KHERSON, Ukraine  —Hundreds of individuals stranded on rooftops in southern Ukraine are being rescued by authorities as a result of a collapsed dam. This incident has led to a growing humanitarian and ecological crisis in the area, which is already affected by a 15-month war. The Kakhovka hydroelectric dam's collapse has caused the reservoir on the Dnieper River to empty, compounding the suffering of the region from previous artillery and missile attacks.

The consequences of this disaster include a significant number of people lacking access to clean drinking water, a rise in homelessness, destruction of crops, displacement of land mines, and the likelihood of long-term electricity shortages.

 Help has been slow to arrive, and some residents have refused to evacuate. The casualties from the disaster are increasing, with at least three reported deaths so far. Thousands of individuals have been evacuated from both Russian and Ukrainian-controlled areas. The full extent of the damage is yet to be determined, but it has impacted over 60,000 people and led to the flooding of thousands of homes in the occupied parts of the Kherson region.

The collapsed dam and empty reservoir have significant implications for fresh water, irrigation, and electricity supply in the region. The flooding threatens crops and hinders future reconstruction efforts, including the restoration of a destroyed hydroelectric power station and the restarting of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant.

The cause of the dam's collapse in southern Ukraine remains unclear, with both sides blaming each other. Experts suggest wartime damage and neglect as possible factors, while some believe Russia may have intentionally destroyed the dam. The collapse will have severe and lasting consequences, including damage to agriculture, drinking water supply, and the displacement of communities.

The exact number of remaining residents is unknown due to prior population displacement. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is taking measures to provide drinking water and assess the environmental damage caused by what he calls an "ecocide" and a "man-made strike on the environment." Recovery from this disaster is expected to take decades.

Zelenskyy expressed concerns about potential contamination of rivers and the sea due to chemicals and oil products in flooded areas. The agriculture ministry warned of the southern fields turning into deserts. In the city of Oleshky, under Moscow's control, residents are facing flooding and a desperate situation. Evacuation efforts have been insufficient, with people stranded on rooftops and boats reportedly being fired upon.

The mayor reported three deaths and emphasized the urgent need for evacuation, as the city lacks essential resources and faces the risk of groundwater contamination.

 Putin has blamed Ukraine for the collapse of the Kakhovka dam and accused them of war crimes and sabotage. The dam collapse's impact on the ongoing war and Ukraine's counteroffensive against Russian troops remains uncertain. While the flooding may damage Russian defenses, it will also hinder Ukrainian operations. The dam was already in disrepair and not functioning, and its breach may have been a strategic move by Russia.

The extent of the damage is unknown, but rebuilding is planned after Russian forces leave. Concerns have been raised about Ukraine's ability to ship grain, leading to a temporary spike in wheat and corn prices.