Kurtan VCA-Report

ARMENIAN RED CROSS S OCIETY

HAZARD, VULNERABILIT Y AND CAPACITY ASSES SEMENT IN KURTAN COMMUNITY OF LORI RE GION REPORT

YEREVAN, ARMENIA JUNE 2013 This report was prepared within the framework of ARCS ―Building Safe and Resilient Communities‖ Project.

The first VCA was implemented in the Kurtan community within the UNDP Armenia’s DRR project in 2012. Later, Armenian Red Cross Society, within its ―Building Safe and Resilient Communities‖ Project, updated the existing data, defined priority mitigation measures and produced current report.

The Project is implemented with financial assistance of the Austrian Development Agency and the Austrian Red Cross Society

The aim of the Project is to decrease vulnerability of rural and urban population against disasters in Armenia.

Lori Region and Yerevan, the capital of the Republic of Armenia were selected as targets for the Project implementation. There are 6 target communities in Lori region, among which 4 rural and 2 urban communities.

96000 people intended to become a beneficiary within the framework of the Project.

Those are people living in most vulnerable, hazardous rural and urban communities and are permanently have human and material loses as a result of any type of disaster.

Authors alone are responsible for the content of this report which does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the Austrian Development Agency.

Content

1. Data Collection and analysis 5 2. Secondary data sources 6 3. Geographical location and Climate of Kurtan Community 6 4. Population of community 6 5. Hazards affecting Kurtan community 7 6. Main dwelling 7 7. Local and national roads 7 8. Local and National transport 8 9. Sewage 8 10. Scavenging 8 11. Water Supply 8 12. Employment 8 13. Irrigation 8 14. Field observation 8 15. Mapping 11 16. Seasonal calendar 13 17. Historical calendar 15 18. Semistructured interviews 18 19. Capacities of community to face with emergency situations 19 20. Emergency situations occurred in community in recent year and their consequences 19 21. DRR related events organized in the community 19 22. Mass survey among population using questionnaires 20 23. Main hazards affecting community 20 24. Seasonality of hazards 21 25. Frequency of hazards 22 26. Losses incurred by population as a result of emergency situations in the community 23 27. Combination of hazards and vulnerability 23 28. Knowledge of community residents about disasters 25 29. Issues identified by the community residents, their causes and possible solutions according to vulnerability reduction and enhancing capacities 29

Abbreviations

1. ES – Emergency situations

2. VCA – Vulnerability and Capacity Assessment

3. DRR – Disaster Risk Reduction

4.MES – Ministry of Emergency Situations

5. UN – United Nations

6. RC – Red Cross

7. EHTS – Emission of High Toxic Substances

The process of Vulnerability and Capacity Assessment in Kurtan Community

Vulnerability and Capacity Assessment is a main component of Risk Management on Local Level, which is implemented together with community, supporting the process of identification of disaster risks.

1. Data Collection and Analysis

Vulnerability and Capacity Assessment in Kurtan community was conducted in 4 days through community participatory approach. Assessment was conducted with the support of DRR Regional Working Group representatives and DRR Community Team as well as with direct participation of local coordinator. Regional and community authorities have actively participated during the process of vulnerability and capacity assessment. It is worth to mention community main actors and population active participation and inspiration during the whole process of VCA. The number of people participated in VCA in the community reached 260, among which:  Number of participants on general meeting of the community – 61 people o Head of community o Members of Community Council-7 people o School director, o Kindergarten director, representatives -8 people o Teachers – 7 people, o Representatives of Community hall – 12 people, o Representatives of local clinic - 2 people, o Community residents-23 people  Focus Group of farmers- 9people,  Focus Group of residents involved in animal husbandry – 12,  Focus Group of activists of the community – 8,  Respondents among community residents – 170 people. 52% of interviewees were man and 48% were woman. According to age:

 10 % of interviewees were below 18 years.  11% - from 18 to 25 years old,  48 % - from 26 - 50 years old,  33% - from 50 and older: Data gathered from VCA has been analyzed during general meeting with community. As a result, recommendations related to risk reduction of hazards affecting community were developed.

2. Secondary Data sources Data and other information about the community was collected from Lori Regional Municipality, Kurtan municipality, Regional Rescue Service, National Hydrometeorological Service, Official site of State Cadastre, etc. Data about population number is taken from Cadastre Data Service, where no explanation about the absence of information on population number during 2004 – 2011 is provided. 

3. Geographical location and Climate of Kurtan community. Kurtan Community is located in Lori Region, 18 km south-east from Stepanavan city, distance from regional center is 36 km. The community was set up in 1730 – 1740s. The community is located 981 - 1350 m. above the sea level. Winter is cold and summer is cool. Dry weather in recent yearsis frequent phenomenon. Gargar river that crosses the comminity is adjacent to Dzoraget river from right down side of the community. 4. Population of the community Kurtan community was set up in 1730 – 1740s. Data on the number of population is available from 1831. The number of population of Kurtan community was:  In 1831- 187 people,  In 1959 – 2143 people,  In 1897 – 1159 people,  In 1979– 1818 people,  In 1926 – 1831 people,  In 2001-2032people,  In 1939 – 2297 people,  In 2004- 1910 people.

Number of population from 1831 to 2011

Currently the number of population of Kurtan community is 2405, currently 2014 people are living.

