Belgium is providing emergency aid to Moldova after oil spilled into the River Dniester. The Belgian foreign ministry announced that the aid would be provided via the government agency B-FAST. B-FAST (Belgian First Aid and Support Team) provides rapid, specialised emergency aid including medical teams, field hospitals, drinking water purification, high-capacity pumping, and search-and-rescue teams, alongside supplying emergency materials like shelters and food.
Belgium sends emergency aid to Moldova after water is contaminated by Russian attack
Colin Clapson
Published:
The River Dniester is a major source of fresh and drinkable water for the people of Moldova. The oil entered the river following the destruction of a Ukrainian hydroelectric power station by Russian air strikes.
Pollution is endangering the water supply, aquatic ecosystems and overall water quality in the region. To prevent contaminated water from entering the distribution network, the water supply in various regions was temporarily cut off on 20 March. Moldova then requested international assistance from the European Union.
Belgium is now making equipment from its strategic reserves available, including filter dams and purification reservoirs, to prevent the spread of contaminated water.
“The crisis is a direct consequence of Russian attacks that not only target infrastructure but also endanger entire populations and ecosystems. We condemn this in the strongest possible terms,” said Belgian foreign minister Maxime Prévot (Francophone centrist Les Engagés). “At the same time, we continue to invest in sustainable solutions to guarantee water supplies in Moldova, drawing on the expertise of our Belgian companies.”