Ukraine: Thousands at risk after dam breach
The destruction of the Nova Kakhovka dam in Ukraine has put thousands of civilians at risk, and many have been forced to flee their homes. We are on the ground, delivering emergency aid and protection.
Our employees are present at transportation hubs to welcome the many evacuees from the flooded areas and to help with financial assistance and free legal aid. DRC / Svitlana Vovk
"People are fleeing in droves. They have lost their homes and belongings and are in urgent need of shelter."
Charlotte Slente, Secretary General of DRC Danish Refugee Council
We are ready with life-saving help
According to the UN, 42,000 people have been affected by the severe flooding following the breach of the Nova Kakhovka dam in southern Ukraine.
Our local staff are ready to help the affected families who are currently fleeing the floods. Based on our presence in Mykolaiv, Dnipro and Lviv, we are working with local authorities and coordinating with other actors to provide humanitarian crisis assistance.
We are also present at transportation hubs to receive the many evacuees from the flooded areas, provide financial assistance and free legal aid, and assist in preparing collective reception centers to provide families with a roof over their heads and a bed to sleep in.
Dangerous remnants of war drift with the floodwaters
The floods are affecting areas close to the front line in Kherson, which are heavily contaminated with landmines and other unexploded ordnance. In addition to the destruction of homes and infrastructure, the massive flooding is causing explosive remnants of war to detach and drift with the water, at great risk to families seeking safety from the floodwaters.
Our humanitarian deminers inform affected civilians about the dangers and what they need to be aware of, and we provide specialized support to protect against dangerous debris.
"Whereas before we had a fairly good idea of where the explosives were, now they are drifting away with the water and pose a huge risk."
Charlotte Slente, Secretary General of DRC Danish Refugee Council
Help needed with crisis response
The destruction of the Nova Kakhovka dam has an immediate and severe impact on the lives of civilians in the area, but also risks long-term consequences in terms of lost homes and livelihoods.
Our staff are present and ready to provide emergency assistance, but the need is enormous and additional financial support is required.
Therefore, we urge the international community to release emergency funds so that DRC and other response actors can reach the many people affected by the floods and continue to support them now and in the long term.
"Many of those affected are farmers who have had their farms destroyed and are now without income. They need help to survive from day to day."
Charlotte Slente, Secretary General of DRC Danish Refugee Council
What you can do