The town of Vovchansk is reeling from the devastating impact of Russian forces’ attack, leaving residents in a state of terror and grief. Sky News witnessed the chaos firsthand as they followed volunteer rescuers into the evacuated town.
As smoke filled the air and the sound of fierce fighting echoed in the distance, the rescuers navigated through the deserted streets to help evacuate those who remained. The scene was haunting, with clouds of smoke from forest fires caused by Russian artillery hanging over the road.
Among the elderly residents who had fled, there was a sense of disbelief at the intensity of the fighting they had witnessed. Many were reluctant to leave their homes, but the urgency of the situation became clear as explosions rang out nearby.
One elderly woman, Valentina, initially refused to evacuate, but a sudden boom changed her mind. With the help of the rescuers, she gathered her belongings and boarded the minibus to safety.
The mayor of Vovchansk reported that 500 people had been evacuated so far, but with a population of 3,000, there are still many more in need of rescue. The evacuation efforts are ongoing as the town grapples with the aftermath of the attack.
The resilience and determination of the residents and volunteers in the face of such devastation is a testament to the strength of the human spirit. As the town continues to evacuate and recover, the community remains united in their efforts to rebuild and move forward.