UN worried over civilians trapped in Severodonetsk with reduced water supply, electricity

Amid ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine, United Nations has expressed concern over condition of civilians who remain trapped in Severodonetsk. UN has said that thousands of civilians, including women, elderly people and children remain trapped in Severodonetsk with reduced clean water supply, sanitation and electricity, BBC News reported.

Savia Abreu, spokesperson for United Nations Humanitarian Affairs office, stressed that an urgent situation continues to develop in bunkers underneath Azot Chemical Plant in Severodonetsk, where hundreds of civilians continue to take shelter. 

As per BBC News report, UN's humanitarian branch is making preparations to provide aid to those who remain stuck in Severodonetsk. According to UN, intense fighting between forces of Russia and Ukraine will t presently allow access to civilians.

Savia Abreu, spokesperson for United Nations Humanitarian Affairs office, called lack of water and sanitation "a big worry," as per news report. He expressed concern as people would t be able to survive for long without water. Abreu furr stressed that food and health services in city are also at risk of running out. Savia Abreu emphasized that Russia and Ukraine need to protect civilians under international humanitarian law and ensure safe pass of people who seek to leave city. 

'Heavy fighting in Severodonetsk continues': Serhiy Haidai

Serhiy Haidai, Luhansk Goverr told Associated Press that “heavy fighting in Severodonetsk continues." He ackwledged that situation in city is "getting worse" and stressed that Russian forces have more manpower and weapons.

Haidai said that Ukrainian armed forces continue to hold back Russian troops from three sides. According to Luhansk Goverr, Russian troops continue to vance while Ukrainian forces hold ir positions in city. Russia-backed separatists have accused Ukrainian forces of disrupting evacuation of civilians from Azot chemical plant, according to AP.

A regional Ukrainian official has said that Russian armed forces have taken control of about 80% of eastern Ukrainian city of Severodonetsk. In dition, official claimed that Russian troops have destroyed all three bridges that are used to move out of city. Serhiy Haidai furr ted that around 12000 people remain in Severodonetsk, which prior to war h a population of 100,000. Haidai claimed that more than 500 civilians have taken shelter in Azot chemical plant. 

Im: AP/Representative 

Inputs from AP