David Pocock (ACT, Independent) Share this | Hansard source

On 6 June the Kakhovka Dam was destroyed, leading to widespread human, economic and environmental damage in the Kherson region. Ukraine's deputy foreign minister described the event as the worst environmental disaster in Europe since Chernobyl, yet the dam's collapse and the resulting ecological devastation is yet to be mentioned in the Senate chamber.

Water levels in the Kakhovka reservoir were at a 30-year high when the dam fell. Over 40 people have reportedly died as a consequence of the flooding. Communities have been torn apart, infrastructure has been destroyed and drinking-water supplies have been disrupted. Sewerage, chemicals and fuels now contaminate the Dnipro River, precipitating unprecedented long-term consequences for surrounding ecosystems. At least 150 metric tonnes of oil have leaked into the river, and 55,000 hectares of forest have been inundated. Habitats are being destroyed, causing untold death and incalculable damage to biodiversity in the area. The Ukrainian environmental ministry anticipates that hundreds of rare animal and plant species, including some found only in this area, will be decimated because of the dam breach.

It is important that a catastrophe of this magnitude is properly recognised in this place. We stand alongside Ukraine as they fight for their homeland.