Ukraine

Europe’s largest nuclear power plant went into a “cold shutdown” following catastrophic flooding from a dam collapse. All six reactors at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant are now in a state of cold shutdown, which is the facility’s safest operating mode. This comes as analysts suggest that Ukraine has launched a counteroffensive in the south, potentially aiming to retake territory near the plant.

The environmental impact of the flooding caused by a dam blast in war-torn Ukraine has been described as “catastrophic” by experts. Already millions of fish have washed up dead, and plant life and countless other animals are being significantly impacted. Furthermore, pollution caused by flooding and the flushing out of military and industrial sites will potentially cause ecological damage, which could negatively affect human health for years after the conflict ends. The ecosystems will recover, but the habitats that emerge after the disturbance will be less diverse and less resilient to change.

Heavy flooding in Ukraine is elevating previously contained risks from mining, disease and conflict. The flooding is washing away landmines and igniting chemical or fuel fires in abandoned mines, while also worsening the spread of coronavirus. Additionally, the water is accumulating and washes into contested regions, putting frontline troops and other first responders at risk.