From 9 to 13 October, the HOPE full-scale exercise took place in the Kotayk Region of Armenia. A joint effort between Armenian and international participants, the exercise focused on evaluating and refining disaster response measures. This event underscored the need for coordinated preparedness and response to natural disasters.
In the aftermath of a simulated 8-9 magnitude earthquake in Kotayk, the HOPE Project and the Armenian Ministry of Internal Affairs launched a full-scale exercise to test and fortify Armenia's disaster response mechanisms. This five-day event assembled elite Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) squads, HAZMAT specialists, drone operators, and more from nations like Greece, France, and Northern Macedonia. Held across key locations in Kotayk, this exercise not only focused on saving lives but also emphasised the protection of cultural assets and the assistance of vulnerable groups.
A strategic base of operation, situated 22 km from Yerevan, served as the nerve center for this exercise, coordinating the multifaceted response efforts. With the invaluable participation of local organisations like the Armenian Red Cross and the LORE voluntary SAR team, the exercise simulated a holistic response to a major disaster.
The vast exercise spanned across multiple strategic locations in the Kotayk Region, such as Abovyan, Arzni, and Charentsavan, allowing teams to simulate intricate emergency scenarios. Their objective? To save lives, protect cultural heritage, and work closely with the vulnerable populations, like persons with disabilities.
Thematic series