KIEV, Feb. 5 (Xinhua) -- The Ukrainian Defence Ministry warned on Monday a risk of suspension of water supplies in the eastern region of Donbas in southeastern Ukraine.
About 1.3 million people living in 49 cities and towns in Donbas may face water shortages due to a damaged water pumping station in the South Donetsk water pipeline, the ministry said in a statement on its website.
The ministry blamed the independence insurgents for shelling the local water pumping station.
Meanwhile, the rebel-run DAN news agency, citing the rebel operation command, accused the Ukrainian army of attacking the station.
Ukrainian government forces and insurgents have been engaged in an armed conflict in the Donbas since April 2014.
The clashes have damaged or destroyed a large number of critical infrastructure facilities and left about 3.8 million people in need of humanitarian assistance.
