The destruction of factories and places of work has left 500,000 people without jobs. If their families are included, this means that c.2m people will be affected by this economic catastrophe for the forseeable future. In Novi Sad more than 90,000 people are without running water as pipes were destroyed when the bridges were bombed. Added to this are the difficulties of transport and communication. The clinic in Aleksinac, for example, which served over 60,000 people was wiped out.
Medicines are in short supply.
Children gave not gone to school since the war began and many schools have been bombed. Children are also among the victims some dying in horrific circumstances. 500,000 live below the subsistence level, mostly pensioners. The Red Cross fears that their means to operate soup kitchens will not stretch to the numbers they fear will be in need of them, particularly when winter comes. Pensions are paid late.