Oleshky Russians accused of hindering evacuations

350 Evacuation requests received by one aid group. Oleshky has been especially hard hit

- Pjotr Sauer

Russian forces in control of a Ukrainian town on the occupied southern side of the Dnipro River near Kherson have been accused of preventing evacuation efforts after flooding caused by the bursting of the Nova Khakovka dam.

The town of Oleshky appears to be the worst-affected area in territory controlled by Russia. Videos and photographs have shown severe flooding and residents stranded on the roofs of their cottages.

Reports have emerged indicating Russian forces were preventing local volunteers from evacuating people in Oleshky by setting up checkpoints.

Helping to Leave, an organisation that provides aid and services to Ukrainians fleeing the war, said it had been unable to organise evacuations.

"They are not allowing volunteers on boats to enter," a representative from the group said. "[Russian] emergency services are carrying out some evacuation but it's very selective and it is not enough."