In Kherson, United Nations teams conducted a thorough assessment of the situation at the Kakhovskaya hydroelectric facility following the dam’s collapse and the ensuing water leakage. The evaluation took place during a briefing organized by the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs and featured participation from representatives of multiple UN agencies as well as a range of non-governmental organizations. The objective was to gain a clear picture of the damage, understand the immediate needs on the ground, and map out the next steps for coordinated relief efforts. The UN delegates noted the importance of continuous coordination with local authorities and humanitarian partners to ensure a swift, orderly response to the crisis and to minimize further disruption to civilian life.
The collapse on the night of June 6 unleashed a rapid and extensive release of water from the dam, leading to widespread flooding across several communities. In particular, a number of settlements were affected as the floodwaters spread into three districts surrounding Novaya Kakhovka, along with other populated areas. Emergency teams reported significant challenges in accessing affected neighborhoods, delivering essential supplies, and restoring critical services to residents who faced displacement and disruption to daily life.
At a regional level, leaders and humanitarian coordinators highlighted the complex humanitarian fallout resulting from the incident. There were calls for intensified relief operations, including the rapid deployment of safe drinking water, shelter assistance, medical care, and sanitation facilities. The incident prompted discussions about the resilience of local infrastructure, the need for robust early-warning systems, and the importance of transparent, continuous information sharing with affected communities.
In remarks following the event, Ukrainian authorities described the destruction of the dam as a catastrophic act that triggered a major environmental and humanitarian emergency. The Ukrainian leadership emphasized that the damage appeared to be intentional, underscoring the urgent imperative for accountability, safe humanitarian access, and a unified international response to protect civilians and restore stability in the region.