 Number of households - 595:  49% are man, and 51% are woman  20 % of population are below 18 years old, from 18 to 63 years old – 69% and above 63 years old are 11% of population.  7% of residents are permanently employed, 14 % are pensioners and 58% are unemployed.  There 120 families in need and receive allowance in the community, 350 large families and 6 families are living in temporary houses. Community is governed by the Head of the community and 7 Community Council Members. Staff of Community Hall recruited by the Head of Community consists of 12 employees (7 man and 5 woman) 5. Hazards affecting Kurtan Community

No study has been conducted on hazards affecting Darpas Community and data. on identified hazards is not available.

Lori Regional Rescue Department of MES Rescue Service has conducted Disaster Risk Assessement in Darpas Community, according to which the following hazards affecting community has been identified: earthquake,landslide, forest fire, rockfall. Hail, heavy rains and snow, as well as frequent and stronger winds have been recently recorded. Man-made emergency situation do not treaten community, except of fire and explosions that will treat institutions, public and other types of buildings in the community. 6. Main dwellings

There is aschool in the community constructed in 1985. It is renovated and kindergarten is situated insed this building. It has a library, museum, medical center. There are active factories in the community – asphalt factory, bakery, electric mill, farm and 2 hydroelectric stations. There are also Community hall, communication center and 7 markets. There are 2 bridges in the community that are in a good condition and fully used. There are also dwellinds – milk factory, Culture house, kindergarten building and instrument making factory in the community. 7. National and local roads Kurtan community is located 7 km away from Stepanavan – Vanadzor highway (M3). The road that connects with this highway crosses Gyulakarak and Vardablur communities. This road is paved with asphalt and is in a good condition, fully used. The road that connects the community with Arevatsag, Dzoragyugh, Antaramut, Dzoragetavan communities and Tumanyan station is paved with unmettaled bilding materials and in sufficient condition. Community local roads are mainly unmettaled or from bilding materials and are in a very poor condition.

8. Local and National transport There are bus and microbus routs that connect community with Vanadzor city. Private taxi services are also available in the community. The closest airport, currently not operated, is in Stepanavan city. Gyumri airport is 68 km away from Community. 9. Sewage There is a sewage system in the community which partially damaged. The whole sewage system needs rebuilding. 10. Scavenging There is no waste station in neighboring community areas. Scavenging is performed by local authorities. Car, rented by the Community hall is transporting waste once a week and throw directly to Dzoraget river. 11. Water supply Supply of drinking and irrigation water is carried out by ―Lori-Jrmughkoyughi‖ LLC. Permanent water supply is carried out through centralized system, which is technicaly in poor condition and needs renovation. 12. Transportation According to the information provided by the Head of the Community, there are 135 cars, 43 trucks, 6 buses, 3 minibuses, 6 buldozers, 57 tractors and 2 excavators in the community. 13. Employment Residents mainly involved in wheat, barley, potatoes and other vegetable and water-melon production, animal husbandry, poultry andbeekeeping. 41 people are employed in organizations and hydroelectric stations of the community. 14. Field Observation Field observation as a starting point while entering the community has been conducted from the part of VCA Team members and Community representative. According to that, the first impressions required for VCA about the community, dwellings, roads, scavanage initial for VCA has been identified.

Field observation sheet

Objects, phenomena, Description people, relations

Infrastructure

Most dwellings and houses are old, There are some newly constructed or Main dwellings renovated buildings Bridges are in a good condition.

The road that connects with this highway is paved with asphalt and is in a good condition, fully used. The road connects the community with regional center and Stepanavan city, neighboring Vardablur, Gyulakarak Roads local/ national communities. Other roads connecting with neiboring communities are paved with unmettaled bilding materials and are in sufficient condition. Community local roads are mainly unmettaled or from bilding materials and need repairment.

Most building in community have sewarage. Some yards have inside draw- Sewerage wells.

There is no waste station in community area. Waste is thrown directly to Waste Management Dzoraget river. Gaz supply The whole community is supplied by gaz.

Water supply Water is supplied through centralized water network. There is 24 hours water supply.

Energy The main source of population energy demand is electricity. Wood from neighboring forests is also used as a source for heating, wood is also used.

There is no irrigation system in the community. As a result, community has Irrigation problems with producing agricultural products.

Vitally important facilities

There is secondary and high schools located in the central part of the School community. School building was constructed in 1985. It was renovated after 1988 earthquake and currently is in sufficient condition. Kindergarten operates in a school building. It was constructed in 1988 after Kindergarten the earthquake. Currently is not working as it requires renovation. There is an active Medical center with specialized staff, medicaments and Medical center necessary equipment in the community.

Community Hall Community hall building is in sufficient condition.

Means of communicaiton There are landline and mobile phones and internet in the community.

Sources of information Among available public information sources are local and Public TV Channels, Satellite TV, Internet, Public radio and press.

Police Community is under jurisdiction of Stepanavan Division of Lori Regional Department of the RA Police.

Rescue Service The closest Division of Lori Rescue Department of RA Ministry of Emergency Situations is located in Vanadzor city.

There is also ―Lore‖ Rescue Team NGO that operates in the Region.

Fire brigade Community is under jurisdiction of Vanadzor Fire Service

Transport Connection with other areas of the region is organized through minibuses and taxi.

