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A Russian-occupied dam on the Dnipro river in southern Ukraine has been at least partially destroyed, posing a risk of catastrophic flooding to the Ukrainian-held city of Kherson downstream. President Zelensky has called an emergency meeting to consider the damage to the Nova Kakhovka dam. Those living near it are already being evacuated. Its reservoir supplies water to the Crimean peninsula and to the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, both also occupied by Russian forces. Ukraine has accused the Russian invaders of blowing up the dam, while the local Moscow-installed mayor has blamed "terrorism". Images circulating online show a massive breach in the structure. Newsday heard more from Ukrainian journalist Kristina Zeleniuk in Kyiv, as news of the damaged dam began to be known. "While we are talking to you this information has already been confirmed by the Ukrainian authorities. It is a big disaster for Kherson and the entire southern region which may also affect the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant as well." (Pic: A satellite image shows Nova Kakhovka Dam in Kherson region, Ukraine June 5, 2023; Credit: Reuters)
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