ISTANBUL

The death toll from the floods caused by the explosion at the Kakhovka dam in Ukraine's Kherson region rose to 41, the Russian-appointed head of the region's government said early Wednesday.

"By evening, 3,500 people had already received vaccinations against dangerous infections. Payments of 10,000 rubles were issued to almost 2,200 victims. Unfortunately, the death toll has risen to 41," Andrey Alekseenko said on Telegram.

Alekseenko said flood water in the region's Oleshky district almost disappeared, while there is still a great amount of water in the Hola Prystan district.

Both districts are under Russia's control.

He further said that the city of Nova Kakhovka neighboring the Kakhovka hydroelectric power plant is also gradually returning to its "usual regime" of a "front-line city."

He also said anti-epidemic measures are being taken and that the bodies of more than 1,600 dead animals were collected.

"6,100 heads of agricultural and domestic animals were vaccinated. As the water drains, the streets and objects are disinfected with special reagents," he added.

Ukraine and Russia have both blamed each other for carrying out strikes on June 6 which led to the destruction of the walls of the dam, resulting in flooding of nearby areas.