Heavy rains and storms on July 26-27, 2008, caused massive flooding in Western Ukraine and left 36 people dead, dozens missing, and more than 40,000 homes damaged or destroyed, according to the press-release from the U.S. Embassy to Ukraine. In response to this crisis, the U.S. Government has offered humanitarian assistance to the people of Ukraine from several sources.
The United States Government has authorized an initial disbursement of $50,000 of disaster relief funding, to be disbursed through International Relief and Development (IRD), a U.S. non-governmental organization in Ukraine. IRD is providing immediate assistance to approximately 800 households of Vizhnits’kiy and Putils’kiy rayons, Chernivets’ka oblast, including bedding and drinking water kits. IRD representatives visited the flooded regions of Western Ukraine to view the situation first hand and to conduct a needs assessment.
The Embassy’s Charge D’Affairs, James D. Pettit, and other U.S. officials traveled to the region August 6-8 to meet with local government representatives and to survey damage. The American Chamber of Commerce is organizing donations from U.S. companies in Ukraine and will distribute assistance in consultation with the U.S. Embassy.
The Embassy is also working with private organizations in their relief efforts including the U.S.-Ukraine Business Council, U.S.-Ukraine Foundation, the Ukrainian Federation of America, and the Ukrainian-American Coordinating Council which are requesting donations for relief efforts. Ambassador William Taylor met with members of the Ukraine Disaster Assistance Fund in Washington, D.C. August 7 to brief them on relief efforts.
UPS, 3M, Boeing, Cargill, Coca-Cola, AES, MaxWell Biocorporation, SASI, Winner Automotive Group, First International Resources, and the Asters law firm, all members of the U.S.-Ukraine Business Council (USUBC), have made substantial commitments to provide funds and in-kind contributions to assist in the flood disaster assistance program in Western Ukraine.
The Embassy has been in touch with the Red Cross’ Kyiv office and has offered advice to the American Chamber of Commerce as to how to most effectively direct its private donations.
The State Department is coordinating the delivery of six containers of disaster-relief materials. The shipment includes materials such as tents, bedding, clothing, boots, and medical supplies. The estimated value of the contents of the six containers is $1 million. These containers are expected to be shipped August 11.
The Defense Department has sent representatives from EUCOM to coordinate possible additional humanitarian aid and disaster relief in the form of logistics support and construction projects. The intent will be to help Ukrainian authorities reduce long term suffering and expedite the region`s return to normalcy.
For those wishing to offer assistance or obtain more information, below is a list of relevant contact information:
U.S. Embassy Kyiv
Christian Yarnell, Economic Section
Phone: 38-044-490-4276, e-mail: yarnellC@state.gov
International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies
Joe Lowry, Federation Representative for Belarus, Ukraine and Moldova;
Phone: +380 674431657, email: joe.lowry@ifrc.org
Ukrainian Red Cross Society
National Committee
30, Pushkinska St., Kyiv, 01004, Ukraine
Phone: +38-044-235-01-57, fax: +38-044-288-16-58, email: international@redcross.org.ua
Please see the Red Cross Emergency Appeal attached.
The American Chamber of Commerce
42/44 Shovkovychna Vul., LL1 Floor
Kyiv, 01601, Ukraine
http://www.chamber.ua/disaster_relief/70
Phone: +380-44-490-5800, fax: +380-44-490-5801,
e-mail: chamber@chamber.ua
The American Chamber of Commerce is organizing a donor drive from among its members.
U.S.-Ukraine Business Council
1701 K Street, NW - Suite 903
Washington, DC 20006
Phone: +1-202-437-4707, fax: +1-202-223-1224
e-mail: mwilliams@usubc.org
The U.S.-Ukraine Business Council is organizing a donor drive from among its members. Please see the announcement available at: http://www.usubc.org/news/ukraine_disaster_assistance.php
Government of Ukraine
The Ministry of Emergencies (http://www.mns.gov.ua/) and the Ministry of Health (http://www.moz.gov.ua) are the primary agencies tasked to provide assistance to flood victims.
The government has said that charitable donations and grants-in-aid may be transferred to account number 37117125000023. The recipient is the Ministry of Labor and Social Policy of Ukraine. EGRPOU 00013669. The bank is the State Treasury of Ukraine, Kyiv. MFO 820172.
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http://kyiv.usembassy.gov/infocentral_eng.html
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Public Affairs Section
United States Embassy Kyiv
4 Hlybochytska St.
Kyiv 04050 Ukraine
(380 44) 490-4026, 490-4090
Fax (380 44) 490-4050
