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Reference ID U2735CR

Headline Flood Assessment Mission in Ukraine - 2 to 4 August 2008

Description An assessment was conducted from 2-4 August 2008 by a joint World Health Organization (WHO) and International Organization for Migration (IOM) team.

Since 23 July heavy rainfall in the Carpathian Mountains on the border between Ukraine and Romania has resulted in rising high waters of the Rivers Dniester and Prut. Serious floods have affected six (6) oblasts in Western Ukraine (Lviv, Zakarpattya, Chernivtsi, Ivano-Frankivsk, Ternopil, Vinnytsia). 36 people have died. The total losses in the western regions are estimated at UAH 3-4 billion (approximately US$ 650-870 million). 40 703 houses and 33 882 hectares of farm land have been flooded; around 230 houses destroyed; 360 cars and 561 foot bridges and 680 km of roads have been damaged. The state railway and road transport administrations estimate their losses in the western regions of Ukraine at UAH 1.155 billion (US$ 251 million). The floods are considered common in the area. However, floods of such scale last occurred in 1943 and 1969. As of 4 August the majority of evacuated population has returned home. Areas most affected by floods were rural; urban areas remained intact. Vulnerability of population is determined by several factors, including extent of damage to the housing and infrastructure, and social status.

The government, at both national and local levels, various organizations, groups and individuals responded to the disaster in a prompt and efficient manner. Other countries have responded by launching initial humanitarian support. The most urgent public needs are being addressed. The coordination of this mix of actors is the key to the sustainability of assistance efforts and prevention of duplication and inefficiency.

At this point the mission concludes that there is no need for a large-scale international emergency humanitarian response assuming that the government will continue its effort in addressing the immediate and long-term needs. International assistance for targeted interventions aimed at selected most vulnerable groups can be justified, if requested by the government.

Asset date 07/31/2008

Country, area, WHO office Ukraine

WHO Region EURO

Consent No

File size 2.28 MB

Visibility class:

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