A Year Ago, on June 6th, 2023, the Largest Man-Made Disaster in Europe in Recent Decades Occurred

The explosion of the Kakhovka hydroelectric power plant dam marked another dark chapter in Ukraine’s history. Thousands of people lost their homes, livelihoods, and sense of security. The water, which destroyed everything in its path, brought not only destruction but also untold pain and despair. The Ukrainian Red Cross team has been helping those in need since the first hours. 

Despite the constant shelling, Ukrainian Red Cross volunteers evacuated 243 people, most of whom with limited mobility, and 29 pets that had no chance of survival. 

The crews of mobile health units conducted 640 consultations and distributed basic medicines to the victims. Additionally, the Ukrainian Red Cross provided the residents of the Kherson region with nearly 26,000 litres of drinking water, more than 5,150 food parcels, 7,220 hygiene kits, 480 baby food packages, nearly 800 tarpaulin packages, nearly 1,400 sleeping sets, more than 600 blankets and 300 mattresses, 225 kitchen sets, 100 chargers, and more than 670 packages of pet food.  

Information campaigns on hygiene and mine risk, as well as providing access to safe water in the region are all important areas of activity that the Ukrainian Red Cross continues to implement today. 

A year later, the response to the humanitarian crisis in the region continues. The Ukrainian Red Cross is making every effort to ensure that people receive the necessary assistance.