The head of the International Atomic Energy Agency has expressed “deep concern” about the increasingly tense, stressful, and challenging conditions for personnel – and their families – at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power station after the evacuation began of the nearby town of Enerhodar, where most plant staff live.

Rafael Grossi said the evacuation of residents from Enerhodar had started and the agency is closely monitoring the situation for any potential impact on nuclear safety and security.

The Zaporizhzhia station, the largest in Europe, is near the frontline in region of southern Ukraine that has seen a recent increase in military presence and activity.

A Russia-installed official in the region was quoted by western media as saying Russian forces are evacuating residents with more than 1,600 people, including 660 children, evacuated so far.

Ukraine is soon expected to start a much-anticipated counteroffensive to retake Russian-held territory, including in the Zaporizhzhia region. The BBC said Russia has told people to leave 18 settlements in the Zaporizhzhia region, including Enerhodar near the nuclear station, ahead of Kyiv’s anticipated offensive.