Researchers from the Norwegian Institute NORSAR analyzed data from regional seismic stations in connection with the collapse of a dam in Ukraine. They found clear signals on Tuesday, June 6 at 2:54 local time (01:54 Norwegian time). The time and place coincide with media reports about the collapse of the Kakhovka dam. Signals indicate that an explosion has occurred. The magnitude of the seismic shocks caused by the explosion fluctuates between 1 and 2.
In their study, scientists refer to data from the Romanian measuring station BURAR, which is located 620 km from the epicenter.
On the morning of June 6, the Kakhovskaya hydroelectric power station completely collapsed and went under water. More than 80 settlements were flooded.
Russia and Ukraine blamed each other for what happened. The Ukrainian operational command "South" said that the hydroelectric dam was blown up by Russian troops.
The Russian-appointed "mayor" of the occupied Nova Kakhovka, Vladimir Leontiev, said that "at about two in the morning a series of numerous attacks were carried out on the Kakhovka hydroelectric power station," without specifying from whose side. The Investigative Committee of Russia opened a criminal case on the attack, saying that the destruction of the station occurred "as a result of criminal actions by the armed formations of Ukraine."
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky said that the dam, like the entire hydroelectric power station, was controlled by Russia, and it was impossible to undermine it through external influence, including shelling. The President also pointed out that the dam had previously been mined by the Russians.
Undermining the dam of the Kakhovskaya hydroelectric power station hits the positions of both the Russian and Ukrainian sides. However, the leadership of the Russian Federation could take this step in order to contain the counteroffensive of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and in order to cut off Crimea for Ukraine, according to Ukrainian military experts interviewed by The Insider.