The Nova Kakhovka hydroelectric dam (Ukraine) was partially destroyed in the night from Monday to Tuesday, causing both a human and environmental disaster. Tens of thousands of civilians were threatened by the rising waters of the Dnieper. Evacuation operations were organized in flooded areas. However, it is not only residents who are affected. Animals have also paid the price.

Contacted by 20 Minutes, the association Breaking The Chains said Thursday that five of its members had "already extracted 26 animals this Thursday to take them to a safe area". "But the coming days will be crucial to save those who are still stuck on rooftops, etc.," says the association, through the voice of its press officer. An association that has been working in Nova Kakhovka since Wednesday and has already saved more than 50 animals.


The International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) called it a "dire situation". Natalia Gozak, an NGO official in Ukraine, said: "Shelters are already overwhelmed with rescue requests. In Nova Kakhovka [...] a small zoo was totally flooded - all animals, except swans, died."

Operations relayed on social networks

Faced with this situation, solidarity and mutual aid are required. Other trapped animals are currently being pulled out of the waters by residents of the envions, as evidenced by numerous videos shared on social networks. Cats and dogs are sometimes saved in extremis from flooding by the inhabitants. Some animals were then transported by boat.


So many videos are coming of brave people rescuing animals from the flooding caused by the Russian destruction of the Kakhovka dam pic.twitter.com/o5QIABqxqV

— Olena Halushka (@OlenaHalushka) June 7, 2023

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The destruction of the dam, for which Kiev and Moscow blame each other, has consequences considered significant on fauna and flora. Quoted by the BBC, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that nearly 150 tons of motor oil had spilled into the river on Tuesday and that another 300 tons threatened to be added.

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