Dmitry Peskov, the press secretary for the president of Russia, noted that Russian rescuers have been moving without hesitation to assist people in the Kherson region after the Kakhovskaya hydroelectric dam breach. He described constant flow of reports and affirmed that lifeboats and rescue teams are in action across the flooded areas. Peskov emphasized that the crews often operate under fire, facing bombardment from Ukrainian forces, yet the priority remains saving lives and helping those in need as quickly and safely as possible.
Earlier statements indicated that President Vladimir Putin had given clear instructions to Alexander Kurenkov, the head of the Ministry of Emergencies, to coordinate urgent work in the flood zones within the Kherson region. The aim is to reach individuals caught in the disaster zone and deliver essential aid, evacuation where possible, and restore basic safety amid the chaotic conditions in the affected towns and countryside.
In St. Petersburg, volunteer Evgeny Kuzmin spoke to Gazeta.ru about the urgent evacuation challenges faced by residents of Golaya Pristan and other flooded settlements near the dam’s rim. Kuzmin described a scene where people are shrouded in smoke and shellfire as relief teams attempt to move them to shelters or safer ground. He also noted shortages of radios and critical equipment that impede rapid rescue operations, a factor that can slow response times when every minute counts and radios become lifelines for coordinating movements between crews and evacuees.
By June 6, reports confirmed that the Kakhovskaya hydroelectric power station in the Nova Kakhovka district had been destroyed, triggering widespread flooding across multiple settlements and raising alarms about the risk to thousands of residents. The city of Kherson and surrounding villages were among the areas most affected as rising waters began to inundate streets and homes. The two sides of the conflict traded accusations over responsibility for the dam’s collapse, a backdrop that complicated relief efforts and intensified the humanitarian pressures already faced by the local population. The unfolding disaster has drawn international concern about civilian safety, access to aid, and the stability of critical infrastructure in a conflict zone, prompting urgent calls for safe corridors and protection for rescue workers who operate in dangerous conditions. Sources across regional news and official statements have continued to monitor developments and provide updates to families seeking information about relatives and property in affected areas. Efforts on the ground are focused on rapid assessment, water removal, shelter establishment, and medical support, all while coordination with civil authorities aims to maximize the reach of relief supplies and ensure that aid reaches the most vulnerable residents first. The situation remains fluid, with new assessments and responder reports guiding ongoing humanitarian responses and the prioritization of life-saving actions in an environment shaped by combat activity and environmental devastation. This ongoing emergency underscores the need for sustained humanitarian access, local coordination, and transparent communication about risks, timelines, and the tools available to protect civilians and rescue workers alike. The region’s communities, backed by national authorities and international observers, continue to seek stability and the chance to rebuild in the aftermath of the dam disaster.