Zelenskyy Visits Dam Breach in Kherson, Praises Rescue Efforts

On Thursday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy visited the flood-ravaged region of Kherson, where at least five people have died from Tuesday's destruction of the Russian-held Kakhovka dam.

Zelenskyy visited an evacuation point established at a medical facility, and praised the efforts of rescuers and volunteers who're helping residents impacted by the flooding.

He also spoke with people about their ordeals escaping the floodwaters.

"You are going through a difficult time," Zelenskyy said. "We will help you and rebuild everything that needs to be restored. I thank you and wish you good health."

The flooding caused by the dam's destruction is being called "a global ecological disaster."

Ukraine and NATO have blamed Russia for the attack, while Russia said Ukrainians perpetrated it.

At least 14,000 homes were reported flooded.

Zelenskyy said the destruction of the dam also has left hundreds of thousands of Ukrainians without access to clean drinking water.

The Red Cross claims the mass flooding has dislodged buried mines, and officials are worried about where they might end up once the waters recede.

The ensuing flood that followed the desolation of the dam killed hundreds of animals at a nearby zoo.

Experts believe the flooding will have a devastating impact on agriculture in the region, impacting local food supplies.

The flooding could also lead to global food shortages.