Kyiv: The destruction of the Kakhovka dam in southern Ukraine has left hundreds of thousands of people without access to drinking water. The dam, which was built in the 1950s, was a major source of water for the region, providing drinking water to over 2 million people and irrigation water for agriculture. However, on June 6, 2023, the dam was destroyed by the Russian forces.
The explosion caused the dam to collapse, releasing millions of cubic meters of water into the Dnieper River. The flooding has damaged homes, businesses, and infrastructure in the region, and has made it difficult for people to access clean water.
“While the Russian evil is terrorizing and destroying all living things, we are doing and will continue to do everything to save every living creature! Thousands and thousands of animals are trapped in the flood after the destruction of the dam and other structures of the Kakhovka hydroelectric power plant by Russia” tweeted Zelensky as he posted a video of the destruction caused by the explosion.
The lack of drinking water is a major humanitarian crisis in Ukraine. People in the affected areas are struggling to find clean water to drink, cook, and bathe. There are reports of people getting sick from drinking contaminated water, and there are concerns about the spread of disease.
The United Nations has warned that the lack of drinking water could have a devastating impact on the health and well-being of people in Ukraine. The UN has called for urgent action to provide clean water to the affected areas. United Nations Retweeted a tweet that read, “flooding due to Kakhovka Dam destruction increases mine and explosive ordnance risks, putting thousands more people in danger, including in areas previously assessed as safe.”
Earlier on 15 April 2022, UNICEF stated than intense hostilities in Ukraine destroyed water and electricity networks, leaving 1.4 million people without access to safe water, 4 million with limited access, and over 6 million struggling each single day to have drinking water. The destruction of the Kakhovka dam is a reminder of the human cost of the war in Ukraine. The war has caused widespread destruction and suffering, and it has made it difficult for people to access basic necessities like food, water, and shelter.