When the dam burst, the struggle for Kherson began
The flooding that followed the destruction of the Kakhovka dam marked the starting point of a local rescue operation in Kherson. In the midst of the chaos, Alina Shemedyuk decided to act. Together with other civilians, she created a lifeline for the city’s most vulnerable — under shelling, in grief and in constant readiness. This is Alina’s own account:
“When the Kakhovka dam was destroyed, it felt as though my life was turned upside down. Kherson is my home, my city, and to see people drowning in the floodwaters or left without food and shelter was unbearable. Together with a friend, we raised money and bought a van. We filled it with boats, life jackets, food and water purification tablets, and drove straight into the disaster. It was hell on earth.
But it was also the beginning of something new — I realised I could not stand by. We pulled people from the water, carried them to safety in boats, and at the same time we began to organise a large hub where aid shipments from all over the world were received. Later, we started clearing debris, repairing homes, arranging evacuations and running a kind of ‘social taxi’ for people with disabilities. All of this took place under shelling. We lost two colleagues and my husband was injured. It taught us the importance of careful planning, but also of always being ready to improvise.
It was through STAN that we received support to develop our work. We were given tools, training and the backing we needed to carry on — but also something even more important: someone who truly listened. Donors often want to control everything, but STAN stood by us and ensured that our voices were heard. That those of us who are actually here in Kherson were able to say what is most urgently needed. For me, that means everything. It allows us to offer the elderly and the most vulnerable in Kherson a sense of safety, if only for a moment. To let them know they are not alone. That someone will come when they call, help them get food or board up a window. We ourselves are vulnerable; we live with the risks every day. But we know that we are needed. And thanks to STAN, we have not only survived — we have found the strength to keep fighting for our city.”
— Alina Shemedyuk
Photo: Private / STAN
By: Malin Kihlström