Environmental disaster from the dam collapse in Kherson

Oil and other pollutants in floodwaters from the Kakhovka Dam collapse could be harmful to both humans and plants.

Environmental disaster from dam burst in Ukraine — Image of what is believed to be the Kakhovka hydroelectric dam breaking on the morning of June 6. Video: *Telegram/RVvoenkor*

The explosion that caused the Kakhovka Dam to collapse on the Dnieper River in Kherson Oblast on June 6 led to a major environmental disaster that disrupted the supply of fresh water and electricity to millions of people, flooded dozens of towns, and may even have consequences for the southern part of the country for decades.

At least 150 tons of engine oil spilled into the Dnieper River and another 300 tons may have leaked when the dam collapsed. "This is the biggest man-made environmental disaster in Europe in decades," Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on June 6. Russia and Ukraine have blamed each other at the United Nations for the dam collapse.

In the first hours after the Kakhovka Dam burst, millions of liters of water flooded at least 80 villages and towns with about 10,000 residents. Floodwaters also entered the Lower Dnieper National Park. Spilled oil and other pollutants that had been at the bottom of the reservoir are now seeping into these areas, potentially harming humans, animals and plants.

A woman looks at a flooded road in Kherson after the Kakhovka dam burst on June 6. Photo: AFP/Getty — A woman looks at a flooded road in Kherson after the Kakhovka dam burst on June 6. Photo: *AFP/Getty*

The scale of the disaster is difficult to assess because water is still flowing from the reservoir, said Anna Ackerman, board member at the Ukrainian environmental nonprofit Ecoaction. Scientists and activists expect to get a clearer picture in the coming days as water levels stabilize and initial analyses reveal more details about the contaminants in the water.

“It’s safe to say that every ecosystem and human settlement downstream of the Dnieper River will be affected. Protected habitats and species in several national parks along the Dnieper River are at risk,” Ackerman said on June 6.

Kakhovka Dam Break. Photo taken from video — Kakhovka Dam Break. *Photo taken from video*

The dam collapse has exacerbated the environmental degradation that has plagued Ukraine since Russia launched its military campaign in the country in February 2022. At least 1.24 million hectares of land in protected areas were affected by the conflict in its first year, according to a Greenpeace report, including wildfires caused by rockets and soil and water pollution from toxic gases.

The Dnieper River was cut off for months when Russian forces seized the dam last year. Water levels dropped by 2 metres, harming flora and fauna on the floodplains. Greenpeace researchers found that the sudden drying out of these areas led to mass deaths of mollusks, shrimp and other native species.

While Ukrainian authorities rushed to evacuate residents, volunteers were also working to save animals in distress. UAnimals activists rescued cats and dogs and loaded them into cars. The Kazkova Dibrova Zoo in the town of Nova Kakhovka was in the path of the floodwaters and was completely submerged. Of the zoo’s 260 animals, only swans and ducks survived.

Thu Thao (According to Bloomberg )

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