H&M Foundation provides $100,000 in emergency relief after Ukraine dam collapse

On June 6, the dam of the Nova Kakhovka hydroelectric power station in south Ukraine was destroyed, leading to severe flooding in downstream settlements in Kherson oblast. The destruction has left tens of thousands of people in a dire humanitarian situation, with their homes and livelihoods at risk. The H&M Foundation supports the Red Cross in their work to provide immediate relief, including shelter, food, clean water, and other essential support to those impacted by the disaster.

According to reports from Ukrainian authorities and aid workers, the destructive consequences of the dam collapse are intensifying. As a result, more villages and towns in Kherson oblast are being flooded, causing significant damage to homes and civilian infrastructure. More than tens of thousands of people have been affected by the rising water levels, and the number is expected to increase as the water levels continue to rise.

There is an urgency to evacuate affected people and carry out humanitarian work in a very dangerous environment.

Emergency interventions include:

• Evacuation to temporary shelter
• Provision of food, hygiene and sleeping kits
• Access to clean water
• Restoration of family links 
• Warning systems on current risk for explosive devices
• Cash assistance

The consequences of the collapse are expected to last long after the water recedes.

For more information about H&M Foundation's emergency relief, please visit our website.

To learn more about the disaster relief efforts led by the Red Cross / URCS, please visit their website.

H&M Foundation is privately funded by the Stefan Persson family, founders and main owners of the H&M Group. We use philanthropic resources to find, fund and facilitate disruptive innovations, initiatives and research that enable a socially inclusive and planet positive textile industry. To accelerate the transformation, we take on a holistic and open approach – bringing diverse partners together to co-create, and to share learnings and solutions. The H&M Foundation can also provide emergency relief. For more information visit hmfoundation.com.