Snowstorms and power disruptions impact aid deliveries in Ukraine and Moldova
Over the past two days, Ukraine, as well as the neighboring country Moldova, which hosts more than 112,000 Ukrainian refugees, have faced extreme weather conditions with temperatures as low as -15C degrees. Reports state that over 1,000 towns and villages have lost power in Ukraine’s nine regions.
Many Ukrainians utilize generators to stay warm during the dozens of hours without heat or electricity, but the situation is considerably more problematic for those who do not have access to alternative sources of power generation.
In addition to electricity shortage, there are issues with water supply and sewage due to increasing attacks over the winter. “The eastern regions remain the most affected by power outages and inadequate water supplies,” shares Iryna Chernysh, World Vision’s Project Manager based in Dnipro, Ukraine.
“The delivery of non-food Items (NFIs) might have been delayed by several days due to the weather,” shares Chernysh, adding, “The extremely low temperatures could prompt power supply cuts”. World Vision’s winterization program includes cash assistance for people to meet their basic needs, and winter kits.
With the support of Aktion Deutschland Hilft, World Vision’s partner NGO Girls, World Vision will deliver 500 kits in Dnipro and Kharkiv Oblasts, each containing a hat, scarf, warm socks, thermos, and power bank.
“We are also delivering warm underwear to children as part of the project. Our local partners, Hungarian Interchurch Aid, will provide an additional 500 winter kits,” says Chernysh.
Despite the challenging conditions, we are committed to delivering humanitarian supplies. Our strategy requires thorough planning, adjusting logistical strategies, and working with local communities to reach those in need, even in the midst rising challenges.
She adds, “Despite the challenging conditions, we are committed to delivering humanitarian supplies. Our strategy requires thorough planning, adjusting logistical strategies, and working with local communities to reach those in need, even in the midst rising challenges.”
Iryna, a Ukrainian refugee in Moldova who fled Odesa, lives with her five-year-old daughter Alisa at the Refugee Accommodation Center in Chisinau. During the snowstorm, she was worried about her parents she left behind in Ukraine.
“I am heartbroken for my parents as they endure winter attacks and snowstorms. They are old, I am concerned of their safety and health,” shares Iryna.
“I hold on to hope in these difficult moments. I believe that resilience and determination will keep my parents and every other Ukrainians going through the hardships,” she concludes.
World Vision is providing cash for work at the refugee accommodation center where Iryna resides, as well as non-food items. In the coming months, World Vision will also rehabilitate the RAC, which now houses around 80 Ukrainian refugees made possible through World Vision Korea.
World Vision has reached over 996,000 people in Ukraine, of which more than 488,000 are children, covering basic needs services, protection, education, mental health and cash programs.
By Laurentia Jora, UCR Acting Communications Manager I Photos by Chris Lete and Eugene Combo/WorldVision