Karabakh, Nagorno – At least 20 people were killed and many more were injured when a huge explosion tore through an oil store in the war-torn area of Nagorno-Karabakh on Sunday. As the number of refugees in the area has risen in recent weeks, the event has made things worse for the already distressed populace.
Investigation Underway
The explosion in Stepanakert sent shockwaves across the surrounding area and left a path of destruction in its wake. According to preliminary accounts, a string of mishaps and incompetence in the depot’s storage and management of gasoline supplies led to the explosion. To find out the exact reason, local officials have opened an inquiry into the event.
As firefighters raced to the area to rescue survivors and offer medical aid, eyewitnesses disclosed a picture of chaos and devastation. Many of the injured, some of whom are in serious condition, have been sent to surrounding hospitals for treatment.
A Growing Refugee Crisis
For the citizens of Nagorno-Karabakh, the explosion couldn’t have come at a worse time. Following a horrific battle that broke out in 2020 and resulted in thousands of deaths and tens of thousands of displaced people, the area has been struggling to recover. According to recent statistics, the number of refugees has doubled over the last several weeks, worsening an already severe humanitarian situation.
International organizations have been working hard to help the displaced population, notably the United Nations and humanitarian relief institutions. The infrastructure and resources that are currently in place have reached their breaking point due to the unexpected increase in the number of refugees.
Hope for a Peaceful Resolution
In addition to offering aid to deal with the humanitarian situation, the international community has urged a renewed commitment to a peaceful resolution of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. To find a long-term, peaceful resolution to the conflict, diplomatic efforts are being made to bring all parties to the negotiating table.
The people of Nagorno-Karabakh are left grieving their losses and coping with the uncertainty of their future as the inquiry into the fuel depot explosion progresses. The world community will be closely monitoring events in the area in the hopes that a solution will restore stability, security, and peace to this country that has been ripped apart by conflict.