Europe helps Ukraine overcome flooding consequences

The European Union responded to the Ukrainian call and agreed to help in the floods‘ relief efforts in the western regions. To meet these needs, the EU has a Civil Protection Mechanism.

The move was announced in a press release from the European Commission.

“Heavy rains led to the highest floods in southwestern Ukraine for 50 years, which killed the hundreds of homes, earlier this week. The EU Civil Protection Mechanism got activated to provide the first aid to the Ukrainian authorities,” the document states.

As reported, Sweden responded to the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry call and offered to provide flood barriers, special hoses and technical experts. The European Commission will provide mapping services in the affected areas through the EU satellite system.

In addition, a 24-hour EU Emergency Response Coordination Center is keeping constant contact with Ukraine to monitor the situation and provide necessary assistance.

“We are ready to provide the further assistance and show solidarity with both the residents who live in the affected areas, and the rescuers, who work there,” Janez Lenarčič, European Commissioner for Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Management said.

The Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Dmytro Kuleba thanked his Western colleagues and noted that the European Union aid “will help the SES to overcome the consequences of the flood according to the needs list.”

Bogdan Marusyak