Investing.com - Around 42,000 individuals are facing the threat of flooding on both sides of the Dnipro River due to the collapse of the Nova Kakhovka dam. Ukrainian officials expect floodwaters to peak on Wednesday, causing widespread damage and loss for those living in southern Ukraine.
UN aid chief Martin Griffiths warned that this disaster will have severe consequences for thousands affected by damaged homes, food shortages, contaminated water sources, and loss of livelihoods. The full extent of this catastrophe is yet to be determined.
The governor of Kherson region in Ukraine has accused Russia of shelling the area near the dam site after its destruction. Relief workers operating on Ukraine-controlled territories report working under fire from Russian forces across the river. Meanwhile, no flood-related deaths have been confirmed so far; however, a US National Security Council spokesman believes many fatalities may have occurred due to flooding.
Satellite images captured by Maxar Technologies reveal extensive flooding affecting numerous towns and villages along more than 965 square miles between Nova Kakhovka and Dniprovska Gulf. Approximately 80 communities face potential devastation from floods as transportation services scramble to evacuate residents safely.
Ukraine accuses Russia of committing war crimes by deliberately destroying the Soviet-era hydroelectric station-powered dam while Moscow denies responsibility and claims Kyiv initiated a major counteroffensive against them instead. At present, Washington remains uncertain about which side caused this disaster but maintains it would not make sense for Ukraine to harm its own people intentionally through such an act.
In response to concerns about impacts on nearby nuclear power plants' safety measures following these events—specifically Zaporizhzhia's cooling systems—the UN's International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) reassures that enough water should remain available for reactor cooling purposes over the next few months.
As Ukraine prepares to counterattack, some analysts suggest this flooding may inadvertently benefit Russia by hindering Ukrainian advancements along specific front lines. Meanwhile, President Volodymyr Zelenskiy announces a significant offer from foreign countries willing to provide F-16 fighter jets as part of their ongoing support in this conflict.