Ukraine dam collapse: Many towns to be flooded.

Major Hydroelectric Dam in Southern Ukraine Blown Up, Causing Flooding

A major hydroelectric dam in southern Ukraine has blown up, which will likely cause flooding to dozens of nearby towns and cities, including the Kherson region, the majority of which has been under Russian control since near the beginning of the invasion in February of 2022.

The destruction of the Kakhovka dam is a major development in the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia. The strategically-placed dam sits on the Dnipro River and has long been speculated to be a target for either side, depending on the timing and necessity.

Populations at Risk of Flooding Being Evacuated

Both Ukrainian and Russian sources have pointed the finger at each other for the destruction, as it remains unclear what advantages and disadvantages the dam offered for both sides. However, the immediate concern is for the populations at risk of flooding, who are being evacuated as the most severe inundation is expected to take place within the next few hours.

The city of Kherson, recently retaken by the Ukrainians late last year, will likely be largely flooded as well. Videos posted to social media of the destroyed Kakhovka dam appear to show some nearby islands already underwater.

Conflicting Reports on Cause of Destruction

The mayor of Nova Kakhovka, which has been under Russian control since February 2022, told the Russian state media outlet TASS that the dam collapsed due to previous damage inflicted in attacks overnight. He added that the city itself does not need to be evacuated.

On the other hand, Yury Podolyak, a Russian blogger with more than 2.7 million subscribers on Telegram, said his information illustrates that the dam was not intentionally destroyed but rather broke under the massive weight of the water and previous damage inflicted as part of the war.

Counteroffensive Expected from Ukraine

The massive new development in the war comes as Ukraine is expected to launch a counteroffensive at any time against Russia to retake land previously lost. The Ukrainian Defense Ministry said the counteroffensive could begin at any time without warning, as “Plans love silence. There will be no announcement of the start.”

This is a developing news story. Check back here for updates.