Head of IAEA Calls the Situation at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant Serious After the Breaking of the Kakhovka Dam

Rafael Grossi leads the IAEA inspection team to PLTN Zaporizhia. (Twitter/@rafaelmgrossi)

JAKARTA - The head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Rafael Grossi said on Thursday the situation at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (NPP) occupied by Moscow in Ukraine is "serious".

Concerns over Europe's largest nuclear plant, which have been ongoing during Moscow's attack on Ukraine, have been exacerbated by the breakdown of the dam that provides the plant with cooling water.

Grossi, whose trip had been delayed by a day due to escalating fighting in the southeastern region of Zaporizhzhia, arrived to assess the potential risk.

"On the one hand, we can see that the situation is serious, the consequences (of the dam breaking) are there, and they are real," Grossi said, citing CNA, June 16.

"At the same time, there are steps being taken to stabilize the situation," he continued.

Grossi arrived at the nuclear power plant in a white jeep with the IAEA blue flag. His car was followed by an armored vehicle. He described the journey as "very difficult" but "important".

"Until a few hours ago I wasn't sure if I could come here and visit the nuclear power plant," said Grossi.

My statement from the contact point between Ukrainian and Russian forces as we return from the #Zaporizhzhya nuclear power plant. pic.twitter.com/E7y8HRVKAs

— Rafael MarianoGrossi (@rafaelmgrossi) June 15, 2023

"Of course, this is the result of increasing tensions in the area," Grossi continued.

Grossi further said that he could see the nuclear power plant's cooling pool and "the water is sufficient". Although, he wants the world to be aware of the dangers of a "big accident."

Reported earlier, Grossi said wider access was needed to examine "significant discrepancies" in water level data at the collapsed Kakhovka dam used to cool power reactors.

The water from the dam is used to cool six reactors and store spent fuel at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, the IAEA said.

"The water level is a key parameter for the continued operation of the water pump," explained Grossi before the visit.

It is known that Grossi's third visit to the plant, which fell to Moscow troops at the start of their offensive, came as Ukraine, backed by weapons and training from the West, launched a counteroffensive to force Russian troops out of its territory.