6-6-2023 (MOSCOW) In a devastating development amidst the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia, the historic Kakhovka Dam, standing tall at 30 meters and stretching 3.2 kilometers along the Dnipro River, was completely demolished on Tuesday (June 6). The destruction of the dam has triggered a massive flood of water, resulting in widespread chaos and displacement in the war-torn region. Both sides involved in the conflict have swiftly pointed fingers at each other, each blaming the other party for the catastrophic event. Unverified videos circulating on social media captured the dramatic moments of intense explosions rocking the Kakhovka Dam, followed by a deluge of water surging through the remnants of the structure, leaving bystanders in utter shock.
The governor of Kherson, the nearest province, reported that evacuation efforts have commenced in the areas surrounding the Kakhovka region. Authorities predict that within five hours, the water level will reach a critical point, posing a severe threat to nearby settlements. Emergency services have identified approximately 80 communities in the vicinity that may face the consequences of the dam’s destruction.
The Kakhovka Dam played a crucial role in maintaining an 18 km3 reservoir, providing water to the Crimean peninsula, which was annexed by Russia in 2014, as well as to the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant, currently under Russian control. Russia’s state news agency, TASS, reassured that there is currently no immediate danger to the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant as a result of the collapse of the Nova Kakhovka Dam.
Conflicting narratives have emerged regarding the circumstances leading to the dam’s destruction. Ukraine’s military has claimed that Russian forces deliberately blew up the dam, while Russian news agencies contend that the dam, controlled by Russian forces, was destroyed in shelling. Additionally, a Russian-appointed official labeled the incident as a terrorist attack, using the term “terrorist” to refer to an attack by Ukraine. However, TASS, citing an unnamed source with close knowledge of the situation, stated that there were no air strikes targeting the dam overnight.
