Response to a large-scale attack in the Cherkasy region: The Ukrainian Red Cross is providing on-the-ground assistance

Following a large-scale attack on the city of Smila in the Cherkasy region, the Cherkasy regional branch of the Ukrainian Red Cross is working alongside other emergency services at the site. The Ukrainian Red Cross has set up an aid station to provide both first aid and psychological first aid to those affected. Many people are experiencing acute stress as a result of the emergency, and psychosocial support specialists are on hand to offer the necessary assistance. The aid station also provides drinking water, tea or coffee, and mobile phone charging facilities.

Humanitarian aid is being distributed on site, including emergency kits, camp beds, OSB boards, plastic sheeting, and timber for temporary repairs. Volunteers from the emergency response team are also helping to board up windows in damaged flats, where needed.

Together with representatives of the Regional Military Administration and local authorities, the Ukrainian Red Cross team is carrying out door-to-door visits to damaged buildings to assess the needs of the affected residents.

More than 50 staff and volunteers from the Ukrainian Red Cross in the Cherkasy region are involved in the response. This includes emergency response specialists, members of the emergency response team, and personnel from the Zvenyhorodka and Cherkasy city branches of the organisation.

According to the Cherkasy Regional Military Administration, the attack on Smila damaged a college building and three nine-storey residential blocks. The State Emergency Service of Ukraine reports that six people were injured, including one child, and 70 people were evacuated from the buildings.