The damage caused by the explosion of the Kakhovka Hydroelectric Power Station (HPS) is estimated to be around $14 billion, reported Ukraine's Minister of Environmental Protection and Natural Resources, Svitlana Hrynchuk.
"When it comes to the material side of this damage, nearly $14 billion has been calculated as a result of the destruction of the Kakhovka dam and the loss of these water resources," she said in an interview with the "Rada" TV channel.
Hrynchuk noted that the volume of lost water resources can be compared to half of the reserves of some African countries. For Ukraine, this has also been significant, making the issue of water supply for the affected regions still very relevant.
The minister stated that the government is currently working on finding new sources of water supply and is engaged in the construction of new channels to provide the population with quality drinking water. Additionally, foreign partners are being involved.
According to the minister, about 30% of the environmental fund of Kherson region has been flooded and lost. However, she pointed out that a unique ecosystem has emerged in this area, and nature is gradually recovering.
"Of course, we expected that the land left behind after the water receded would degrade, but fortunately, nature has sided with Ukraine. Now, willow forests are growing in these areas. It is developing in a different way, but a distinct special ecosystem has formed as a result of this tragedy. Nature is indeed gradually restoring itself," Hrynchuk said.
However, the minister emphasized that the consequences of this disaster will be felt by Ukraine for a long time to come.