Many of the rebels fought in the first Chechen war, unlike most of their young Russian opponents. They say they are prepared for a long siege and have enough food and ammunition to last indefinitely, adding to their stores with munitions taken from Russians. The biggest shortage is of anaesthetics and medicine in the three hospitals where doctors operate on the wounded. In the city's Oktyabrsky district, which is under the control of Chechen forces, no building has escaped damage from Russian bombs. Many have been reduced to shells.
Smoke rises from fires, and a haze hangs over the city.
Falling snow mingles with ash and turns grey before it hits the ground. Stray dogs and cats roam in search of food. An estimated 8,000 to 25,000 civilians remain in the city, mostly hiding in basements. There is little food. Those who venture on to the streets do so only because they have to.