Ukraine Accuses Russia of Destroying Dam near Kherson (+Video)
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Ukraine has accused Moscow's forces of committing an act of "ecocide," as a major dam near Kherson was destroyed, leading to mass evacuations and concerns of widespread devastation.
Residents downstream from the Nova Kakhova dam on the Dnipro River were instructed to take all necessary measures to save their lives, as video footage displayed a torrent of water pouring out from a significant breach in the dam. Multiple structures at the dam's entrance were severely damaged.
The Nova Kakhova dam is a critical structure spanning the Dnipro River, a significant waterway in southeastern Ukraine. Several towns and cities, including Kherson, with a population of approximately 300,000 before the Russian invasion, are situated downstream.
Ukraine's Operational Command South confirmed the destruction of the dam, stating that they were assessing the extent of the damage and estimating potential flood areas. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called an emergency meeting of the National Security and Defense Council.
Senior Ukrainian officials, including Andriy Yermak, the head of the Office of the president, described the dam's destruction as "ecocide." Yermak warned of the potential deprivation of drinking water, destruction of settlements, and harm to the biosphere in the southern Kherson region and Crimea, placing the blame on Russia.
In a video statement, Oleksandr Prokudin, the appointed head of the Kherson region military administration, stated that the water level would reach a critical point in five hours.
Ukraine's Ministry of Internal Affairs stated that the National Police and the state emergency service of the Kherson region were on high alert to warn and evacuate civilians from potential flood areas. The affected zones include several villages and part of Kherson city on the west bank of the Dnipro River.
Authorities urged individuals in the flood zone to turn off electrical appliances, gather essential documents and belongings, ensure the safety of loved ones and follow the instructions of rescuers and police as the water level continued to rise.
While the mayor of Nova Kakhovka initially denied the dam's collapse, he later confirmed the destruction and termed it a "serious terrorist act." However, he said that evacuation was unnecessary.
During the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, both Moscow and Kiev have accused each other of plotting to blow up the Soviet-era dam. Analysts have warned that the released torrent of water has the potential to cause significant destruction in Kherson city and other populated areas along the Dnipro River.
Although concerns remain, a Kherson official stated that the situation along the Dnipro River's banks was under control, with no immediate threat to people's lives. The Ministry of Emergency Situation is monitoring water levels, and preparations for evacuating residents are in place if needed.
