KHERSON, Ukraine -A dam collapse along the Dnipro River has put approximately 42,000 people at risk of flooding in areas controlled by Russia and Ukraine. The United Nations aid chief has expressed concerns about the serious and wide-ranging consequences of this event.

Both Ukraine and Russia have accused each other of being responsible for the dam collapse. Ukraine has alleged that Russia deliberately committed a war crime by destroying the Soviet-era Nova Kakhovka dam, which also served as a hydroelectric station. On the other hand, the Kremlin has blamed Ukraine, suggesting that the accusation is an attempt to divert attention from a major counteroffensive that Russia claims is not going well.

During a Security Council briefing, Martin Griffiths, the U.N. aid chief, emphasized the severe and extensive repercussions resulting from the dam breach. He underscored that the incident would have devastating consequences for thousands of individuals residing in southern Ukraine, irrespective of their location in relation to the front line. The loss of homes, access to food, safe water, and livelihoods would significantly impact their well-being.

Griffiths further expressed that the true magnitude of this catastrophe would only become fully apparent in the days to come, implying that the initial assessment might not capture the full extent of the damage. While no official reports of fatalities were available initially, John Kirby, a spokesperson for the United States, suggested that the flooding likely resulted in a significant number of deaths.

Around 42,000 people are at risk from the ongoing flooding in Ukraine. The water levels have risen significantly, causing residents to evacuate and struggle through knee-deep water with their belongings. The destruction caused by the flooding has left homes, furniture, and food submerged. Evacuation efforts are underway, utilizing buses, trains, and private vehicles to transport people to safety in approximately 80 threatened communities. However, the situation remains dangerous as incoming artillery fire adds to the chaos and fear among the evacuees.