The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) and partners launched an initiative appealing for USD 268 million to be able to support more than 1.3 million people with specific assistance in the coming winter months.
The war has severely damaged homes, energy, water, and gas infrastructure, putting millions at extreme risk during the cold season which, in Ukraine, normally starts in October running through March, an OCHA press release said on Tuesday. Temperatures can drop as low as -30 degrees Celsius. “For this winter, we and our partners will prioritize emergency repairs to homes in the front-line communities and provide clothes, heating appliances and other winter supplies,” the statement reads. “We also prioritize repairs in displacement centres and financial aid to displaced people to ensure they can pay rent or utility bills. “Aid organizations will also help with repairs to ensure municipal heating systems are up and running. “The response will build on efforts made during the last winter, when humanitarian organizations reached 2.2 million people with similar services and distributed over 4,000 generators amidst a severe energy crisis,” it added.
Source: Kuwait News Agency