You're reading: Donetsk authorities: 15,000 people flee Donetsk

Some 15,000 people have left Donetsk amid ongoing hostilities between Ukrainian government forces and the armed proponents of the self-proclaimed Donetsk People's Republic, Donetsk Regional Administration reports.

“According to the city head’s information, about 15,000 people have left Donetsk. It is virtually impossible to evacuate a million residents,” it said.

In addition, about 40 percent of those inhabiting Slovyansk have left this city, the regional administration said with reference to the self-proclaimed city authorities. “The city council’s executive committee is fully handling the evacuation of children and families,” it said.

Intensive fire is continuing near the community of Semenivka and Mount Karachun in Slovyansk, the regional administration said. Government forces demolished the Donetsk People’s Republic’s roadblocks in Krasny Lyman. An exchange of fire is also under way near Brusivka. “Local residents are staying home. The enterprises have partially stopped work,” it said.

Fights also took place last night near a military garrison in Kramatorsk, resulting in the destruction of a power sub-station, which cut electricity supply to the garrison.

“Ukrainian army’s jetfighters were spotted flying over Horlivka,” it said.