United Nations Radio

The UN refugee agency (UNHCR) says it is closely monitoring the situation in the province of South Ossetia, adding that thousands of people were on the move fleeing the violent clashes between South Ossetian and Georgian forces.

"This morning a UNHCR staff member there reported that many buildings and houses have been destroyed and that only military personnel are moving on the streets. Water is also in short - a chronic problem worsened by recent events - and that most transport has stopped and shops are running out of food."

UNHCR says its staff and network of partners are monitoring the new arrivals from South Ossetia.

The agency says it has been informed by Russian border officials that thousands of people have been arriving in North Ossetia-Alania in the Russian Federation throughout the night. In addition, UNHCR says that, according to unofficial sources, some 400 people have moved from South Ossetia to other parts of Georgia.

This is Donn Bobb reporting for United Nations Radio.

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