Rare IF1.5 Tornado in Aparan, Armenia: 106 Roofs Damaged and 5 Injured

On June 15, 2025, a powerful IF1.5 tornado struck the towns of Aparan and Lusagyugh in the Aragatsotn region of Armenia, causing widespread destruction and injuring five people. The tornado inflicted considerable damage on residential and public infrastructure, including the roofs of 20 apartment buildings and 86 villas, as well as 3 schools, a culture house, 24 administrative buildings, and 2 law enforcement subdivisions. Critical services were disrupted with 70 power lines damaged, telecommunication infrastructure destroyed, and 30 vehicles damaged. The tornado also devastated the environment, uprooting or breaking over 100 trees and making several roads impassable due to debris.

Damage to buildings included destroyed roofs, broken windows, partly collapsed walls, and structural impacts indicative of the tornado’s intensity. The event was thoroughly documented and confirmed through eyewitness reports, government sources, photographs, and video footage, ensuring a high confidence level in the assessment.

This tornado is a rare and significant meteorological event for Armenia, underscoring the vulnerability of the region to severe weather and the urgent need for enhanced storm monitoring and disaster preparedness. The incident highlights the potential for considerable human and material losses even in areas not typically associated with tornado activity, emphasizing the importance of resilience strategies moving forward.

Tornado Details and Impact

Location: Aparan and Lusagyugh, Aragatsotn, Armenia (40.59 N, 44.36 E)
Date and Time: June 15, 2025, ~12:10 UTC
Intensity: IF1.5 (Moderate tornado)
Damage Indicator: BRB (Buildings, Roofs, and Bridges)
Degree of Damage: Level 2 (Considerable damage)

Extensive Damage Across the Region

The tornado inflicted considerable destruction, including:

Roof damage or destruction to 20 apartment buildings and 86 villas.
Structural damage to 3 schools, 1 culture house, and administrative buildings of 24 organizations, as well as two territorial law enforcement subdivisions.
Critical damage to infrastructure, including 70 power lines and telecommunication systems, causing widespread outages.
Damage to 30 vehicles and two playgrounds.
More than 100 trees uprooted or broken, with significant environmental impact.
Roads became impassable or closed due to debris and damage.
Broken windows, partially collapsed walls, and destroyed roofs were reported throughout the affected areas.