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This morning it was reported by the UN nuclear watchdog that there was "no immediate nuclear safety risk" at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, which is cooled by water from the burst Kakhovka dam.
But the chairman of the Nuclear Consulting Group, Paul Dorfman, a not-for-profit nuclear research and analysis institute, has warned that there could be "frightening" consequences at Europe's largest power plant.
"The main risk" is to its nuclear waste cooling ponds, which "will release significant radiation contamination" if water levels in the Kakhovka reservoir fall too low for a long time, he said .
Water is pumped from the reservoir into the plant's spent "high-level radiation" fuel, but if the reservoir's level drops below 12.7 meters, this will no longer be possible, Dr Dorfman explained.
" That's as scary as it is important, if the water level was 16.4 meters at 8 o'clock this morning. Basically, if they don't cool, they will release significant radiation pollution," he said .
The water also serves six reactors and while all but one are in cold shutdown to limit the risk, "they still pose a very significant threat", Dr Dorfman added.
Plant operator Energoatom said the situation was "under control" and plans had been made during construction of the plant to mitigate low water levels in the reservoir. Backup diesel generators can keep the facility cool for about 10 to 12 days before needing fuel, experts have previously said. Assessing the overall risk to the plant, including military activity nearby, Dr Dorfman said the situation was looking worse by the day.
" So far, we have been very lucky - but luck is not a viable strategy when dealing with catastrophic nuclear risk ," he concluded.
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