A lightning strike on August 30 temporarily shut down Armenia's Metsamor Nuclear Power Plant, which is located about 25 kilometers from Yerevan. The incident occurred at 9:55 p.m., prompting the plant's safety systems to activate and disconnect it from the power grid, effectively bringing it to a safe halt. Officials from the Ministry of Territorial Administration and Infrastructures confirmed that the highly sensitive safety systems functioned as intended, showcasing the effectiveness of recent modernization efforts. Staff are currently working to restart the reactor, which supplies around 40% of Armenia's electricity. The plant, operational since 1980, was originally slated for decommissioning in 2017 but had its operation extended until 2026 due to previous government decisions. The shutdown caused brief power outages in Yerevan and surrounding areas during a storm.