Families with children still remain in Kupyansk — correspondent

Evacuation orders have been issued for more than 120 settlements in the Kupyansk district of Kharkiv region. While the majority of families with children have been successfully evacuated, a certain number still remain in Kupyansk.

Anna Chernenko, a correspondent in Kharkiv, reported on Hromadske Radio that volunteers and law enforcement officers are actively working to evacuate those who chose to stay. Despite outreach efforts, some families with children in Kupyansk are hesitant to leave.

«Compulsory evacuation has been announced in over 120 settlements in the Kupyansk district. While almost all families with children have been successfully evacuated, a certain number still remains. Volunteers and law enforcement officers are actively working to evacuate those who chose to stay. I recall one of the trips in early autumn to the Oskil river, where people had decided that if they stayed, they would do so with their families and children. Some individuals do not open their doors to the police or hide with their neighbors when the police or volunteers arrive, making it challenging to comprehend their choice. Nevertheless, families with children continue to stay in Kupyansk», — said the correspondent

The urgency of evacuation became evident after Russian aircraft reportedly dropped guided bombs on residential areas of Kupyansk on February 17. The attack resulted in the destruction of three two-storey residential buildings and damage to the private sector, including at least 10 houses. Two fires caused by the explosions were extinguished by the State Emergency Service.

Rescuers pulled four injured individuals from the rubble, who are currently receiving medical care. Tragically, the bodies of two victims, a woman, and body fragments (presumably male), were also recovered from the site of the air strike.