Rescuers finish search in Odesa storm aftermath: 10 dead, over 380 saved

Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko said emergency services have fully pumped out water and prepared infrastructure for restoration at more than 60 sites, while work continues at around 30 others.

As a result of severe weather in Odesa, 10 people were killed and more than 380 were rescued. Klymenko noted that there were no additional fatalities and that all requests from residents had been processed.

He said the largest volumes of water accumulated in underground parking garages, making those locations the hardest to clear. More than 15,000 cubic meters of water had already been pumped out of parking areas.

In addition, water has been pumped out of 40 of the 42 flooded shelters, which have been prepared for use. Work is still ongoing at two civil protection facilities, Klymenko added.

On Sept. 30, Odesa received about 1.5 months’ worth of rainfall in a single day. Heavy rains flooded homes, basements and roads across Odesa Oblast, leaving more than 23,700 customers without power.

Among the victims was a family of five, including an 8-year-old girl. Oct. 2 was declared a day of mourning in Odesa and Oblast.

State Emergency Service spokesperson Maryna Averina told Suspilne that the family had been living in a basement apartment. She said they were overwhelmed by a wave of water and unable to escape.