Reports indicate that residents of Novaya Kakhovka did not need to evacuate because water was released from the reservoir after the valves at the Kakhovka hydroelectric power station were damaged. The information came from Vladimir Leontiev, the head of Novaya Kakhovka.
Leontiev said, There is no need for the evacuation of civilians yet. The mayor emphasized that the entire leadership of the municipal district is actively engaged in managing the situation. At the same time, he added that authorities are preparing for the worst possibilities while hoping those scenarios won’t unfold.
According to TASS, night attacks on the Kakhovskaya hydroelectric power station led to the destruction of valves, causing water to be released downstream from the reservoir.
Earlier, the Telegram channel Baza published footage that appeared to show the Kakhovskaya hydroelectric power station in a compromised state after the explosions.
In addition, the Telegram channel Military Correspondents of the Russian Spring, also known as RV, reported that Ukrainian armed forces had targeted the Kakhovka hydroelectric power station. It is noted that Ukrainian missiles, including HIMARS, were used in October of the previous year to strike the facility. The reports indicate that the damage did not immediately render the plant inoperable and that power generation continued through those incidents, though details about long term impact were not fully clear. This sequence of events has been discussed widely by various outlets and online channels, reflecting ongoing concerns about the security of critical infrastructure in the region.
As the situation evolves, officials stress the importance of careful monitoring of water levels and downstream effects, while reiterating that evacuation decisions depend on evolving assessments of risk to civilian populations and infrastructure. The consensus among local authorities is to stay vigilant, coordinate with regional emergency services, and communicate promptly with residents as circumstances change. Observers emphasize that even in the absence of an immediate evacuation order, preparedness measures remain essential for communities near the river and downstream areas that could be affected by ongoing water releases or renewed attacks. (Attribution: TASS; various Telegram channels and local authorities)