IAEA Head On Risks To Zaporizhzhia; Coolant Should Last 'Some Months'

International Atomic Energy Agency head Rafael Grossi has released a statement in the wake of the breach of the Nova Kakhovka dam and its potential impact on the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant (NPP). Full statement: https://www.iaea.org/newscenter/pressreleases/stat...

• Grossi: "Absence of cooling water in the essential cooling water systems for an extended period of time would cause fuel melt and inoperability of the emergency diesel generators. However, our current assessment is that there is no immediate risk to the safety of the plant."
• Grossi: "...the damage to the Nova Kakhovka dam is currently leading to about 5 cm/hour reduction in the height of the reservoir. [...] It is estimated that the water [...] should last for a few days. Water in the reservoir was at around 16.4 m at 8 am. If drops below 12.7 m then it can no longer be pumped."
• Grossi: "There are a number of alternative sources of water. A main one is the large cooling pond next to the site [...] As the reactors have been shut down for many months it is estimated that this pond will be sufficient to provide water for cooling for some months."
• The IAEA chief also re-confirms his planned visit to Zaporizhzhia NPP next week, calling it "essential".