival

STARMUS co-founder astrophysicist Garik Israelian had a meeting with volunteers involved in the September 5-10 festival. He thanked the volunteers for signing up. You can expect a very interesting and productive week, he said.

Israelian: We’ve always had volunteers during all festivals, but Armenia’s volunteers will be the most special ones. Why? Because perhaps this is the first time that scientists of this level are coming to Armenia.

We organized STARMUS 2 with only 30 volunteers, 4 of whom were assigned to assist Stephen Hawking [what a rude shot, lol].

STARMUS will promote interest in science among the youth in Armenia, and similar other festivals will again be organized in the country. Let STARMUS be the reason for changing attitude towards science in Armenia. //

180 volunteers have signed up from almost all universities of Armenia. They must speak English, since they will be assisting international guests, and they must have an interest in science or arts in order to qualify. The best perk is they'll get a chance to see the festival from the inside.

[read,](https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1090418.html)

in case you missed

Yesterday's news in English, русский (by Impossible-Ad-). Archive by Armeniapedia. Donate to Armenia & Artsakh here

The accused are innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law, even if they "appear" guilty.

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Link to original report and comments: https://www.reddit.com/r/armenia/comments/wq471m/tuesday_news_from_armenia_aug162022/