Ukraine accuses Russia of targeting dam near Kherson
QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – Early on Tuesday, a major dam burst in the Russian-controlled region of Kherson, prompting mass evacuations and fears of widespread destruction.
Immediately after news of the explosion at the Nova Kakhova dam on the Dnipro River was published, Ukraine accused Russian forces of committing an act of “environmental genocide.”
Moscow did not immediately claim responsibility for the bombing, but officials appointed by Russia in Kherson condemned the bombing of the dam.
Residents of the areas beyond the dam were told to “do everything they could to save their lives,” according to the head of the military administration of the Kherson region.
A video clip posted on social media showed the destroyed dam wall and fast-moving torrents of water flowing into the river. Several buildings near the dam were also severely damaged.
The Nova Kakhova Dam blocks waters of the Dnipro River, one of the major rivers running through southeastern Ukraine. There are many towns and cities downstream, including Kherson, a city with a population of more than a quarter of a million people.
A spokesman for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that he will hold an emergency meeting of the Ukrainian National Security and Defense Council to discuss the consequences of the dam’s collapse.
“The Russians will be responsible for the possible deprivation of drinking water for people in the south of the Kherson region and in Crimea, and for the possible destruction of some residential complexes and the biosphere,” Andriy Yermak, the head of the Ukrainian president’s office, said.
The Ukrainian military administration of Kherson region said in a statement that the water “will reach critical levels within five hours,” and accusing Russia of “committing a terrorist act.”
Ukraine’s Ministry of Internal Affairs said that units of the National Police and State Emergency Service in the Kherson region have been put on alert to warn and evacuate civilians from potential flooding areas.
As the water level rose, the authorities urged everyone in the flooded area to turn off all electrical appliances, safeguard important documents and personal items, take care of their families and pets, and follow the instructions of rescuers and police.
And throughout the course of the war which began in 2022, Moscow and Kiev have accused each other of plotting to blow up the Soviet-era dam.
The dam is an important part of Ukraine’s infrastructure, containing about 18 cubic kilometers of water and providing water to much of southeastern Ukraine and Crimea, which Russia annexed in 2014.
It also supplies water to the Zaporizhia nuclear plant, which is located further upriver and is also under Russian control.