Five injured as damaging tornado rips through Aparan, Armenia
A damaging tornado struck the town of Aparan on Sunday afternoon, June 15, 2025, injuring five people and causing significant destruction in the area.
Reports indicate that 20 apartment blocks, 90 houses, and 24 administrative buildings were damaged by the tornado. It also uprooted 100 trees, toppled 70 electric poles, leading to widespread power outages.
The tornado partially destroyed the roofs of two Public Schools, the community hall, and key buildings such as the municipal office, the police station, the local prosecutor’s office, and the ACBA Bank branch.
The Armenian Interior Ministry deployed 200 rescue workers to assist with cleanup efforts, while power outages persisted into Monday afternoon, June 16.
Strong winds, heavy rain, and hail caused roof tiles to tear off in the city of Aparan, Aragatsotn region. pic.twitter.com/LS62IsxA3i
— Alphanews Armenian Network (@AlphaNewsAM) June 16, 2025
The municipal administration in Aparan began repairing blown-off roofs, while some residents undertook repairs independently.
Electricity and gas supply were cut off for safety reasons, while rescue teams from the Ministry worked in the area, along with personnel from the Aragatsotn regional administration.
15.06.2025#Armenia
— Climate Review (@ClimateRe50366) June 16, 2025
A #tornado passed through the city of #Aparan, Aragatsotn region. The city lost electricity, water, and gas supply was suspended. The tornado injured 3 adults and 1 child. Buildings and cars were damaged, roofs were torn off, and trees were knocked down. pic.twitter.com/WbvIJ9tNBk
This is what Armenian Aparan looks like after yesterday’s tornado. Residents are working to recover from the powerful storm, which caused significant damage across the town. pic.twitter.com/dF1voB7bPW
— Sputnik Armenia (@SputnikArm) June 16, 2025
In Shirak province, adjacent to Aparan, hailstorms devastated agricultural fields across more than a dozen villages. In Voskehask, a farmer reported a complete loss of crops on his 25 ha (62 acres) of land.
He invested 7 million drams ($18 000) in wheat, barley, and other crops, expecting no harvest this year. Another farmer reported 99% crop damage on his 100 ha (247 acres) of land.
The governor of Shirak, Davit Arushanian, said that local authorities have already begun calculating the damage caused by the natural disaster.
References:
1 Armenian Communities Hit By Powerful Storm – Azatutyun.am – June 16, 2025
Featured image credit: Karen Yeghiazaryan Alliance
Reet is a science journalist and researcher with a keen focus on extreme weather, space phenomena, and climate-related issues. With a strong foundation in astronomy and a history of environmental activism, she approaches every story with a sharp scientific lens and a deep sense of purpose. Driven by a lifelong love for writing, and a curiosity about the universe, Reet brings urgency and insight to some of the most important scientific developments of our time.
Commenting rules and guidelines
We value the thoughts and opinions of our readers and welcome healthy discussions on our website. In order to maintain a respectful and positive community, we ask that all commenters follow these rules.