The situation in Mariupol is critical. The city has been under blockade for 16 days; more than 350,000 Mariupol residents continue to hide in shelters and basements from continuous shelling by Russian occupation forces. From 50 to 100 air bombs are dropped on the city per day. The destruction is enormous, and according to preliminary estimates, about 80% of the city’s housing stock is destroyed, of which almost 30% – can not be restored.
The Armed Forces of Ukraine continue to heroically hold the defense of Mariupol and repel the enemy’s attacks, which outnumber. The fighting is already on the outskirts of the city. Ukrainian defenders are selflessly fighting for every street.
Over the past two days, Mariupol residents began to leave the city by private transport towards Berdyansk and then to Zaporizhia. In total, about 6,500 cars escaped from the siege of Mariupol. Some people have already reached Zaporizhia, where they received the necessary first aid in support centers. In total, about 30,000 people left Mariupol in their vehicles.
Yesterday, the bombing destroyed the Drama Theater and the Neptune Pool Building. Hundreds of people, primarily women, children, and the elderly, hid in these places due to constant shelling. Yesterday and today, despite the continuous bombardment, the dismantling of debris and rescue is underway as far as possible.
Source – Mariupol City Council
