In a frontline city like Kherson — where the shelling is constant — the rising water brings an added danger.
“This is both a water element and a mine hazard, because mines float here and this area is constantly under fire,” the head of Kherson region military administration, Oleksandr Prokudin told CNN. “We will work around the clock, rescuers will not rest. We’ll change shifts and will pull people out if necessary.”
Prokudin, who has been overseeing rescue efforts in towns and cities downstream from Nova Kakhovka, said the operation has become more difficult with time as flood waters continue to rise.
“If in the morning we could do it with cars, then with trucks, now we see that big cars can no longer pass,” he explained. “The water has risen so much that we are now using boats. About eight boats of various types are currently working to evacuate people from the area.”
Artillery salvos could be heard intermittently, but search and rescue operations carried on, with soldiers and first responders unfazed by the constant thuds.
The large presence of soldiers and first responders contrasts with the very few Kherson residents out on the streets. Many fled when Russia first invaded and officials say most still haven’t returned to the city that is controlled by Ukraine. Those who remain in the city know to take shelter in the afternoon when Russian artillery fire often picks up.
“It is always very dangerous here. This checkpoint is usually under shelling,” Produkin said. “You see a crowd of people and I think the hit will happen soon.”
Source : CNN News
