Dnipro River in Kherson region returns to natural flow after floods caused by Russia’s dam destruction

As of the morning of June 28, the water in the Dnipro River reached a natural level near the Kherson post following the flooding of the southern Kherson region.

The Headquarters for eliminating the consequences of the Russian detonation of the Kakhovka hydroelectric plant reported that level fluctuations correspond to natural at this time of year.

Two houses on the right bank of the Dnipro and 17 houses in the temporarily occupied territory remain flooded in the region. Rescuers continue to pump out water, the Headquarters added.

"Over the past 24 hours, 72,000 tons of water have been pumped out of 56 basements. Since the beginning of the work, more than 373,000 tons of water have been pumped out of 923 houses and basements," the statement emphasized.

It is also reported that 59 tons of water were transported to the region, of which 23 tons were drinking water, and 36 tons were technical water. Water supply networks are being disinfected in Kherson, so drinking water from the tap is prohibited.

Background

As Rubryka reported, on the night of June 6, Russian invaders blew up the Kakhovka hydroelectric power plant and dam, which led to massive flooding. The Ukrhydroenergo state water operator confirmed that the Kakhovka plant was completely destroyed and cannot be restored. Later, authorities banned swimming in reservoirs and catching and consuming fish in the Kherson region.

With flooding, 160,000 birds and more than 20,000 wild animals were at risk of death due to the Russian detonation of the Kakhovka dam. According to the estimates of the Minister of Agrarian Policy and Food of Ukraine Mykola Solskyi, farmers will not be able to fully use 1-1.5 million hectares of agricultural land due to the explosion of the Kakhovka plant.

"Russia blowing up of the Kakhovka dam on June 6, 2023, not only led to the death of many people and economic losses but also caused enormous damage to the environment," Oleh Lystopad, an expert of the ANTS Network for the Protection of National Interests, wrote for Rubryka. "Although nature, as shown by the experience of the Chornobyl zone, has fantastic potential, recovery will not occur in all areas, not all natural complexes, and far from all at once."