Ukraine Battles Widespread Flooding as Vys River Bursts Its Banks, Animal Shelter Submerged

Ukraine Battles Widespread Flooding as Vys River Bursts Its Banks, Animal Shelter Submerged

According to Главком: Extensive flooding has struck Ukraine following heavy rain and snowmelt. The most severe situation is in the Kirovohrad region, where the Vys River overflowed its banks on February 16. Rescue services reported over 120 emergency calls in the region that morning alone. The floods have inundated private yards, basements, and cellars, and have also submerged a local bridge.

The breach occurred between the villages of Nadlak and Potoky. Due to the flooding, traffic has been restricted on the road from Slobodka to Krasny Khutir to Kobylianka in the direction of Nadlak, with a detour organized through the villages of Yampil and Yaroshivka.

Flooding Spreads to Other Regions

Beyond Kirovohrad, flooding has also been recorded in the Mykolaiv and Cherkasy regions. In Mykolaiv, 49 areas across 17 settlements have been flooded. Meteorologists have issued a Level I (yellow) weather hazard warning, forecasting:

• Heavy snow;
• Wet snow mixed with rain;
• Wind gusts of 15–20 m/s;
• Blizzards, particularly in northern regions.

The floods have submerged an animal shelter in Kropyvnytskyi, which is home to nearly 200 animals. The volunteer organization 'Happy Dog' described the situation as critical.

"Our only building is already growing mold and could collapse. The enclosures are completely flooded. In some, the water level is so high it has flooded the kennels. The only option is to open the enclosures! The water is shin-deep because there is ice underneath," the volunteers stated.

This shelter has operated as the city's animal population control center for 12 years. Its most recent sterilization drive was in October 2025, when 127 dogs and cats were treated. While emergency services are managing the flooding nationwide, the severe weather is complicating their efforts, especially in the energy, construction, and utility sectors. These spring floods are a recurring challenge in parts of Eastern Europe, straining local infrastructure.

The scale of the flooding underscores the critical need for continuous weather monitoring and emergency preparedness. Authorities and rescue services are working to implement necessary measures to ensure public safety and protect property. The plight of the animal shelter serves as a stark reminder of how natural disasters impact the most vulnerable, including animals. Moving forward, it will be crucial to provide adequate support and aid to the affected regions and to implement measures to prevent similar situations in the future.