Risky area – entertainment and other public areas

Culture house There is a Culture house in the community that requires basic repairment. Community also has library and museum.

Church There is a St. Astvatsatsin Church in the Community (6th century). The church belongs to three naves bazilique type. There is a double floor belfry in the south east from the Church. There is a cemetery in the yard of the Church. Bridges There are two bridges in the community that are fully used and in sufficient condition. Socio-economic

Houses Houses are mainly in normal condition. There are houses that located in dangerous landslide areas.

Employment Community residents are mainly involved in agriculture. 41 people are employed in organizations and hydroelectric stations of the community.

Education There is a secondary school in the community. Kindergarten is situated inside the school building. The closest specialized and university education is available in regional center and Stepanavan city. More than 40 students from Kurtan community are studying in different cities.

Health There is a medical Center in Community that carrries out family health care. Medical treatment is available in regional center and in Stepanavan city.

15. Mapping The aim of the mapping is to make visible all risky areas, particularly highlighting those that are hidden or left without proper attention. The study included schematic and visual notes, photos of risky and vulnerable areas.

The aim of the mapping is to identify and inform public on hazards and risky

areas, as well as on vulnerabilities and capacities, marking them in community maps. 

Collected data was on the map downloaded from internet, as community didn’t have appropriate working maps.

Hazards, capacity and vulnerability map of the Kurtan community of RA Lori Region ՀՀ Լոռու մարզի Կուրթան համայնքի խոցելիության, կարողությունների, վտանգների քարտեզ Hydroelectric Station Dzoraget canyon

Tillage

1 - համայնքապետարանmunicipality 9- հիդրոէլեկտրակայան - կամուրջBridge hydroelectro station

capacity 2- դպրոցschool 10- գործիքաշինականfactory of structuring - կարողություն

3- մշակույթի տուն tools գործարան - -blizzard Ձնաբքից prone խցանվող area Հ-24 culture house

4- բուժmed կետcenter, գրադարան , փոստ 11- ՀԷԿHPP -waterի ջրհավաք rezervuar - սողանքավտանlandslide prone areaգ տեղամաս ճանապարհ

5- մանկապարտեզkinder garden ավազան

6- կաթիգործարանmilk factory 12- ֆերմաfarm - խոցելիvulnerable տեղամաս area - երաշտ,կարկուտ - drought, hail

712- թանգարան galery - magazinsխանութներ

8- հացիbread փուռfactory - վտանգ- hazard

After observation and mapping, general meeting with community population with participation of various experts has been organized. Overall, 33 people have participated on that event. During the meeting, the following issues were discussed:  The results of secondary data, observation and mapping, that were discussed in details and approved by community population.  Several tools that were presented, discussed and filled in, are presented below.

16. Seasonal Calendar Seasonal Calendar allows to highlight hazards affecting the community and assess frequency of risks from the point of view of community population. It allows to describe changes in community over the last year, dangerous impacts, impacts related to climate change, changes in socio-economic area, periods of desease’s outbreaks etc. Seasonal Calendar was filled in together with the community, and the results are presented below:

january February March May June July August September October November December Seasonality April

Events

Socio-economic

High income x x Low income x x Imigration x x

Seasonal immigration x x Homecoming X x Harvest x x

Idleness X x x Cattle slaughter x X Seeding x x x x

Health Influenza epidemic X x x Cattle deseases x

Hazards Hail x x x River flood x x

Drought x x x Rockfall x x x Forest fire x x x

Heavy rains x Winds X x X x Heavy snow X x x

Landslide x x x Snowstorm X x x Other hazards

Rodents x x x

Autumn and winter are favorable for socio – economic development of the community which is due to idleness and higher income. Heavy snow, winds, snowstorm occurred in winter which cause closing of the roads connecting to the highway. Natural disasters occurred in spring and summer periods are the most dangerous for agriculture particularly hail and drought which is a consequence of absesnse of irrigation. Other hazards occurred within this period are threating community infrastructure, houses, people and cattle. Pecial attention was devoted to rodents that threaten sown areas. 17. Historical Calendar Historical Calendar was filled in together with the community, with involvement of all levels of society, age groups, and taking into account the principle of gender equality.

Kurtan community has been developing during 1990s in almost all spheres. After 1988 earthquake and the

Land

Forests

/ /

Animals

Period Population House/ Dwellings Threes Infrastructure Hazards Disasters

1970        &&&&& — — — — —

1980         &&&&&  Hail, river flood — — — — — — — 1990         &&&&&  Earthquake, river  — — — — — flood — — —

2000         &&&& — — — — — Drought, snowstorm,  — — — hail, rodents  2010      Hail, snowstorm,  &&& — — — — — drought, rodents  —— — — collapse of the Soviet Union community has faced with many problems. The number of population, infrastructures, vitally important facilities, cultural centers has drastically decreased from 1990 to 2000. The forests surrounding community have suffered enormous losses. Threes acroos the roads have been cut. From 2000 to 2010, due to unfavorable socio economic situation the number of population continued to decrease. Different projects with state and international assistance that supported improvement of infrastructures, vitally important facilities have been implemented in the community. This process continues up to date.

Positive changes are presented in the historical outline below which is a description of events that have had a significant impact on development of the community and its memory.

