Kyiv – On July 17, 2023, USAID Administrator Ms. Samantha Power met with the Head of the State Emergency Service of Ukraine (SESU) Mr. Serhii Kruk to hand over equipment that will support SESU’s continued response to the destruction of Kakhovka Dam in Kherson Oblast.

The equipment purchased by the USAID HOVERLA Activity includes 6 potable water delivery tankers and 477 High capacity water pumps and is a part of USAID’s support to the State Emergency Service of Ukraine for emergency response totaling more than $ 2.3 million.

The destruction of the Kakhovka Dam brought colossal devastation to the residents in the South of Ukraine, including shortage of drinking water, destruction of property, flooded wells, destroyed farms, destruction of manufacturing sector and the livelihood of more than 1 000 000 people. The State Emergency Service of Ukraine is the first responder dealing with this wholesale destruction. The provided equipment will help citizens get access to safe drinking water and remove water from flooded areas. This support significantly strengthens Ukraine's emergency response capacity, ensuring a prompt and efficient response to citizens' needs.

USAID Administrator Ms. Samantha Power said that:

“SESU shows everyday the skill and bravery for which the Ukrainian people are known worldwide. But along with skill and bravery, SESU also needs equipment. I am thus today pleased to hand over an additional $2.3 million worth of equipment which will help SESU repair the damage inflicted by Russia's forces on Ukraine's critical infrastructure. These six tanker trucks will deliver clean drinking water to communities cut off from supplies. More than 450 trailer sewage and floating motor pumps are on their way to the Kherson region branch of SESU to help with the ongoing recovery from the effects of the floodwaters.”

Head of the SESU Mr. Serhii Kruk:

“We are pleased to welcome USAID Administrator Ms. Samantha Power to Ukraine. I thank you for your support and cooperation. Since 2022, the State Emergency Service of Ukraine is actively participating in the implementation of the USAID HOVERLA Activity. This is not the first aid from the Government and people of the United States of America for rescuers. Tanker trucks for the delivery of drinking water will be involved in those regions that were most affected by the detonation by the occupiers of the Kakhovka Hydroelectric Power Plant. This will significantly accelerate the pace of helping people.”