Anurag Kumar
Ukraine Dam Breached:On Tuesday, the Soviet-era dam in southern Ukraine was breached, releasing floodwaters throughout the conflict zone. The collapse of the dam was followed by a blame game between Ukraine and Russia, with each nation blaming the other for the disaster. Ukraine blamed Russia for the breach, calling it a “terrorist attack,” while Russia claimed Ukraine sabotaged the dam to shut off water supplies to Crimea and divert attention from a “faltering” counteroffensive.
What Actually Happened?
Several experts have suggested that the Kakhovka Dam collapse was caused by a deliberate explosion, while structural failure or an attack from outside the dam are conceivable but less plausible explanations. As they were able to detonate explosives from within, Ukraine officials deemed this to be a deliberate Russian move. Russia also placed responsibility on Ukraine, but offered few specifics.
ALL ABOUT THE KAKHOVKA DAM
The height of the Kakhovka Dam is 30 meters and its length is 3.2 kilometers. The dam was constructed under Soviet leader Josef Stalin and completed under Nikita Khrushchev. The dam is currently located in Russian-controlled territory that spans the Dnipro River, which forms the front line between Russian and Ukrainian forces in the southern portion of Ukraine. The dam is of great importance because it helps provide electricity, irrigation, and potable water to the Crimean Peninsula and the southern region of Ukraine.
What’s At Stake
Wednesday, floodwaters from a collapsed dam continued to rise in southern Ukraine, forcing hundreds of people to evacuate their homes in a major emergency operation that added a dramatic new dimension to the 16-month-old war with Russia. Officials in Ukraine estimated that 42,000 people were at risk due to the inundation.
Impact On Crimea
Due to the destruction of the dam, the water levels of the North Crimean Canal, constructed during the Soviet era, are at danger of falling. This will result in a water shortage in the region, as this canal provides 85 percent of Crimea’s water requirements.
The Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant Is At Risk Too
The Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power facility, the largest nuclear power facility in Europe, is also at risk because it draws cooling water from the reservoir. “Our current assessment indicates that there is no immediate threat to the plant’s safety,” said Rafael Grossi, the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency.
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However, Ukrainian officials asserted that the Russians intended to create a crisis at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, which uses river water for cooling, in order to thwart an anticipated Ukrainian offensive.
