June 16 () –
The NGO Amnesty International (AI) has denounced this Friday that the pro-Russian authorities in occupied Ukrainian territory have not carried out evacuations or provided humanitarian aid to the population affected by the devastating floods after the destruction of the Kakhovka dam, in the Kherson region. .
“Occupying Russian forces have endangered lives in flood-affected areas following the destruction of the dam, as upstream water shortages and disrupted livelihoods point to imminent ecological and economic catastrophe,” The NGO has indicated in a statement.
AI has ensured that the rescue operations have been carried out by volunteers who have been prevented from entering the flooded areas while the occupying Russian forces have not carried out any type of evacuation or provided humanitarian support to the civilian population that She has been trapped in their houses.
The NGO has explained that denouncing the situation to Human Rights organizations and international media is “dangerous” for the citizens of the occupied regions, for which reason there is “scarce” information about what is happening on the ground, also due to the lack of electricity and poor coverage.
“Trying to contact people who have been trapped in Russian-occupied flooded towns and cities is disturbing. Talking through Russian networks is risky and our sources are fully aware of the reprisals they may face for speaking to us.” explained AI regional researcher Anna Wright.
Likewise, he has affirmed that the Russian forces “have shown the most absolute disregard for human life and dignity” by prioritizing “their own security needs.” “The occupying Russian forces must urgently fulfill their obligations under international law,” she has demanded.
The NGO has also denounced that the destruction of the dam is causing an economic crisis in the Kherson region due to the lack of water upstream to irrigate agricultural plantations, which is why many crops are failing.
“In the riverside communities of the Dnipro region, they have been without water for five days. Volunteer teams have provided them with five liters per person, but the question is how long this will last,” a source on the ground told AI.
The catastrophe also affects the removal of land mines and it is feared that many of them have been transported by water to areas that were previously considered safe, as well as that many of them have been hidden by sediments, making it difficult to locate them.
“Those responsible for the destruction of the Kajovka dam must be brought to justice, as must anyone responsible for crimes under international law committed in Ukraine. In the meantime, it is paramount to save lives and livelihoods, and prevent further deaths and catastrophes “, Wright has settled.
