On Kakhovka dam’s ground zero, Arms of Mercy volunteer shows up for her fellow Ukrainians in need

A young Ukrainian woman defied the odds to return from the US and help her fellow countrymen amidst the tragedy caused by the Kakhovka Dam destruction, offering hope, compassion, and determination to make a difference.

“Just from the beginning, I wanted to help people in need. I wanted to show the most vulnerable that they are not alone, that there is a God who loves and protects them,” shares Lyubov Bernik, who works as a volunteer with World Vision’s partner Arms of Mercy (AoM).

Lyubov was born in Ukraine but moved to the US several years ago. She came back to Ukraine since the full-scale conflict started. She didn’t want to stay away while her fellow Ukrainians were suffering, living under shelling, without electricity or heating, occupation, and now during the flooding.

“I immediately made the decision to come back. I felt Ukrainians needed this help. My heart remained here, and always will be with my country,” says Lyubov.

Three days after the Kakhovka Dam destruction, Lyubov arrived late at night with the team, as the curfew hours have started. She connected with a local church to find out people’s needs and how the team can support them. 

“When I saw the region after the tragedy for the first time, I was really shocked. The devastation we witnessed after the tragedy surpassed my expectations. The level of destruction was unimaginable,” recalls Lyubov.

While Kherson received considerable humanitarian assistance, Lyubov discovered that smaller cities and villages between Kherson and Mykolaiv oblasts were left behind. The team were able to cover Novovasylivka, Afanasivka, Snigurivka, Galaganivka, and Novosofiivka villages at one time.

“Most of the villages were cut off from the world and underwater. You could get there only by boat. People couldn’t imagine they will be begging for fresh drinking water,” explains Lyubov. 

According to Lyubov, residents of those areas are isolated and waiting for help.  They are in desperate need of basic necessities such as food, hygiene kits, drinking water, and medicines. Most of them are asking for adult diapers and power banks to communicate with their loved ones who are defending the country.

The most heart-wrenching aspect was witnessing the children's confusion and distress, unable to comprehend the situation they were in.

“People are under a lot of stress. Unfortunately, I feel that most of them can’t handle it anymore. Their uncertainty about the safety of their family members brought them to tears,” she shares.

The most heartbreaking is that these people are internally displaced and fled Kherson or nearby cities to escape the occupation. Now, they faced the devastation of flooding, with no electricity, destroyed homes, and the loss of their gardens and farms.

She adds: “The most heart-wrenching aspect was witnessing the children's confusion and distress, unable to comprehend the situation they were in.”

Despite these challenges, Lyubov found solace in witnessing the strength and unity of the Ukrainian people. Some locals who lost their homes found support from their neighbors or formed bands to live together.

Being the only woman in her team, Lyubov visits the hot spots regularly and continues to help and support the most vulnerable.

While some may question her decision to be in such dangerous areas, Lyubov remained undeterred, feeling protected by her faith and belief.

“According to Ukrainian culture, this is something strange to let a woman go to the hot spots and sacrifice her life. However, I’ve visited a lot of such places. There is no safe place in Ukraine left, so I am not afraid,” says Lyubov.

As Lyubov Bernik continues her selfless mission to alleviate the suffering of her fellow Ukrainians, she carries with her a glimmer of hope. Through her unwavering dedication and the collective strength of the Ukrainian people, there is a belief that, together, they will rebuild, overcome, and create a brighter future for all.

The resilience and unity displayed in the face of immense challenges serve as a testament to the indomitable spirit of Ukraine, inspiring the world with renewed hope for a better tomorrow.

World Vision is providing support to the flood-affected communities through partners like Arms of Mercy and targets to reach out to over 18,000 people impacted by this unfortunate disaster.

Story by Oleksandra Shapkina, Communications Officer I Photos by Arms of Mercy (AoM) Staff