Year Description

1988 Earthquake

2006-2010 Community was involved in UN led ―Food for Work‖ program. Within the framework of this program reconstruction, rehabilitation activitiea have been implemented.

2008 Construction of Cemetery fence, repairmen of chapel.

2009 Reparement of Community Hall

2009 Renovation of the part of water pipe

2010 Furniture has been provided to kindergarten

2011 Furniture has been provided to Culture House

2011 Anti-hail station was set up

2012 Sanitary cleaning of churches

Relating to hazards threatening community, it could be noted, that following hazards have been permanently recorded in the community: landslide, rockfall, river flood, hail, snowstorm etc. But there is a tendency of increased frequency of some hazards in recent years. Among them are hail, snowstorm, winds, heavy precipitation and drought. Thus, after combination with historical calendar, it becomes clear that:  Even after the earthquake and the collapse of the Soviet Union human resources have been preserved, which is a serious capacity for development of the community.  Possibilities of development of agriculture and animal hasbundry become an important factor against immigration.  The main changes in the community are related to structures and infrastructures, that creates strong basis for community development. As a negative impact, it is worth to note increased frequency and intensity of hydrometeorological hazards (hail, heavy precipitation, drought) as a result of the climate change. To get information about above mentioned issue, historical data was combined with historical and seasonal calendars. During the meeting with community activists, comparative parallels were drawn bertween data in seasonal calendar and changes and developments in the community over the last 10 years. As a result, frequency of hail has increased dramatically and hails in 2005 – 2012 have totally damaged yeald capacity in the community.

Discussions in focused groups The focused groups were formed in the preparatory phase with the help of community heads and main actors. Community individuals who belong to certain groups, according to their fields of activity were involved in the focus groups.

 People involved in cattle breeding  Community council

 FarmersՀողագործությամբ զբաղվողներ  Teachers

The information obtained from focus groups classified in three main categories: vulnerability, hazards and capabilities.

Vulnerability Agricultural sector There are serious problems in agricultural sector, which is the main source of income in the community. Depreciation of existing agricultural equipments, difficulties in the acquisition of new ones, poor quality of the pesticides, lack of fertilizers, high prices of fuel, difficulties of credit and insurance systems, absence of consumer market make the agriculture more vulnerable. Moreover, irrigation system, the absence of new seeds, more productive crops, frequency and intensity of growth of meteorological / hail, heavy snow, rain, blizzard / as well as geological / rack fall, landslide / hazards contribute to the increasing vulnerability. Due to the absence of irrigation waters the community can not produce agricultural products. The most part of community youth do not interested in agricultural sector, andprefer to move to other cities and countries.

There are certain problems with jobs, landfills, renovation of water supply Socio-economic system, street improvement,mainly paving with asphalt and lighting. sector There are certain problems with jobs, landfills, renovation of water supply system, street improvement mainly paving with asphalt and lighting. Residents leave the community to find a job in other places. The lack of job leads to immigration. Mainly young families and the youth are the potential immigrants. Only economic measures are not enough for youth to stay in the community and be engaged in agriculture. Youth as a very mobile and active social group, and as a rule, prefers living in areas where social and cultural conditions are also sufficient, where opportunities to become self-confident exist. There is no garbage removal system in community. Residents eather burn their garbage or store it. With the support of community hall a truck was hired which removes the garbage from the community oneca a week. Garbage dumped in a nearby valley. The primary task of the community is the renovation of drinking water system, street improvement mainly paving with asphalt and lighting. This will lead to welfare of the community.

Educational sector Educational system includespre-school and secondary education. As a result of residents’ immigration the number of pupils is decreased in recent years. The school had been built in 1985 and was renovated in 1988 after devastating earthquake. There is a neeed of books, educational materials, laboratories at school. Moreover, there is lack of extracurricular classes, vocational education and leisure opportunities at school. Kindergarden building does not operate and needs to be renovated. Presently, the kindergarden is located in the school. Hazards

Agricultuiral sector The main threats o agriculture are anomalous weather, temperature rise, drought, hail, early spring freezings, which according to the experts became severe in recent years. The latter leads to crop damage or complete destruction, as well as threating to catle breeding. Some agricultural lands and vineyards are located on the banks of Dzoraget river and on the road to canyon there are rockfall areas. This is a serious threat to human safety, the road leads to the farms, vineyard, pasture and hydropower plant.

Socio-economic The community lacks human recourses as a result of immigration, which is a sector serious threat to community development. The poor condition of drinking water system may cause serious diseases. Health sector also mentioned the flu, which becomes more frequent in winter months. It is very dangerous for the elderly people and children. Due to the absence of landfill, the waste is dumped in Dzoraget. This can lead to serious environmental problems. Educational sector The main threats for educational centers are earthquakes, fires,strong winds, hails especially large size. The elderly people and children do not have proper knowledge on Disaster Risk Management.

Capacity Agricultural sector The mild climate, the availability of worn agricultural equipment and vehicles, good condition of national roads, productive soil/ land, community’s farming and cattle-breeding traditions, etc.

Social-economic The medical center, which is equipped with the necessary first aid supplies and sector medicines. Operating asphalt plant factory, bakery, shops, human resources, etc. Educational sector The community has sufficient professional and building resources to organize pre-school and secondary education. Vocational and higher educational centers are located in Stepanavan city and in the center of the region and are available to the population.

