In a shocking turn of events, the water level at Nova Kahkovka has surged by over 10 meters, causing widespread concern and unease. Reports from TASS indicate that the situation has escalated to an uncontrollable extent, with the Nova Kakhovka dam collapsing and the water flow becoming increasingly unpredictable. The gravity of this situation is exacerbated by the ongoing war, making the damage incurred even more irreparable. The Kakhovskaya HPP, once a prominent structure, now lies submerged beneath the rising waters. Authorities fear that the water level could rise even further, potentially reaching a staggering 12 meters following the dam blast.
While there is some relief that a major evacuation may not be necessary in the Kherson region, certain settlements in the Nova Kakhovka district have already initiated evacuation procedures as a precautionary measure. It is worth noting that the destruction seems to be limited to the upper portion of the dam, leaving the reservoir dam foundation intact. This, fortunately, offers a glimmer of hope, as the flooding may be somewhat contained, preventing the complete expulsion of the entire reservoir. The situation remains dire, and the full extent of the damage caused by this catastrophic event is yet to be fully comprehended.
Explore the impact on water levels downstream and Crimea’s water supply.
Russia tries to stop Ukraine’s counter offensive
The head of the European Council, Charles Michel, said he was shocked by the attack on the Kakhovka hydroelectric power station, blamed Russia for it and called the incident a “war crime.”
Russian forces blew up Kakhovka hydroelectric power station overnight from inside. 80 Settlements at Risk After Dam Destroyed.
Zelenskiy
Russia blowing up the dam is going to have severe consequences. The act equates to the use of weapons of mass destruction under international law.
Dams like the Dnipro dam in Nova Kahkovka are protected by the laws of war and the Geneva convention. Destroying it would be considered a weapon of mass destruction and an indiscriminate war crime:
Works and installations containing dangerous forces, namely dams, dykes and nuclear electrical generating stations, shall not be made the object of attack, even where these objects are military objectives, if such attack may cause the release of dangerous forces and consequent severe losses among the civilian population. Other military objectives located at or in the vicinity of these works or installations shall not be made the object of attack if such attack may cause the release of dangerous forces from the works or installations and consequent severe losses among the…
Article 56 of the 1977 Additional Protocol I
The recent destruction of the Kakhovka dam has ignited intense speculation and concern among various stakeholders. A senior aide to President Zelenskiy has voiced a provocative assertion, suggesting that the dam’s demolition is a deliberate act orchestrated by Russia, aimed at raising the stakes and instilling fear of a potential nuclear catastrophe. Adding to the complexity, Ukraine’s military intelligence claims that Russian forces detonated the dam in a state of panic. These assertions contribute to an already tense atmosphere, with NATO Secretary General Stoltenberg condemning the incident as yet another demonstration of Russia’s brutal conduct in the ongoing war in Ukraine.
Further raising suspicions, there have been reports of mass evacuations by Russian civilians in areas adjacent to the Dnipro river, commencing at 21:00 yesterday. Although it is uncertain whether this was mere coincidence, the scale and systematic nature of these evacuations have raised eyebrows. Additionally, it is worth noting that the floods resulting from the dam destruction may hinder Ukraine’s military progress, as the Dnipro river narrows significantly in the Kherson region, potentially impeding the Ukrainian pincer movement. This has led to questions regarding the strategic benefits, if any, that Ukraine would gain from intentionally blowing up the dam.
The situation remains highly sensitive and complex, with geopolitical tensions and potential ramifications looming large.
Ukraine Did it
According to Russian sources, an alleged strike by the Armed Forces of Ukraine on the dam in Nova Kakhovka reportedly occurred last night. If this claim proves to be true, it is likely that water levels will rise downstream, potentially causing further complications. Notably, there are factors that suggest Ukraine’s involvement in this incident.
An official installed by Russia asserts that Ukraine targeted the Kherson dam using storm shadow cruise missiles, purportedly as a diversionary tactic to deflect attention from the failure of its own counter-offensive. The irony lies in their assertion that a piece of land under Russian control was deprived of fresh water, while simultaneously blaming Russia for the act itself.
The implications of this situation extend beyond local consequences. The water supply to Crimea, an area of contentious territorial dispute, is directly impacted by the dam’s destruction. This adds another layer of complexity to the ongoing tensions between Ukraine and Russia.
