Lightning strike leaves 11 villages without power in Armenia

Eleven villages in Armenia's Aparan region were left without electricity after a lightning strike damaged a local power substation, authorities said.

The lightning strike hit the Alagiaz 35/10 kV substation at approximately 6:16 p.m. on the previous day, causing a widespread power outage across the villages of Rya Taza, Mirak, Melik, Michnatun, Sipan, Avshen, Alagaz, Gegarot, Tsilkar, Lernapa, and Jamshlu. Most of the affected communities are home to members of Armenia's Yazidi minority, Caliber.Az reports via Armenian media. 

Repair crews began work on the morning of June 12 to replace the damaged transformer. Officials said electricity service is expected to be restored within the next few hours.

The incident comes amid a series of weather-related disruptions in Armenia. On June 11, a bridge near the town of Charentsavan on the Yerevan–Sevan highway reportedly collapsed after being struck by lightning.

By Sabina Mammadli