In Iraq, five lakh civilians in Mosul face a catastrophic drinking water shortage as forces advance on the Islamic State group in the city. The United Nations warned today that nearly half a million civilians, already struggling to feed themselves day to day, are now without access to clean drinking water.<br/><br/>UN Humanitarian Coordinator, Lise Grande said, the impact on children, women and families will be catastrophic.<br/><br/>Operations to retake Iraq's second city have damaged water pipes in recent days and residents in east Mosul say they have resorted to pumping water from wells.<br/><br/>Iraqi commanders said around 40 percent of the eastern half of Mosul has been retaken from the jihadists since a huge offensive began on the 17th of last month.