At least 16,000 people lose their homes due to Kakhovka HPP dam breakdown — UN chief

At least 16,000 people have lost their homes following the breakdown of the Kakhovka Hydropower Plant (HPP) dam, United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres said on Tuesday.

"At least 16,000 people have already lost their homes — with safe and clean drinking water supplies at risk for many thousands more," h said, adding that the United Nations and its humanitarian partners in coordination with the Ukrainian government are sending relief aid, including drinking water and water purification tablets, to the affected areas.

"We will continue our humanitarian work - and our appeals for urgent safe and secure humanitarian access," he pledged.