Zelenskiy: The collapse of the Kakhovskaya HPP is like an "ecological bomb of mass destruction

President Zelensky of Ukraine has referred to the collapse of the Kakhovka hydroelectric power station as an "ecological bomb of mass destruction," according to the Turan.

The incident caused severe flooding, displacing nearly 16,000 individuals and inflicting significant harm to cities, farmland, and drinking water sources in the affected area. The Kakhovka reservoir, which was Ukraine's largest, previously supplied water to the majority of the South-East of Ukraine and the Russian-occupied Crimean Peninsula.

The short and medium-term consequences of the Kakhovskaya HPP collapse are disastrous for the region's ecosystem. The disaster's impact on wildlife, local residents, and national parks is akin to that of military operations since February 2022. Gidrokrenergo, the power plant's press service, confirmed that the engine room was completely destroyed, rendering restoration impossible.

The flooding of numerous national parks has exacerbated the humanitarian crisis and led to the loss of habitable areas for tens of thousands of people. The full extent of the disaster is still difficult to assess, but its immediate effects can be likened to Chernobyl, without the presence of radiation or contamination.

In the long term, the absence of the Kakhovsky reservoir will result in the disappearance of bird species that nest on its shores and the decline of rare species like the yellow perch, little white heron, and spoonbill. The reduction in water levels will also lead to the disappearance of aquatic and coastal plants, with invasive plants taking over their habitats and negatively impacting the local flora and fauna.

The Kakhovka reservoir and the lower reaches of the Dnieper River constituted one of Ukraine's largest concentrations of freshwater fish. With the destruction of spawning grounds and habitat loss, it is expected to take at least 12-15 years for fish populations to recover. Additionally, protected waters, including the National Park "Kamianka Sich" and the Black Sea Biosphere Reserve, will effectively cease to exist.

The full implications of the disaster will become clearer in the following days as floodwaters recede, allowing for research on contamination levels and the potential for cleanup efforts. Concerns have also been raised regarding the nearby Zaporozhye Nuclear Power Plant. While immediate risks to the plant are currently minimal due to reactor shutdowns and separate water reserves, the long-term operation and decommissioning of the plant will be impossible without the restoration of the Kakhovka reservoir and dam.

International cooperation is essential to prevent the spread of disease and provide humanitarian aid. Volunteer support and active involvement from humanitarian organizations are required to address the crisis. However, the situation remains uncertain in the occupied territories where volunteer assistance is not permitted.