The fierce winds that struck Karabakh on March 22nd, lasting as they did for several hours, caused extensive property damage and injured ten people.

The President of the NKR immediately assembled a special unit to both investigate the extent of the damage and to supervise relief efforts throughout the country. The next meeting of the unit was scheduled for today.

Officials from the Stepanakert Municipality and other appropriate state agencies stated that damage was particularly extensive in the capital, and the regions of Martuni, Martakert, and Hadrut.

1,430 homes were damaged in Martuni, 1,287 in the Askeran district and 22 in Shushi. A house in the village of Her-Her (Martuni) was damaged beyond repair and the family is temporarily being housed in the village’s Mayor’s Office.

A total of 638 buildings were damaged in Stepanakert alone, of which 177 were apartment buildings, 436 private homes and 25 were either state-owned buildings, like schools, or private firms.

Vazgen Mikaelyan, the Mayor of Stepanakert, stated that repair work has already begun and that downed electrical lines were being replaced as well. Power to 85% of the capital’s residents has been restored and the rest will have their lights back on by tonight.

The Prime Minister Ara Harutyunyan has said that the government is assisting people who sustained material losses. Of immediate concern is the renovation of homes and schools. Building materials will be supplied to those citizens who start the repairs on their own.

The Prime Minister also stated that strong winds are also forecast for tomorrow.