Ukraine Crisis: Humanitarian Situation in Pokrovsk Region Rapidly Deteriorates

Pokrovsk, Ukraine, August 21, 2024 - The humanitarian situation in the Pokrovsk region has severely deteriorated over recent months. As of today, Pokrovsk city is situated approximately 10 kilometers from the front line. Since 20 August, the continuous shelling of Pokrovsk city and nearby settlements - including Hrodivka, Novohrodivka, Selidove, and Myrnohrad - has triggered the urgent evacuation of families with children.

Currently, more than 59,000 people remain in the Pokrovsk community, of which 4,000 are children. The rate of evacuation has surged significantly, with around 600 people leaving the area daily, compared to 600 evacuations per month previously. Most people seek refuge in the nearby Dnipro region. CARE estimates that 50,000 newly displaced persons will need assistance here.

Key services such as food supermarkets, banks, and other social services have begun their own evacuation processes from Pokrovsk. CARE and its partner organization Avalyst are still operating in Pokrovsk. Apart from distributions of 1,300 hygiene kits to elderly people and those with limited mobility, CARE is offering crucial psychological and legal assistance to the affected people. Additionally, CARE is preparing urgent cash assistance for those evacuated from Pokrovsk.

Darya Romanenko, Area Director of CARE Ukraine in Eastern Ukraine, stated, " Women of all ages and children enduring relentless shelling are in desperate need of assistance and reassurance that they will not be abandoned in these dire conditions. Many have been forced to evacuate repeatedly, which deepens their trauma. We deeply value the unwavering commitment of our partners who remain on the ground, providing vital support despite the perilous situation. At the same time, we are actively developing contingency plans to ensure their continued efforts from alternative locations such as Sloviansk or Dnipro, safeguarding their safety while maintaining our support for the affected communities."

Alyona Pylypchuk, Protection Coordinator at Avalyst, added, "We are prepared to continue our work for residents during this challenging time. People need our psychological and legal advice and support, so they do not feel abandoned during their time of trouble."

Olga, an internally displaced person from Kurakhovo currently residing in Pokrovsk, shared, "The situation in Pokrovsk has deteriorated, and it became frightening for my children and me. After the initial consultation with a psychologist provided by Avalyst, my children's condition improved. The center is very mindful of safety, having installed anti-explosion shutters, which helps me feel secure about my children's safety."

CARE urgently calls on the international community to increase the support for the humanitarian response in order to make a vital difference in providing essential aid, safety, and reassurance to those who have lost everything.

With financial support from the European Union, CARE and Avalyst have been able to support more than 5,000 people since the Pokrovsk community center's opening in September 2023 until August 2024. Every day, the center receives up to 15 requests. Figures are rising.

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