Water levels in Belgorod Reservoir continue to drop significantly: Emergency regime declared amid dam damage
The water level in the Belgorod reservoir is rapidly decreasing due to a series of strikes inflicted by Ukrainian forces on the dam of the reservoir several days ago.
Russian authorities have had to declare an emergency situation as the dam’s condition deteriorates and potential regional consequences loom.
According to the Federal Agency for Water Resources, damage has been inflicted on the bottom outlet and both sluice gates responsible for water level regulation.
Following the strikes, repair efforts have intensified: workers are filling the channel near the damaged sluice to prevent the reservoir from drying out and to avoid flooding downstream areas.
Currently, the water level has fallen by one meter, raising serious concerns.
Over thirty personnel, including five dump trucks, two forklifts, and a tractor, are involved in rescue and restoration efforts.
The central administration of Rosvodresursy closely monitors the situation and coordinates all actions.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian armed forces have conducted another attack on Russian facilities, targeting a refinery in Ryazan and ammunition depots in the Belgorod region.
Russian reports previously indicated damage to the dam following Ukrainian strikes, and the next day it was reported that the dam breach caused gradual flooding of surrounding territories, including the area around the town of Vovchansk in Kharkiv oblast.
Ukrainian soldiers confirmed that operations were carried out by forces of the 1st Separate SBS Center, and that the damage to the dam resulted in flooding of the village of Hrafivka and other settlements in the Belgorod region.