According to conclusions made by participants during focus group discussions, above mentioned issues are directly affecting living standards and development of the community, so that , community would benefit (poverty reduction, increased living standards and birth rate, low migration)even in case of partially resolving of those issues. All this will lead to increasing of the community budget, and as a result to development and prosperity of the community.

18. Semistructured interviews Taking into account that interviews require specific knowledge and experience, semistructures interviews have been conducted with the Head of communty and members of the Community Council in Darpas community. All received data from interviews was classified in the folowing directions.

19. Capacity of the Community to face with and to response to emergency situations (ES) The interviews revealed the following available capacities in the community  Emergency response plan  Special horn

 Landlide and Mobile connection  Human resources  School, kindergarten,

 Markets  Medical center Forests, fruit gardens, sown areas, cattle wete mentioned as source of the food while facing with disaster.

20. Emergency situations occurred in community in recent year and their consequences Information about natural hazards occured in the community has been classified and the results are shown in the table below:

EMERGENCY YEAR NEGATIVE IMPACT SITUATION 1970 Heavy hail Growing planrs, roofs of the houses were damaged. 1983 Flood 35% of the community was damaged. 1988 Earthquake Residential houses and dwellings were damaged. 2000 Drought 70% of yeald capacity damaged. Whole community suffered, the school and residential houses 2004 Heavy hail were damaged. 2000-2010 Canyon 2 tractors turned over in canoyn, 2 people injured 2012 Hail Sown areas were damaged.

Permanently River flood Sawn areas, dwellings and cars were damaged.

21. DRR related events organized in the community In 2010, seminar on ―Disaster Preparedness‖ for community school children was organized by ―Lore‖ Rescue Team. In the same year, representative of community have participated in seminar on ―National Issues‖ organized by Health Department of Regional Municipality. In 2011, representatives of community government participated in seminar on ―Disaster Preparedness and Response‖. In 2012 representatives of community government participated in seminar within the framework of ―Risk Management on local level‖ program organized by ―Lore‖ Rescue Team. No other DRR related event was organized in the community.

22. Mass survey among population using questionnaires 170residents from the community has participated in a survey. As a result, the following data was collected:  Knowledge on hazards affecting community  Knowledge on vulnerability and capacity of the community  Main actors in the field of DRR  How to face with emergency situations and readiness to response  Residents’ readiness to contribute to DRR event planning and implementing process  About interest adnd participation in DRR events. Data collected from survey was classified and is presented below:

23. Main hazards affecting community As a man made disaster, fire, car accidentshouseholds accidents have been mentioned. Separately, forest fire and hayfields fire, that could turn into environmental emergency situations, have been mentioned (dispappearence of some types of plants and animals, reduction of land yealding capacity, erosion etc). Cases with forest and hayfields fire are frequently recorded plans and animal in recent years, which is explained as a consequence of human unattentive behavior. The picture below illustrates graph related to natural hazards.

Data collected from community residents over natural hazards. Among the most discussed types of natural hazards were spring freezing, hail, drought, snowstorm, heavy winds and heavy rains.

Disaster JUSTIFICATION Earthquake is an unpredictable phenomenon that threatens all areas of the 1 Earthquake Republic of Armenia. It could be also a cause of other hazards /landslide/ and emergency situations /explosion, fire/. Hail 2 Hail that strikes 2-3 times annually damages farms. Rise of temperature and lack of precipitation in summer periods have been Drought 3 recently recorded. Damage of harvest was explained by the absence of irrigation network. Drought is seriously affecting farms. Winters are cold and snowy. Almost every year, snowstorm is paralyzing 1600 4 Snowstorm meters of H2 road that cross community.

There are 3 landslide areas in the community. Two out of three landslides are active and are threatening Kurtan – Dzoragetavan (H24) road and pastures. The 5 Landslide activeness of one of these landslide is accelerated by uncontrolled water flow from hydropower plant pipe. The community is surrounded by mountains from 3 parts. Roclfall is appeared in line with Kurtan - Dzoragetavan road and is threatening security of people as the 6 Rockfall road connects community with pastures and hayfields across the bank of the river. River flood is a treat to the water pipe of Hydropower plant, which damage, in 7 River flood case of water flow, will accelerate landslide and collapse. 8 Freezing Rockfall emerges in early spring as a result of sharp temperature flaktuations. As a result of heavy presipitation and melting Gargarget river is flooding pastures, 9 Heavy winds hayfifelds, and gardens. It also damages bridges. Kurtan community is surrounded by forests and forest fire becomes frequent disaster in recent years. The main cause of forest fire is human careless behavior 10 Forest fire as well as heght of the grass . Man caused forest fire mainly causes egional threat to flora and fauna.

Rise of tempirature and lack of precipitation in summer period have been recently recorded. Data collected from mass survey and semistructured interviews was prioritized and results are presented in table below:

24. Seasonality of hazards Study of seasonality shows that spring is the most dangerous season according to community population point of view. It is mainly related to metorological phenomena. Main hazards happen in spring.

