A massive dam in southern Ukraine, controlled by Russia, has been destroyed, resulting in a torrential flood.

The Ukrainian military accuses Russia of orchestrating the dam’s explosion, while Russian officials blame Ukraine.

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has stated that there is no immediate nuclear safety threat but is closely monitoring the situation.

Charles Michel, the European Union chief, expressed his dismay at the assault on the Nova Kakhovka dam and pledged to hold Russia accountable for the “war crime” of demolishing civilian infrastructure.

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Evacuations are underway in nearby communities due to concerns about the potentially catastrophic flooding.

The Kakhovka Hydroelectric Power Plant, situated in Ukraine’s Kherson region under Russian occupation, is part of a network of six dams along the Dnipro River.

The cause of the breach remains unclear, with Ukraine accusing Russia of intentional destruction, possibly to prevent a Ukrainian counter-offensive, while Russian-installed officials claim that only the upper part of the plant was damaged by shelling.