No Frost Expected with 99 Percent Certainty, Says Felix Tsolakyan

Minister of Emergency Situations Felix Tsolakyan addressed issues in the social sector, including delays in benefits and rising gas prices at gas stations, starting his speech with the following remarks.

“After talking about so many negative things, I say that there is a 99 percent chance of no frost expected in the valley and pre-mountainous regions of the republic. The amount of precipitation in April and May will exceed the norm, and in June, it will be within normal limits. Due to temperature changes, river flows will increase; last year it was 60-80 percent, this year it will be 120, indicating abundant water. We have specified which rivers are affected. I have provided this information to both the Ministry of Territorial Administration and the regional administrations. Everyone is informed, but there is this condition that we can clearly say 3-4 days in advance whether flooding will occur or not, depending on air waves and intense waves,” he stated.

Speaking about the level of Lake Sevan, he mentioned that currently, the water level is 7 cm lower compared to last year, but more positive results are expected later.

“Last year the climate was warm; this year it is cold, and the flow will happen later. By June 1st, it is expected to rise by about 45 cm,” he added.

This figure seemed incredible to the Prime Minister.

“45 centimeters in 1-2 months?” Prime Minister Pashinyan expressed his surprise.

Tsolakyan responded, “Yes, we will have about 570 million cubic meters more water, which today, with the opening of the Arpa-Sevan, also adds about 150 million cubic meters, which should have come by the end of the year. By January 1, the level of Sevan will be 5-10 cm higher than this year due to water extraction.”