In a region under Russian control in Ukraine, a significant dam collapse has led to the evacuation of thousands of people from downstream areas.
President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that approximately 80 towns and villages are at risk of being flooded due to the destruction of the Nova Kakhovka dam by Russia.
There are alarming reports of a catastrophic flood threat looming over the city of Kherson as water from the Dnipro River continues to flow.
Russia, the entity in control of the dam, denies any involvement in its destruction and instead accuses Ukraine of initiating the bombardment.
It is important to note that the claims made by both Ukraine and Russia have not been independently verified by the BBC.
The Kakhovka reservoir, situated downstream from the dam, plays a crucial role in the region. It provides water to local communities, farms, and the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power station. Additionally, it serves as a vital water conduit for the Crimean Peninsula, which is governed by Russia.
Ukraine’s state-owned hydropower facilities, Ukrhydroenergo, have issued a warning about the water spill. They predict that the climax of the spill will occur on Wednesday morning, leading to the subsequent “stabilization” period. Following this, the water level is expected to rapidly decrease within four to five days.
