Ukraine rushes to move over 230,000 people from high-risk areas in eastern Ukraine
Photo: Over 64,000 people were evacuated from two regions between June 1 and August 22 (Getty Images)
Over 230,000 people in Ukraine's Dnipropetrovsk and Donetsk regions need to be evacuated. These are residents living in high-risk areas, reports the Ministry for Development of Communities and Territories of Ukraine.
The ministry said that from June 1 to August 22, more than 64,000 people were evacuated from the two regions. However, many still need to be moved, including a significant number of children.
"Around 237,000 people still need evacuation. These are residents who continue to live in dangerous areas, including nearly 17,200 children," the ministry said.
The transit point in Pavlohrad, Dnipropetrovsk region, is a key hub for evacuations. A new point in Lozova, Kharkiv region, is now operational, and another is starting in Voloske, Dnipropetrovsk region.
"The transit point in Lozova can accommodate 244 people. In just three days, 224 people have received comprehensive assistance there. As of yesterday morning, 17 people remained at the transit point. All others have moved deeper into the country to temporary shelters," the ministry said.
Minister for Development of Communities and Territories Oleksii Kuleba emphasized that each region sending evacuees to safer areas has a partner region that receives them.
Currently, Rivne, Kirovohrad, and Kyiv regions are already receiving evacuees. Vinnytsia and Poltava are preparing to accommodate internally displaced people if needed.
"We are restructuring transit points to serve only temporary functions, allowing people to move to safer regions within 24 hours," Kuleba said.
Evacuation trains with additional cars continue to operate. Since August 15, more than 430 people have been evacuated to Kyiv, Lviv, and Rivne. Additional routes are planned, and extra evacuation trains have been allocated.
"Ukrzaliznytsia will expand evacuation routes. Trains may depart from Pavlohrad and Dnipro to Poltava, Odesa, Cherkasy, and Kirovohrad," the post said.
The Ministry of Social Policy, Family, and Unity of Ukraine is organizing temporary shelters for 2,000 people with limited mobility.
"Additional measures are needed to ensure direct transportation of people with limited mobility, who require medical assistance, from evacuation points to specialized hospitals," the ministry concluded.
Evacuations amid the war
The ongoing Russian invasion, regular shelling, and active combat have forced many residents in frontline regions to evacuate. The process continues, as many people still live in dangerous areas.
About a week ago, authorities expanded the list of settlements in the Donetsk region requiring mandatory evacuation. Mandatory evacuation for children was announced in Druzhkivka. Children will also be evacuated from Andriivka, Varvarivka, Novoandriivka, and Rohanske in the Andriivka community.