Winter Spring Summer Autumn Can't say definitely

Data related to seasonality of natural hazards collected from community population Study of seasonality shows that spring is the most dangerous season according to community population point of view. It is mainly related to metorological phenomena. Main hazards are freezing, hail, heavy rains, rockfall and landslide. 25. Frequency of hazards Study of frequency of hazards shows that mainly hydrometeorological hazards happen more frequently. It is also proved by official data, stating that there is an increasing tendecy of hydrometeorological hazards (HH) during recent decade. Overall number of HH has increased by 1.2 cases during the last 30 years, and by 1.8 cases during the last 20 years. Data collected from community population over frequency of hazards is presented in the graph below:

rock fall forest fire river flood droughts landslide hail heavy storm heavy rain freezing blizzard earthquake

once in 6 months once in a year once in 2-3 year once in a 5 year rarely then once in a5 year rarely then once in a 10 year

rarely then once in a 20 year

Data collected from community population over frequency of hazards Duscussions and interviews clearly shows that most people consider more dangerous and pay more attention to those natural hazards that may cause financial losses. People have particularly noted small

22 scale hazards (hail, landslide etc.) and their increased frequency. Information about such cases and caused damages are nor reported, so they are not registered in official statistical data.

26. Losses incurred by population as a result of emergency situations in the community 64% of respondents have suffered losses as a result of small scale hazards and emergency situations in the community. As a result, agricultural sector (58%) has mainly damaged, suffered losses are mainly material which brought to deterioration of social condition. :

harvest damage

house damage

electricity demage

Information related to population losses as a result of occurred disasters and emergency situations According to community residents, mechanisms of information and projections’ (agrohydrological or hydrological – flood, mudflow) preparation and dissemination are either incomplete or do exist. It becomes clear during interviews, that early warning system on community level does not mainly exist.

27. Combination of hazards and vulnerability Every hazard has its specific kind of vunerrability that are typical for every single area, thus, they are also different depending on states, regions, communities or individuals. Causes of vulnerability are consequences of physical, economic, social and political-institutional weakness. The graph below shows, which hazards specificto community may threat vitally important facilities, infrastructure, dwellings and agricultural facilities according to residents opinion.

forest gardens bridges school communication

electricity community roads intercommunity roads

cropland

houses

heavy rain blizzard heavy storm landslide drought river flood forest fire

Related to vulnerability of dwellings, according to community residents, bridges and houses are the most vulnerable to emergency situations. Bridges are vunerable due to their poor conditions: they faced with the risk of being collapsed or weakenning of the fundament. Data collected from residents on vulnerable dwellings

Medical Center is vulnerable because it is located in the building that was not renovated after 1988 earthquake. Most residential houese were constructed before 1988 earthquake and are vulnerable toward earthquake due to their poor condition..Part of the residential houses are located in landslide prone and flood affected areas. The school was marked vulnerable as it gather many people inside. The following graph shows groups of residents most vulnerable toward emergency situations. Among the most vulnerable groups are people with disabilities and elder residents. There was special notes that the level of vulnerability of all groups included in the graph would either decrease or increase depending on their health condition and the level of awareness.

Data collected from the residents on community vulnerable groups According to residents, man and woman are equally vulnerable toward disasters. Access to various services was also studied. Most respondents noted, that below mentioned services are available to community population, equally to man and woman

police

social

education

Data collected from community residents on access to community services

28. Knowledge of community residents about disasters Local capacities to face with and respond to disasters are vitally important fac protection. It is measured by existing local mechanisms and technical means and the level of population protection. During interviews it becomes clear, that there is a lack of knowledge among residents and local authorities about applying and using existing capacities. Results of interviews show that among information sources, public and sattelite TV channels, public radio, press and internet are accessible to community residents. 13% of respondentshealth care have participated in seminar on ―National Issues‖ organized by Health Department of Regional Municipalityfire service in 2010. In 2012 representatives of community government participated in seminar within the framework of ―Risk Management on local level‖ program organized by ―Lore‖ Rescue Team. In rescue service 2010, ―Disaster Response‖ seminar was organized by ―Lore‖ Rescue Team for community school children. No other DRR related event was organized in the community. available difficult to access unavailable don't know 53% of respondents have partial knowledge and skills on first aid and how to behave in emergency situations.

Study on necessary actions initiated from the part of community residents during emergency situations shows that people consider the following priority steps:  Provision of food and drinking water,  First aid,

 Organization of evacuation,  Early warning,  Assistance to local authorities. It is worth to note, that psychological preparedness of community residents allows to face with and respond to emergency situations. Opinion of respondents over above mentioned statement is presented in the graph below:

Would you agree, that local authorities are Would you agree, that community residents Would you agree you are ready to respond ready to respond to emergency situations? are ready to response to emergency to emergency situations? situations?

Yes Yes Yes

Partly Partly Partly No No No Don't know Don't know

Don't know

70% of respondents expressed their readiness to participate in seminars and simulation exercises aimed at increasing the level of preparedness, and to become useful for the community itself. Respondents’ response over this issue is presented in the graph below:

Data collected from community residents over participation in actions before or after disaster.

support people which are in danger provide food and livelihood to injured people

in case of disaster provide first aid

in case of disaster take part in social/public works /help to save property/ inform others about hazard

The study on residents’ knowledge over active stakeholders in the field of response to emergency situations clarified that respondents mainly find local authorities and population participation in the fields of disaster reponse and elimination of consequences.

Who can provide substantial assistance right after Which structures can playa substantial role in case of disaster? disaster before arrival of rescuers?

local authorities local authorities government local population rescue service

nobody don't know

These results are explained by economic losses, damages caused by emergency situations occurred in recent years, so that above mentioned numbers correspond to respondents' opinion.

