In the Russian province of Kherson, a state of emergency has been declared due to an attack on the Kakhovka hydroelectric power plant, described by local authorities as an act of “environmental genocide.” This incident has resulted in the flooding of approximately 2,700 homes in 15 localities in the province.
The mayor of the area, Vladimir Leontiev, has reported that at least seven people are missing as a result of the flooding. Evacuation operations are underway, and food and water are being supplied to those affected. A state of emergency has been declared in both Kherson oblast and the urban district of the city of Novaya Kakhovka.
At least 22,000 people resided in the affected areas, of whom approximately 1,300 have been evacuated. Forty temporary accommodation centers have been set up to accommodate 5,500 people.
Mayor Leontiev has described the partial destruction of the hydroelectric plant as an act of “environmental genocide” that has caused great damage to the environment. He has also denounced a drone attack by Ukrainian forces during the evacuation of the town’s residents, leaving some 100 people blocked in Novaya Kakhovka.
Images have been released showing that water is beginning to recede from some streets in Novaya Kakhovka, which is considered a positive trend. However, the Ukrainian Army is reported to have fired approximately 60 artillery shells at several localities in Kherson oblast, including those that were already flooded, according to emergency services.
In addition, the water level in the Kakhovka reservoir, near the town of Energodar, where the Zaporozhie nuclear power plant is located, has dropped by more than 3.5 meters. It is warned that the reservoir could run out of water in the next 2 to 3 days due to damage to the hydroelectric power plant, which could have consequences for the area and the nuclear power plant.
According to hydrographic experts, it is estimated that by June 20, the Dnieper River will form a new natural channel away from Energodar and the Zaporozhie NPP.