The Nova Kakhovka zoo is destroyed by the flood
About 300 animals, which our residents of Novokakhovka knew and loved, died. Monkeys Anfisa and Charlik, pony Malysh, donkey Osya, raccoons Mishka, Lelya, Dinka, parrot Zhako Venya, raven Roma, marmots, Cameroon goats, sheep, parrots, guinea pigs, ferrets and many other our little favorites. Only a couple of swans and ducks survived. A small cygnet, hatched only five days ago, also died.
Source: Meduza
My acquaintances in Crimea (Russian-annexed since 2014) are telling me that in Yevpatoria the local media are running a public service announcement to fill bathtubs, etc. with water — it may be cut off in the afternoon. Kerch is without water already.
Most of Crimea’s fresh water came from the Nova Kakhovka Dam reservoir. This reservoir now has been destroyed, most likely by Russian troops from the 205th Armored Infantry Brigade. Whoever ordered the charges (which had been planted well in advance) to be blown must fully expect Russia to lose Crimea.
What makes things worser is that the east coast of Dnieper river was heavily mined by the Russians in anticipation of Ukraine’s counteratack. These mines are now randomly carried by the floodwaters and occasionally exploding.
Sorry — cannot identify my sources in Russian-occupied areas — too risky for them.