Analysis of collected data Conclusion and recommendations Based on the results of VCA, organized together with the community, assembly has come up with conclusion about community strong and weak points, capacity of the community, and current or possible obstacles, as well as about contributing projects related to DRR and Climate Change. Obviously, residents prefer quick solution of economic issues and prioritize DRR projects when they directly contribute to the process of overcoming those issues related either to Climate Change or natural hazards. Related to the long term project on Climate change and DRR that have to be incorporated into communities’ development plans, residents think, that implementation of such project is out of community capacity, as they would require financial, expertee and other necessary investments which community doesn’t have. As an implementing agency, community has named the Government of RA.

Community does not have clear understanding on its own capacities in DRR taking into account different processes going on in the country. Particularly, taking into consideration the point that strengthening capcacities of communities in DRR is a central issue, they are still not ―tangible‖for communities. Community has information gap related to DRR and its ininstitutional and legislative developments, particularly from the point of view of community capacity and localization of those processes. Above mentioned conclusions has been formed as a result of interactive discussions and mainly express opinion of the community. Strong parts of the community  Favorable climatic condition,  Favorable psychological factor of residents intended to participate in DRR processes.  Local authorities understand the importance of DRR events express their readiness to incorporate DRR in local development plans (according to development sectors),  Existing human resources,  Drinking water network,  Accessability of information sources,  Close distance to highway and comparatively good condition of that highway.

Weak points of the community  Poor condition of communal services and local roads.  Vulnerability of community residential houses, preschool and cultural buildings and dwellings from the point of view of sesmic protection.  Insufficient community budget intended to solve community priority issues,  Absense of necessary specialized machinery for agricultural purposes.  High level of unemployment,  Existance of poor and sociallyvulnerable group of people,  Low knowledge on DRR, Emergency response and eliminating consequences, as well as First Aid.  Insufficient involvement of residents in decision making process over important issues in the community.  Continuous degradation of agricultuaral lands,  Non effective waste management.  Absense of awareness, knowledge and skills necessary to face with and adapt to Climate change.

Community opportunities  DRR strategy adopted by the Government of RA as mechanism for regulating institutional and legiclative framework.  New ongoing developments related to formation of DRR culture in the country  Existance of ARNAP National Platform as a united mechanism for DRR processes.  Current legislative framework related to disaster response and eliminating its consequences, where rights and responsibilities of local self government are clearly.  Incorporation of disaster and climate risksnreduction projects into community development plans according to sectors.  Existance of specialized higher education institution (Crisis Management State Academy - CMSA) as well as existence of different education materials.  Policies of International oganizaitons and local NGOs working in Armenia related to implementation of community projects.

 Existance of DRR Regional teams (DRT).  Stimulating private businesses and their involvement in DRR processes.  Current human resources necessary to set up Community DRR Working groups.

Factors impeding the development of communities and particularly disaster risk reduction process. There are also several factors that could impede or slow down or stop possible developments and capacity development. Particularly,  Slow level of Localization and integration of DRR developments on community level.  Despite reducing tendency of migration, there is migration of specialist from the community.  Continuos land degradation,  Absense of necessary machinery,  Lack of information and knowledge on DRR.

29.Issues identified by the community residents, their causes and possible solutions according to vulnerability reduction and enhancing capacities

Type of hazard and main Capacities of the Recommendations/ Vulnerable elements Negative consequences Expected results description Community proposals from VCA

Natural disasters

Hail

In average, it strikes 2 times annually. Residential houses, sawn Harvest, sawn areas are damaged, Information Sources, TV Anti – hail station, forcasting Preserving harvest, It affects mainly agricultural sector. areas, transport. windows roofs are broken internet ans early warning system improvement of Diameter of hailstone rishes 3 sm. damaging transport, brings development and use. economic situation. significant material losses:

Rockfall

Frequetly recorded precipitation People, roads, Pipe to Threat to people, cars, animals and Initiate artificial rockfall, set Safe transportation, makes rainfall active as the Hydropower station pipes of the hydropower station. up netwokrs and reminding access of the people, community is surrounded by The last could bring to landslide marks. mountains from 3 parts. It presents and collapse. significant danger for the community.

Landslide

There are several dwellings and Roads, pastures, houses, Residential houses, dwellings, Special machinery Expertize examination of Avoid material and dwellings, roads. roads, electric communication landslide areas, mapping, human losses, provision residential houses on the right bank of Gargar river which is a landslide columns are damaged as a result of evacuation of people from of new houses for prone area. The main caus are a rain landslide. damaged buildings, evacuated people, waters that flow from the mountains. fundraising for new buildings’ provision of secure traffic Tumanyan road are also landslide construction, organization of on the specific part of the affected. permanent monitoring, early road. warning, repairment of damaged parts of water pipes.

Snowstorm

Snowstorms arecaused by heavy Vardablur – Kurtan part of Interuption of communication, Machinery, human resources Construction of protecting Permanent and secured winds from the southwest in winter Stepanavan – Kurtan road. inaccessibility of all services (fire, lines, fences in paralel to the exploitation of the road, periods. Winds bring snow from the rescue, police, ambulance etc.) road. saving finances. fields to highways and paralyzed traffic.

