In just over 24 hours, floodwaters in Ukraine have claimed the lives of 17 people, including nine children; the search for four more people is ongoing, according to Ukraine’s State Emergency Service.
“The tragedies occurred in 12 regions of Ukraine… Unfortunately, these terrible figures may rise—the search is currently underway in three regions for four people, including three children,” said Viktor Vitovetsky, director of the Department of Civil Protection and Preventive Activities at the State Emergency Service of Ukraine.
According to available statistics from rescue services, as of early May 2026, 135 people—including 10 children—had died in Ukraine’s water bodies since the beginning of the year. At that time, the State Emergency Service reported that 74 people, including 23 children, had been rescued since the start of the year.
With the start of the summer season, the statistics have deteriorated sharply. According to the State Emergency Service, from the beginning of June through June 21 alone, 64 emergencies occurred while people were swimming in Ukraine’s water bodies, resulting in the deaths of 53 people, including nine children.
Taking into account the new data on 17 deaths over the past 24 hours, the number of victims in water bodies since the start of the year may be at least 205. However, the State Emergency Service has not provided an updated total figure for the period from the start of 2026 through June 25 in a public statement.
Rescuers remind the public that most water-related tragedies occur due to swimming in unequipped areas, overestimating one’s abilities, alcohol consumption, violations of water safety rules, and a lack of supervision of children.
The State Emergency Service emphasizes that children should only be near water under constant adult supervision.
