Ukraine: Floods - Jun 2020

Widespread floods triggered by heavy rain affected the western oblasts of the country (particularly Ivano-Frankivsk, Chernivtsi, Zakarpattya, and Lviv) on 22-24 June, resulting in fatalities and damage. According to media reports, 3 people have died in Verkhovyna District (Ivano-Frankivsk) and 800 people have been evacuated. At least 5,000 houses have been flooded in 187 villages across many Districts, roads and bridges damaged. (ECHO, 25 June 2020)

Since 22 June western regions of Ukraine: Ivano-Frankivsk, Chernivtsi, Zakarpattia, Lviv and Ternopil oblasts have been affected by floods. The Ukrainian Civil Protection reports 3 fatalities in Ivano-Frankivsk, more than 2,500 evacuated people and approximately 14,450 damaged houses. On 25 June, Ukraine submitted a request for assistance to the Union Civil Protection Mechanism (UCPM). Four Member States (Sweden, Italy, Denmark and Slovakia) offered and delivered assistance under the UCPM. Overall, the UCPM’s response fulfilled almost 50% of the entire Ukrainian request for assistance. On 6 July, Ukraine informed that the situation is improving and there is no further need for international assistance. In terms of forecast, on 7-8 July moderate to heavy rain is expected across central-northern Ukraine and southern Romania; moderate rain over western Ukraine, most parts of Moldova as well as over central and northern Romania. (ECHO, 7 Jul 2020)

Between 22-24 June 2020, Ukraine’s western regions have been ravaged by heavy rainfalls and flooding. The most affected have been western parts of the Ivano-Frankivsk, Chernivtsi, Zakarpattia, Ternopil and Lviv regions. Muddy, overflowing rivers washed away bridges and roads, flooded several dozen villages and cities, destroyed power lines and dams. Authorities of the affected regions consider declaring a State of Emergency given the impact on the infrastructure and damages caused in the houses. On top of the volatile flooding situation and possible continuation of the rainfall and widening of the riverbanks, the regions are also significantly affected by the COVID-19 outbreak. (IFRC, 10 Jul 2020)