The Charity Foundation “Stabilization Support Services” sprang into action immediately after the destruction of the Kakhovka dam, launching a vital assistance program for flood-affected communities in Khersonska, Mykolaivska, and Dnipropetrovska oblasts. The project, named Quick Response and Support Mechanism for the Affected Population in the South of Ukraine (Kakhovka Dam Destruction), was a collaborative effort with the humanitarian organization CARE, financially backed by Aktion Deutschland Hilft (ADH). Running from early June to late October, it aimed to address the challenges in these areas effectively.
Immediate Assistance
Within the first 48 hours of the disaster, the team has procured nearly 47,000 euros worth of essential supplies. This urgent procurement included boat motors, life jackets, protective gear, corrugated and fire hoses, rubber boots, dirty water motor pumps, water filters, and large water storage tanks. Swift acquisition and delivery of these items became a top priority for the Foundation.
Subsequent Humanitarian Aid
As the floodwaters receded, revealing the extensive damage, the Charity Foundation “Stabilization Support Services” pinpointed key areas for assistance and continued to support the affected population. The subsequent phase included distributing non-food humanitarian aid kits, mobile drainage pumps, hygiene and bedding kits, bottled drinking water, mobile water purification and disinfection units, and dehumidifiers.
Nataliya Rubanovska from Kherson vividly remembers the devastation when her home was inundated for two weeks, with water levels reaching 1.2 meters. “Two walls of our house collapsed, and we lost nearly everything, including basic items like cups and plates. That’s why the tableware in the SSS humanitarian kit was a godsend. We didn’t expect such a high-quality set. Everyone who received it was overjoyed!” she recalls. After the flood, lacking cooking essentials, the inclusion of a gas stove and cylinder was particularly valuable. “The quality of the pans and pots impressed us, and the power bank and lamp were exactly what we needed in these times!”
Support for Local Institutions
Local institutions in flood-affected communities also received targeted support. For instance, water utilities were provided with water disinfectants and purifiers, like hypochlorite. Additionally, humanitarian kits were assembled for educational, medical, and social facilities.
Throughout the project implementation period, the SSS team continuously assessed and addressed the communities’ needs. For example, while procuring dehumidifiers for Kherson, the city authorities also requested generators.
“We’re situated on the frontline, experiencing frequent power outages. Moreover, in the flood-impacted areas, many buildings still lack electricity due to water-damaged infrastructure,” explains Viktoriya Kuchma, a representative from the Kherson City Military Administration. “That’s why we approached the CF SSS for generators to power the dehumidifiers. These will be temporarily provided to homeowner associations or utilities for drying out their premises.”
As a result of this collaboration, 23 generators were procured and distributed, aiding in drying out premises and restoring electricity.
The Project in Figures
The following humanitarian aid was provided as part of the project:
- 4,482.8 liters of drinking water
- 575 hygiene kits
- 550 bedding sets
- 100 non-food collective kits for institutions
- 10,320 kg (14 cubic meters) of water disinfectant (hypochlorite)
- 550 non-food kits
- 3 diesel motor pumps
- 23 dehumidifiers
- 23 generators
- 8 mobile units for water purification and disinfection
- 10 motor boats
- 50 life jackets
- 50 wetsuits
- 15 hoses
- 23 fire hoses and 30 fire sleeves
- 70 pairs of rubber boots
- 75 waders
The total budget of the project is 400,000 euros.
The project is being implemented by CF SSS together with the humanitarian organization CARE with the financial support of the Aktion Deutschland Hilft (ADH).
