8th June 2023 – (Moscow) At least five people have been reported dead and 41 injured following the collapse of the Kakhovka hydroelectric power plant dam, according to the mayor of the Nova Kakhovka district. Vladimir Leontiev stated that five of the seven people who were grazing cattle drowned in the incident, with the remaining two being evacuated.
The incident has been condemned by the United Nations, Russia, and Ukraine as a humanitarian and environmental catastrophe. The destruction of the dam has resulted in widespread flooding, causing significant damage to the surrounding area and displacement of many residents.
The Kakhovka hydroelectric power plant, located in southern Ukraine, is a crucial source of energy for the region and plays a vital role in the country’s electricity supply. The cause of the dam’s collapse is still under investigation, with authorities working to determine the extent of the damage and the potential impact on the power plant’s operations.
The incident has raised concerns about the safety of aging infrastructure in Ukraine and the need for greater investment in maintenance and upgrades. The Kakhovka hydroelectric power plant was built in the 1950s, and while it has undergone some renovations over the years, concerns have been raised about its condition and the potential risks associated with its continued operation.