Mudslide kills ten people in Odesa

Odesa has suffered a major natural disaster: 10 people have been reported dead, including a child. Water flows have demolished houses, cars and fences.

This was announced by the Minister of Communities and Territories Development of Ukraine Oleksiy Kuleba, who expressed his condolences to the families of the victims.

According to Kuleba, people in the hardest-hit areas lost their property and severely damaged equipment needed for the heating season. More than 1,000 residents of the city have asked for help due to flooding, falling trees, power outages and property damage. About 300 private and 400 apartment buildings have been damaged so far.

The aftermath of the disaster in Odesa. PHOTO: Oleksiy Kuleba/Facebook

The Minister noted that the priority is to help every family, compensate the victims and support those who suffered the greatest losses. A meeting of the State Commission on Technogenic and Environmental Safety and Emergencies was held to coordinate actions on the ground. The situation was recognized as an emergency and a unified response headquarters was set up.

Among the key decisions:

• a temporary commission was set up at the Odesa Regional State Administration to investigate the causes and circumstances of the tragedy, including why the warning system did not work properly;
• the families of the victims and the injured will receive financial assistance from the city and the region;
• a hotline will be set up in the city for quick access to help;
• a list of damaged buildings and infrastructure is being compiled to ensure compensation;
• the issue of flooded shelters, which are critical in wartime, is being addressed.

Kuleba thanked the rescuers, doctors, utilities, power engineers and volunteers for their prompt actions that saved lives and stabilized the situation.

The aftermath of the disaster in Odesa. PHOTO: Oleksiy Kuleba/Facebook

According to Iryna Tkach, deputy director of the 7 km market, the water rose extremely fast and with such force that her nephews and grandmother only had time to run to the attic, watching as the mudflow tore down two stone fences, overturned and flooded two cars in 15 minutes, and the water rose to the middle of the second floor of the house. Iryna's parents were able to get to their house only at about 4 a.m. with the help of rescuers.

A real "sea" was formed around the house: the disaster swept away doors, windows, furniture, trees and all pets. The neighbors' dogs died, and fish from the aquariums were washed away by the water. Refrigerators with food, plumbing and electrical equipment were swept away from the houses. Some large items are still missing.

The aftermath of the disaster in Odesa. PHOTO: Oleksiy Kuleba/Facebook

Among the dead are a 21-year-old girl who was swept away by a mudslide, as well as a family of five, including a child. They were unable to get out of the basement. The family of the victims moved to Odesa from Ukrainka, Donetsk region, and had no one else except their uncle.

Odesa Mayor Gennadiy Trukhanov said that the families who lost loved ones in the October 30 downpour would be paid 100,000 UAH each from the Odesa city budget.

The storm caused widespread damage: flooding of streets, power outages, property damage and massive tree falls. More than 500 employees and 85 pieces of equipment were used to eliminate the consequences.

The aftermath of the disaster in Odesa. PHOTO: Oleksiy Kuleba/Facebook

Utility companies, power engineers and rescuers have been pumping out water, clearing roads and repairing networks around the clock. A total of 362 people have been rescued and 227 vehicles evacuated.

Анна Бальчінос