Ukraine’s southern regions ban fishing as mass fish deaths occur caused by Kakhovka dam destruction

In Mykolaiv, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia regions, residents of flooded areas were forbidden to catch, sell and eat fish, as there is a risk of contracting botulism.

Rubryka reports, referring to the head of the Snihurivka city military administration, Ivan Kukhta, and the Ministry of Health on the Telegram messaging app.

What is the problem?

According to the head of the military administration, fish deaths are in the Snihurivka community. It is now forbidden to catch and sell fish on the territory of the Snihurivka and Horohove communities. Residents are advised to refrain from eating fish.

"Do not expose yourself to danger. After all, some senseless residents have already started selling dead fish," said the head of the administration.

What is the solution?

The Mykolaiv region's district commission was held on technogenic and ecological safety issues and emergency situations due to the consequences of the explosion of the Kakhovka HPP dam.

How does it work?

The Ministry of Health also notes that in the next 3-5 days, a fish plague will be observed in flooded areas in the south of Ukraine due to a rapid drop in the water level. Collecting such fish and consuming it is strictly prohibited.

"There is a risk of botulism. The regions are building up stocks of antibiotics and sorbents for treating acute intestinal infections," the Ministry of Health emphasizes.

Experts note that among the symptoms of botulism are abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, and elevated body temperature. The Ministry of Health advises not to drink or use water from rivers and wells. Water must be boiled, even for washing fruits and vegetables.

Residents of the affected areas are also advised not to consume products that have been flooded.

Due to the destruction by the Russian occupiers of the Kakhovka hydroelectric power plant, about 10,000 hectares of agricultural land are flooded on the right bank of the Kherson region. The volume is several times larger in the occupied territories.

As Rubryka reported, as of June 6, 2023, it is impossible to establish the actual state of a large part of the reclamation systems in the south of the country because they are located in temporarily occupied territories, and there is no access to them.

Background

As Rubryka reported, on the night of June 6, Russian invaders blew up the Kakhovka hydroelectric power station, located a few kilometers from the temporarily occupied city of Nova Kakhovka, Kherson region.

As a result of the dam's destruction, the water in the Kakhovka reservoir began to fall rapidly, threatening to flood.

Yesterday, June 6, it became known that 24 settlements have already been flooded, and water will continue to arrive during the day.

Residents continue to save themselves from the high water in Kherson and take out their stores, and residents of coastal communities leave their already flooded houses.

As we reported, the Russian occupying forces blew up the Kakhovka hydroelectric power plant, and the HPP cannot be restored.