Ukraine Evacuates Southern Regions As Dam Collapse Causes Devastating Flooding

Ukraine on Friday evacuated more people in its southern regions following the catastrophic collapse of the Kakhovka dam. 

The flooding has resulted in a minimum of five casualties, according to authorities.

Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko reported that four people had died and 13 were missing in the Kherson region, while one person had died in the Mykolayiv region.

In Russian-held territory, an official appointed by Russia stated that eight people had died and over 5,800 individuals had been evacuated from their homes.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy affirmed that authorities were working tirelessly to save people affected by the flooding.

Evacuations are ongoing, with efforts being made to rescue individuals from the flood zone. The Kherson region has witnessed the flooding of 48 settlements, including 14 in territory occupied by Russia.

In the Mykolayiv region, 23 villages and towns have been submerged. 

Natalia Humeniuk, the spokesperson for Ukraine's southern military command, reported that Russian forces continue to shell the Kherson region, although the frequency of shelling has decreased due to the flooding forcing them to change positions.

Prior to the flooding, there were 70 to 80 incidents of shelling daily, whereas now, there are approximately 30 to 50 incidents.