Corus International launches urgent relief efforts following devastating flooding in Ukraine
Local residents carry their belongings as they evacuated from a flooded neighborhood in Kherson, Ukraine. The wall of a major dam in a part of southern Ukraine has collapsed, triggering floods, endangering Europe's largest nuclear power plant and threatening drinking water supplies. (AP Photo/Libkos)
[Washington DC, June 9, 2023] – Corus International is responding to the humanitarian disaster resulting from the catastrophic dam collapse in Ukraine.
With several villages completely flooded and thousands of people in desperate need of immediate aid and safe shelter, Corus is mobilizing resources to provide vital support and alleviate the profound suffering of those affected.
In coordination with local governmental units, the organization is offering transitional shelter near flooded areas for those displaced by the disaster and those yet to be found by search-and-rescue teams.
Tents with a capacity of up to 60 people will be staffed by highly trained emergency personnel. Initial services include potable water, generators for electricity, internet connectivity, blankets, personal hygiene kits and school kits for children.
Daniel Speckhard, CEO of Corus International, said the organization’s humanitarian response will grow as the extent of the catastrophe’s damage is assessed.
"As evacuations continue, we anticipate thousands of individuals who have already endured more than a year of intense hostilities will require urgent assistance indefinitely,” Speckhard said. “Our hearts are with Ukrainian families today, and we continue to be there for them when they need it most.”
The Kakhovka dam, which upheld Ukraine’s largest reservoir, collapsed June 6, resulting in a deadly flood that destroyed villages and forced thousands of families from their homes.
Corus has been working throughout Ukraine since the war began, meeting the short-term and early recovery needs of the most vulnerable in Ukraine and refugees in Poland. As the war continues, so too does Corus’ integrated humanitarian assistance for those most in need. We are strengthening local capacities and resilience as we accompany Ukrainians while they lead their own recovery initiatives.
For more information or to support Corus International's life-saving response efforts, please visit corusinternational.org or contact Muhammad Tahir, Senior Manager of Media Relations and PR, at @email or +1 202 600 0347.
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About Corus International:
Corus International is a humanitarian organization that unites an array of nonprofit organizations and businesses, each with specialized expertise — from health to technology to economic development to emergency response. Corus features global public health leader IMA World Health, international development and aid organization Lutheran World Relief, technology for development consultancy CGA Technologies, impact investing firm Ground Up Investing, and direct-trade company Farmers Market Brands. Corus collaborates closely with local partners to create a lasting impact. Learn more at corusinternational.org.
