From war to flooding, displaced Ukrainians shocked and saddened with Kakhovka dam disaster; World Vision partner responds
After the catastrophic destruction of the Nova Kakhovka Dam, an eyewitness shares a firsthand account of the disaster and horrible consequences in the region. Together with his team, he traveled to the hotspots to support those who have suffered.
On June 6, 2023, Ukrainians woke up to a terrible news.
Early in the morning, the Kakhovka Hydroelectric Power Plant, a huge reservoir located in the city of Nova Kakhovka, that had been operating for decades got destroyed. The city is reportedly home to over 45,000 people.
This soon was followed by massive flooding in Kherson, Zaporizhzhia, and Dnipropetrovsk Oblasts impacting an estimated 16,000 people, many of whom are children.
World Vision’s partner Arms of Mercy (AoM) immediately organized a trip to the most affected regions to assess the situation and provide for the urgent needs of those affected.
Leading the rapid assessment team was Kostyantyn Kuchuryan, AoM’s coordinator who has been with the organization since the beginning of the war, covering and reaching out to his countrymen despite the danger and risks.
“I was deeply shocked by the devastation in the region. We were working in villages, located between the Kherson and Mykolaiv regions. We witnessed houses completely submerged in floodwater. I could not believe with my eyes,” shares Kostyantyn.
According to Kostyantyn, the water level rose significantly, reaching six meters in some areas because of the destruction of the dam. As a result, the affected villages were cut off from essential services such as electricity, water, and food.
“This is a real disaster. When we came to this area, probably several villages were underwater. However, each passing day brought more flooding and further destruction. Over 36 villages were flooded in the region where we were working,” says Kostyantyn.
I was deeply shocked by the devastation in the region. We were working in villages, located between the Kherson and Mykolaiv regions. We witnessed houses completely submerged in floodwater.
The tragedy has deeply affected the families living in these regions. Many of them still refuse to leave their homes. Some chose to move into previously abandoned houses or stayed with neighbors in their communities.
The impact on children is also evident. Access to clean water has become difficult, and their lives have faced new challenges as they still endure the ongoing war. Local authorities in Dnipropetrovska Oblast raised concern that over 160,000 people are facing water shortages.
“This is a tremendous disaster for local people. Can you imagine what they have been through in the last eighteen months? Firstly, they were under occupation for nine months, then this flood that destroyed houses and damaged their properties,” explains Kuchuryan.
Arms of Mercy organization is actively involved in helping Ukrainians affected by this destruction. While visiting they organize meetings with locals, trying to support and encourage them. They also distribute food and hygiene kits.
Kostyantyn adds: “Now the demand for drinking water and hygiene kits for disinfecting accommodations or dishes has increased. Our presence aims to change the atmosphere and bring some relief to people’s lives, helping them forget about their grief and the ongoing war.”
Unfortunately, like a lot of other humanitarians, Kostyantyn with his team faces the danger of coming under fire. But despite any challenges, these people are ready to sacrifice their lives to save others.
Through their selfless efforts, Kuchuryan and his team provide a glimmer of hope for the most vulnerable, striving to rebuild shattered lives and bring comfort to those affected by the Kakhovka Dam destruction.
“The situation is serious, but the resilience and gratitude of the people inspire us to keep providing. We will continue our efforts to help rebuild lives and bring hope to those who have been affected by this tragic disaster,” assures Kostyantyn.
More than 16,000 people have been affected by the Kakhovka Dam destruction in Ukraine. Within the upcoming weeks, when the water begins to recede, people will be urgently needing hygiene kits, food, and household appliances. The need to disinfect, rebuild and restore houses and public buildings will be in high demand.
World Vision is working with UN agencies and partners like AoM to reach out and provide for the people's most urgent needs.
Story by Oleksanda Shapkina, World Vision Communications Officer and Kostyantyn Kuchuryan, AoM Coordinator; Photos from Arms of Mercy (AoM) Staff