The scale of the disaster in an interview with "Censor. NO "was outlined by the hydrogeologist, doctor of technical sciences, chief researcher of the Institute of Telecommunications and Global Information Development Evgeny Yakovlev.

He explained that due to the active reduction or cessation of coal mining in the Donbass Basin, the groundwater levels rose, which could lead to waterlogging and salting of the terrain.

"We'll get a prisivashie. But that's not all. The fact is that when coal was removed from the seams, cracks formed. And now they are filled with water, the breed is depressed and becomes weaker. In such places, the soil will settle additionally. And almost half of the cities of Donbass is in such territories. Begin to crack at home and tear the water and sewer and gas pipes, "- said the scientist.

Yakovlev also added that, in addition to flooding, the region is threatened with the release of gas from flooded mines.

"Coal mining is accompanied by gas output. He begins to run along the cracks, along the weakened zones. There have already been cases when my grandmother went to the basement, scribbled a match, and everything, "he explained..

Also, the expert pointed to the danger emanating from the numerous heaps in the Donbass.

"There are about fifteen hundred of them, more than three hundred of them are burning. But with the new risks of rebuilding the rock massif, when water and gas rise, the situation becomes catastrophic. What is the gas for burning wasteon? Explosion. What is the water for burning wasteon? Steam and explosion. Such episodes were single, now they can become mass. This is almost all coal-mining cities - about 90 settlements, "- he said..

In addition, Yakovlev noted the possible danger from the closure of mines by terrorists for the territory of Donbas controlled by Ukraine.

"Today, the front line is practically along the Seversky Donets. Approximately 70% of the mines are on the other side. But the most important nuance is that the territory that is controlled by the Ukrainian government is on the right bank of the Seversky Donets - hypsometrically we are below. And if they close the mines to a certain level, some of the water with all the mud will float in our direction, "he explained..