Kharkiv region prepares for possible flooding after dam strike
Kharkiv region is preparing for the possible evacuation of around 13,000 people due to the risk of flooding after Russia struck the dam of the Pechenizke Reservoir. This was announced by the head of the Regional State Administration, Oleg Synyegubov.
According to him, response and evacuation plans were prepared back in 2022 and have now been updated. About 13,000 people live in the risk zone, including 3,500 with limited mobility. The authorities assure that they have the resources for transportation and temporary accommodation in case the situation worsens.
Information campaigns are being conducted in communities to prepare the population for possible actions. "The main thing now is to inform people that we will provide logistics, transport and accommodation. We can clearly predict which settlements may be affected and what steps need to be taken," said Synyegubov.
After the strike on 7 December, traffic across the dam was suspended, but the relevant services reported that the situation remains stable and there are currently no grounds for evacuation. The water level is being constantly monitored.
The Armed Forces of Ukraine stated that the temporary loss of movement across the dam will not critically affect combat operations — the military is using alternative routes that have worked before.
