Ukraine: EU sending 500 power generators from rescEU reserves in response to Nova Kakhovka dam breach

Following assistance already provided to Ukraine via the EU Civil Protection Mechanism and humanitarian partners, the EU is now deploying 500 power generators from its rescEU stockpile hosted by Poland to Ukraine in the aftermath of the Nova Kakhovka dam breach.

The generators will be used to restore critical infrastructure such as water pumping stations and sewage stations in the affected areas of southern Ukraine. They are of various sizes ranging from 12.5 kVA to 1,100 kVA with a total financial value of €16 million.

Commissioner for Crisis Management, Janez Lenarčič said: “The destruction of Nova Kakhovka dam was yet another outrageous attack on critical civilian infrastructure by Russia with catastrophic consequences to the environment and local communities. Entire villages have been swept away, people are left without access to water and electricity. As part of our emergency response to this disaster, we are mobilising our rescEU strategic reserves hosted by Poland to deliver 500 power generators to Ukraine. I also want to thank all European countries who immediately offered assistance to Ukraine via the EU Civil Protection Mechanism. We continue working hand in hand with the Ukrainian authorities to provide emergency assistance to the affected populations, for as long as it’s needed.”

The Nova Kakhovka dam breach has unleashed floodwaters from the world’s largest reservoir. It has washed away villages, destroyed farmland, and exacerbated the already dire humanitarian situation in southern Ukraine. Due to the dam breach, many communities have no access to water, electricity, and shelter.

Background

In response to Russia’s war in Ukraine, the EU has mobilised rescEU – an extra layer of citizen protection in Europe, integrated into the EU Civil Protection Mechanism of which Ukraine is a member of.

In the aftermath of the Nova Kakhovka dam breach, the 18 European countries Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Germany, Denmark, Estonia, Spain, Finland, France, Lithuania, Latvia, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Sweden, Slovenia, and Slovakia have offered assistance via the EU Civil Protection Mechanism, delivering water tankers, water pumps, boats, rescue equipment, generators, and other in-kind life-saving assistance to the affected areas.

The EU also deployed its rescEU shelter capacities by sending three mobile water treatment stations to help the local authorities produce potable water for the people.

The EU’s humanitarian partners in Ukraine have re-directed their ongoing response to provide life-saving assistance to the affected populations, including drinking water, ready-to-eat food, cash assistance, and distribution of shelter equipment.

To further support the humanitarian operations on the ground, the EU has mobilised an additional €500 000 to address the immediate needs resulting from the destruction of the Kakhovka dam.

This comes on top of the €200 million in humanitarian aid already allocated in 2023 for Ukraine. EU humanitarian experts in Ukraine are also carrying out regular field missions in the affected areas to assess the needs and monitor the humanitarian response.