Due to spring flooding, approximately 800 cases of flooding have been recorded in Ukraine, but no major flooding is expected this year, with the exception of a few regions.
Spring flooding in Ukraine has already resulted in nearly 800 cases of flooding, but no significant or destructive flooding is expected this year. Units of the State Emergency Service promptly respond to most high-water calls, eliminating the consequences of the storm. Representatives of the State Emergency Service and the Ukrainian Hydrometeorological Center (Ukrhydrometeorological Center) announced this at a briefing at the Ukraine Media Center, according to TSN. PromPolitInform reports.
Flood forecast for this year
According to Viktoria Kornienko, head of the hydrological forecasting department at the Ukrainian Hydrometeorological Center, there is no large-scale threat of high water this season. Flood levels on most rivers in Ukraine are expected to be within normal limits or even below. The only exceptions will be reservoirs in the Kharkiv region and tributaries of the Southern Bug, where the situation may be somewhat more complex.
Despite the generally optimistic forecast, Viktor Vitovetsky, Director of the Department of Civil Defense and Preventive Activities of the State Emergency Service, noted that rescuers have plenty of work to do. The most active water pumping is currently ongoing in three regions: Odesa, Kirovohrad, and Cherkasy.
“We have formed and are maintaining special flood response teams on standby. They are equipped with pumps, motor pumps, snowmobiles, and other necessary equipment,” said Viktor Vitovetsky.
Community Interaction and Safety Rules
Successful flood control depends not only on the professionalism of rescuers but also on local authorities. Sometimes, just 15-30 minutes of excavator work to create an alternative drainage system is enough to completely protect a community from the elements. Therefore, the State Emergency Service units are prepared for immediate and effective interaction with communities.
If there is a real threat of flooding near your home, State Emergency Service specialists advise the following:
turn off the electricity and gas supply to your home;
move all documents and valuables to a dry and safe place;
avoid entering basements or rooms with damaged electrical systems;
avoid driving on flooded roads; if necessary, evacuate to higher ground;
in case of danger, immediately call 101 or 112.
As a reminder, the Ukrainian Hydrometeorological Center (Ukrhydrometeorological Center) is warning of rising river levels due to melting snow and precipitation. In some areas, river levels are expected to rise by up to half a meter. A yellow alert has been issued in the regions.
