Water authorities send equipment to Ukraine
The water authorities have responded positively to a request from the European Union and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (BUZA) to provide material aid to Ukraine, which has been affected by the destruction of the Kachovka dam. In the short term, the water authorities will supply boats, rafts, life rings, and pumps. Noorderzijlvest Water Authority the following equipment: 50 waders, 14 life jackets, and approximately 200 metre box barriers (which can be used to temporarily block water).
Emergency aid
The ministry asked whether the 21 water boards could assist, to which they replied in the affirmative. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs organises coordinating the emergency aid on behalf of the Netherlands, and the equipment provided will play an important role in this effort.
Rogier van der Sande, Chair of Dutch Water Authorities: “As Dutch water authorities, we are doing our part to provide emergency aid in response to this major disaster. Not only in the short term by providing equipment, but potentially also in the long term by offering our (international) knowledge and expertise in the field of water management. The Dutch Water Authorities, together with all other Dutch water partners, are able to provide this support.”
The destroyed Kachovka Dam
A kilometre dam on the Dnipro River in Ukraine has been destroyed, causing a large area to flood. Tens of thousands of people have been or are being evacuated. Emergency aid is being organised across Europe, including in the Netherlands.