loading…
Kherson declared a state of emergency after the Nova Kakhovka dam burst. Photo/Sky News
KIEV – A state of emergency has been declared in the Kherson region after the dam in the south Ukraine which is dominated Russia it was badly damaged by the explosion, causing flooding in an area already ravaged by months of conflict.
Russia’s state news agency TASS reported that the decision was made by Moscow-backed local authorities in the vicinity of the Nova Kakhovka dam.
Meanwhile, according to another Russian news agency, RIA, the water level in the Kherson region has risen five meters with several islands downstream completely flooded.
Local authorities fear the water level could rise by up to 12 meters, according to Russia’s appointed Mayor of Nova Kakhovka, who said that the city of Nova Kakhovka is now under water and about 600 homes are under water.
RIA also reported, citing the head of the Kherson region, that so far 22,000 people in 14 settlements have been affected.
“The water continues to rise. The evacuation of civilians from the adjacent flood zone is being carried out to save all lives. There is no panic in the city,” Vladimir Leontyev said in a video message on Telegram as quoted by Sky News, Tuesday (6/6/2023) .
TASS reported that half of the 3.2 km span of the dam had been destroyed, and the rest had collapsed.
Ukraine’s state hydroelectric agency said the plant had been “totally destroyed” after an explosion in its engine room and could not be recovered.
Ukraine’s Interior Ministry has asked residents of 10 villages on the right bank of the Dnipro and part of the city of Kherson to collect “important documents and pets, turn off equipment and leave”.
