Water boards 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 assistance 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 buoys, and pumps. The Noorderzijlvest water authority is supplying the following equipment: 50 waders, 14 life jackets, and approximately 200 meters of box barriers (which can be used to temporarily hold back water).
Emergency aid
The ministry asked whether the 21 water boards could help, to which they responded affirmatively. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is organizing and coordinating the emergency aid on behalf of the Netherlands, with the equipment offered playing an important role.
Rogier van der Sande, chairman of the Union of Water Authorities: “As Dutch water managers, we are contributing to the emergency relief efforts for this major disaster. Not only in the short term with equipment, but also in the long term with our (international) knowledge and expertise in the field of water management. The Dutch Water Authorities can offer this together with all other Dutch water partners.
Destroyed Kachovka dam
A three-kilometer-long dam on the Dnipro River in Ukraine has been destroyed, flooding a large area. Tens of thousands of people have been or must be evacuated. Emergency aid is being organized throughout Europe, including in the Netherlands.