A leak of ammonia from a chemical plant near the eastern Ukrainian city of Sumy has affected an area with a radius of more than 5 km, AFP and the Associated Press reported, citing a statement from the authorities.
Sumy Oblast Governor Dmitry Zhivitsky did not say what caused the leak. The Sumihimprom plant is located in the eastern outskirts of the city with a population of about 263,000 and has been shelled by Russian forces in recent weeks.
Authorities urged Sumy residents to breathe through gauze dipped in citric acid and seek refuge in basements and downstairs. Ammonia is lighter than air and rises, Zhivitsky said in a statement to the Telegram. He added that the plant has emergency services.
Due to the direction of the prevailing winds, the city of Sumy is not under immediate threat so far, the governor said.
