YEREVAN. - The causes of landslide on Vanadzor-Bagratashen highway of Armenia are being studies. Usually these are heavy rains, moist and overflowed rivers, the head of Armenian Ministry of Transportation Public Relations department Petros Demirchyan told Armenian News-NEWS am, adding that the road underwent repair works in 1996-1997 under World Bank program.

Armenian News-NEWS.am learned from the Ministry of Emergency Situations that the landslide caused 130 meter long and 60 meters high plot of land come down. 77 rescuers are currently working on the scene.

As Armenian News-NEWS.am reported earlier, by the decision of Armenian PM, an operative team is formed to eliminate the effects of the landslide in Tavush Region. Instead of the landslide-affected section of the Vanadzor-Bagratashen road of M 6 Interstate Highway, the Vanadzor-Dilijan-Ijevan-Bagratashen bypass is currently in operation. Relevant governmental bodies ask drivers to refrain from traveling via Vanadzor-Bagratashen road.

The road is cleaned up, but landslide hazard continues.