A Russian strike on a Ukrainian dam sows panic. Authorities fear devastating floods as waters rise dangerously. The population holds their breath, fearing the worst…
A Russian strike recently targeted a dam in eastern Ukraine, raising serious concerns about the risk of massive flooding in the region. According to a source close to the matter, the attack “damaged” the dam of the Kurakhové reservoir, located in the Donetsk region, causing a rapid rise in the water level on the Vovtcha River.
Faced with this imminent threat, local authorities launched the alert, warning populations in neighboring areas of the potential danger. “This attack potentially threatens residents of localities located on the Vovcha River in the Donetsk and Dnipropetrovsk regions,” regional governor Vadym Filashkin said on Telegram, emphasizing the urgency of the situation.
A worrying rise in water levels
Although no flooding has yet been reported, the rapid rise in water levels, already reaching 1.2 meters near the village of Velyka Novossilka, is causing great concern among local officials. The damaged dam is located in the immediate vicinity of the front, in a sector where Russian troops have been advancing for weeks, making the situation all the more precarious.
Roman Padoune, head of the Kurakhové military administration, confirmed to Ukrainian media that the waters had risen in several villages downstream of the reservoir. However, due to continued bombardment in the area, it is currently impossible to accurately assess the extent and severity of the damage to the dam.
A worrying precedent
This attack is a sad reminder of the tragedy that occurred in June 2023, when a huge dam dating from the Soviet era, located in the Kherson region, was partially destroyed. This incident resulted in the release of billions of liters of water downstream, flooding dozens of villages on the banks of the Dnieper River and causing considerable environmental damage.
kyiv then accused Russia, whose troops controlled the dam at the time, of having deliberately sabotaged the infrastructure to thwart a planned Ukrainian counter-offensive. Moscow, for its part, blamed Ukraine. This tragic episode cost the lives of dozens of people and caused irreversible damage to the local ecosystem.
Russian strikes on other Ukrainian cities
Along with the attack on the dam, Russia has also intensified its strikes on other Ukrainian cities. Nikopol and Kryvyi Rig, located in the Dnipropetrovsk region, were targeted by artillery and missile fire, causing several civilian casualties.
In Kryvyi Rig, the hometown of President Volodymyr Zelensky, a Russian missile destroyed a section of a residential building, injuring at least 14 people. Rescuers are continuing their efforts to try to find a woman and three children who are still trapped under the rubble.
Diplomatic concerns and call for international aid
These latest developments come as concerns grow over the outcome of the Russian-Ukrainian conflict. Donald Trump’s victory in the US presidential election has sparked fears in Ukraine and Europe, with the Republican being critical of Washington’s aid to kyiv.
Josep Borrell, head of European diplomacy, warned that a victory for Russia in this war would represent a failure for the United States and the international community. During a visit to Ukraine, he was forced to take refuge in a bomb shelter due to an attack on the capital, illustrating the daily reality of the Ukrainian people.
Faced with this alarming situation, Ukraine calls on the international community to strengthen its support and exert increased pressure on Russia to end the hostilities. The damage to civilian infrastructure, such as dams, highlights the urgency of concerted action to avoid a large-scale humanitarian and environmental catastrophe.
As the waters continue to rise dangerously near the damaged dam, the local population holds their breath, fearing the worst. The coming days will be decisive in assessing the extent of the damage and taking the necessary measures to protect civilians and limit the devastating consequences of this new Russian attack.
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