A moderate earthquake measuring 4. 5 on the Richter scale struck the border region between Armenia and Georgia on Sunday morning. The tremor, which originated 16 kilometers northeast of the Armenian village of Bavra in Shirak province, occurred at approximately 5:44 local time (01:44 GMT).
According to the Armenian Ministry of Emergency Situations, the quake's shallow depth of 10 kilometers resulted in weak shaking felt by residents in the vicinity of the epicenter. The tremor manifested as a light vibration in Shirak province, with some communities in Lori and Tavush provinces experiencing even milder tremors.
Emergency response teams were immediately deployed to the affected areas to assess any potential damage. Fortunately, no casualties or structural damage have been reported thus far.
Armenia is situated in a seismically active zone, and earthquakes are a relatively frequent occurrence. The country has a well-established emergency response protocol for such events, which prioritizes the safety and well-being of citizens.
In August 2021, a similar earthquake of 4. 5 magnitude struck the same region near the Armenian-Georgian border. While the epicenter tremor reached a maximum intensity of 6, no significant damage was reported.
Geologists emphasize the importance of earthquake preparedness in Armenia. Regular safety drills and the reinforcement of buildings in earthquake-prone areas are crucial steps in mitigating the impact of future tremors.