Scriptures bring joy to flood-hit
western Ukraine

KYIV, Ukraine — Scriptures distributed by the Ukrainian Bible Society in the wake of the floods which devastated the region in March have been “accepted with great joy” by the churches ministering to the victims of the disaster.

The flooding, which began in the mountainous Transcarpathian region of western Ukraine over March 3 and 4, was the result of heavy rainfall and the rapid melting of winter snow. Experts also blamed extensive forest-felling, which increased the run-off of water.

Disaster zone

The highest water levels were recorded on the rivers Tisza and Borshawa. By March 10, 1,200 houses had been destroyed, and bridges, roads and even highways damaged, and the area was officially declared a disaster zone. On March 19, further rain fell, bringing more destruction.

During March 22-23, Vitaly Voitovich, the executive director of the Western Regional Centre of the Ukrainian Bible Society, visited some areas of Transcarpathian Ukraine to distribute Scriptures. His itinerary took him to the towns of Mukachevo, Hust, and Tyachiw and the Vynogradovo area, where he delivered 6,000 Ukrainian New Testaments to the representatives of different denominations and charitable missions.

Great joy

“This support was accepted with great joy,” he reported. The representatives of churches and missions then distributed the Scriptures – together with material aid – to the flood victims.

A number of European countries airlifted emergency aid by helicopter to stricken areas, some of which had no gas, electricity or drinking water.

The bad weather later continued and river levels went on rising. The Bible Society reported a death toll of nine, with 1,700 houses destroyed, and 30,000 families affected.

On March 22, 17,500 people were registered ill, including about 4,000 children among them. More than a thousand people had been taken into hospital.

Although floods hit the area every year, this year’s are said to be the worst for three years. (WR 360/8 - 06.01)