Early spring freezing becomes frequent in recent years. As a result, Agriculture Reduction of yeads capacity, Information sources, TV, Provision of reliable Avoid/ decrease possible the most suffered sector becomes material losses in animal internet. information, using new losses. agriculture. husbandry and farming. technologies and crops.

Drought

Rise of temperature and lack of Sawn areas, gardens, Reduction of yeald capacity, losses River Bringing new technologies Avoid/ decrease possible precipitation in summer periods have animal husbandry. of harvest and as a result material (drip irrigation), provision of losses.: been recorded in recent years. Lost of losses in farming animal reliable climate information. the yeald capacity is also explained by husbandry etc. the absence of irrigation network.

River flood

As a result of spring rains and melting, Agricultaral lands close to Flood causes damage to sawn Machinery Lifting parts of defensive Avoid floods, possible Gargar river floods surrounding areas, river, bridge, animals, areas, loss of harvest. structures, particularly in losses. Provision of clean bringing damage to the bridge. people. parallel with water covered bank of the river, It damages bridge. area. Training for residents provision of security of Employees living close to the river about the public. Environmental issues emerge as a negative impact of waste result of river pollution. Community Hall. collection, strengthening and fixing bridge fundament, provision of special place for waste collection.

Earthquake

School. Earthquake is unpredictable. Could Strenghtening of Destroyed houses, structures, Training with population, Avoid/ decrease possible become a cause for other area specific residential houses, dwellings, material and human assessment of seismic risks, Community Hall. losses. hazard (landslide) and emergency dwellings, renovation of losses, emergence of secondary seismically resistant situation (explosion, fire). Conditions vitally important facilities disasters. Machinery. constraction. of community dwellings are not studied.

Man made disasters

Explosions, fire Residential houses, school, Material and human losses. River: Wellspring. Learning and following safety Avoid possible losses. kindergarten, hydropower rules, public awaraness and Community residents. plant, electric education. manufacturing companies, Staff of the school.

other dwellings. Global climate change

Fire in forest and grass areas. Forests, grass areas, Animal and plant destruction, Information sources, TV, Using new technologies and animals, greenery. disappearance reduction of land Internet. new crops. Provision of yeald capacity, erosion. climate information.

Possible solutions Study results were presented and discussed during general meeting with the community and aimed at identifying priority prevention/ adaptation programs from the community point of view. 1. Hail as a main cause for harvest losses was mentioned on the 2nd place in ―Hazards’ Priority list‖ filled in by community residents. As a climate risk reduction tool, community mentioned anti-hail defense events. Using anti – hail systems recommended by UNDP within the framework of DRR has been accepted by the community as the most important action. This action supposes to protect sawn areas, gardens etc. by setting up anti-hail stations. 2. Snowstorm marked on the 4th place, but taking into consideration possible DRR option of the community supporting organizations, being vulnerable community as a whole toward snowstorm, it is highly recommended to organize protecting three planting or setting up protecting barricades in line with the road on dangerous parts of the road. 3. Rockfall also was marked as a priority hazard and based on its elimination options, it was recommended as a priority issue for implementation of adaptation programs.

Prevention programs were prioritized and recommended by the community based on activiness of supporting organizations in the field of DRR and the capacity of the  community.

Recommendaitons DRR related field Taking into consideration findings identified as a result of this study, the following points are recommended:  To deepen cooperation with regional DRR team, ―Armhydromet‖ SNGO of MES and other specialized structures, disseminating information among community population.  To include DRR related events into community development plans according to sectors in cooperation with Regional DRR team and specialized structures.  To involve community population into DRR activities as an important actor. To support Community DRR team in developing appropriate DRR programs and implementation of possible grant programs, based on the community needs.  To establish rapid response team.  Place warning sings in dangerous areas. Recommendation realted to Climate Change Risk reduction  To restore forest areas.  To monitor implementation of the article 21 of RA Law on ―Atmospheric Air Protection‖. o It is prohibited to burn stubbles, plant residues and dry vegetation areas, pastures and hayfields in agricultural, forest and special reservation areas.

o It is prohibited to burn outdoors household and industrial waste as well as dry leafs outdoors, urban and rural areas, ovens etc.’’  To set up anti-hail networks to protect agricultural crops.  To organize dissemination of information on community level on hydrometeorological hazards (e.g. www.meteo.am , www.foreca.com)  To initiate trainings about whether and climate in different population groups, particularly in schools.  To organize and carry out specialized service with hydrometeorological information and predictions for households farms, particularly in vegetation period in spring and summer  Based on the requirements of the article of RA Law on ―Atmospheric Air Protection‖ about reduction of greenhouse gaz emissions, as an effective and useful tool for agriculture and environment protection, dissemination of the idea of producing ―compost‖ and its effectiveness among population is highly recommended. For this reason, booklets highliting the ways of producing composts could be printed.

Recommendations related to improvements in community’s socio-economic area

 Improvement and renovation of drinking water network inside the community, repairment of community roads, provision of outdoor lighting.  Renovation of entertainment and cultural centers.  Rrenovation and repairment of dwellings and bridges, their strengthening.  Use of new technologies (drip irrigation,anti-hailstations)  Based on Climate change projections’ data and cooperating with appropriate agriculture related structures, to organize importing, testing and localizing new crops.