Russian attack on Dnipro hydroelectric plant has caused over $3.5 mln in environmental damage
Photo: Suspilne Zaporizhzhia
Ukraine has suffered approximately ₴140 million (over $3.5 million) in environmental damage from the Russian rocket attack on the Dnipro Hydroelectric Power Plant (HPP), according to Ukraine's Minister of Environmental Protection and Natural Resources Ruslan Strylets.
He stated during the national telethon that the massive Russian missile attack on March 22 caused severe damage to the plant and surrounding areas, Rubryka reports.
Environmental inspectors from the State Environmental Inspectorate recorded soil pollution and an oil product stain weighing approximately 0.5 tons.
According to Strylets, the situation has now stabilized. No excess of oil products is currently detected at any of the sampling points. Experts from the State Environmental Inspection and the State Water Agency continue to monitor the condition of water resources in the Dnipro River below the Dnipro HPP dam.
During the broadcast, Minister Strylets also discussed the handling of debris generated by constant Russian strikes on Ukraine. He reported that over 600,000 tons of debris from destruction have already accumulated across Ukraine.
To recap, the Russian forces launched over 150 drones and missiles of various types at Ukraine on March 22. Air defense forces downed 55 drones and 37 rockets.
During the Russian attack, 12 explosions rocked the southeastern city of Zaporizhzhia. Authorities reported casualties, seven destroyed buildings, and dozens damaged facilities. The Russians targeted the city's Dnipro HPP, causing a blackout threat at the occupied Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) and cutting off the line to ZNPP.
Russian missile strikes on the Dnipro hydroelectric power station (DniproHES) in Zaporizhzhia caused a leak of oil products into the Dnipro River. The area of destruction from the Dnipro plant's debris amounts to over 7,200 m² on Slavutycha Street and over 300 m² on Petra Sahaidachnoho Street. Both of the plant's parts have ceased electricity production. DniproHES-2 is in critical condition.
Ukraine's power system lost over a thousand megawatts of capacity due to the Russian missile attack on the DniproHES. Rescue services are clearing the rubble of one of the machine rooms at the station. According to the Ukrainian energy operator Ukrhydroenergo, it will take years to restore the DniproHES.
