Ukrainians face homelessness, disease risk as floods crest from burst dam

A satellite image shows a close-up view of Nova Kakhovka dam and hydroelectric power facility, Ukraine, in this picture obtained by Reuters on June 6, 2023. Maxar Technologies/Handout via REUTERS

KHERSON, Ukraine (Reuters) -Ukrainians abandoned inundated homes on Wednesday as floods crested across the south after the destruction of a huge hydroelectric dam on front lines between Russian and Ukrainian forces, with their presidents trading blame for the disaster.

Residents slogged through flooded streets carrying children on their shoulders, dogs in their arms and belongings in plastic bags while rescuers used rubber boats to search areas where the waters reached above head height.