Many residents in Shanghai are going hungry as stringent restrictions and lockdowns have been put in place to control the spread of Covid 19. Social media is abuzz with users complaining of not being able to source essential items including food.

Reports suggested that many residents living in Shanghai—the Covid 19 hotspot in the country– have had to go hungry due to severe disruption in food supplies.

Edward Lawrence, senior journalist and camera operator for the BBC in Shanghai took to Twitter to register his complaint. “#Shanghai’s strict lockdown has been extended indefinitely, and it’s still impossible to order food and water. Got up at 5.30am again today but still, system gridlock. As I tried and tried to place my order, my basket depleted as essentials sold out. Madness. #shanghai #lockdown,” he wrote.

Also read: Shanghai lockdown highlights China's deep economic problems

Home to about 25 million people, Shanghai—now the Covid 19 hotspot, has been under lockdown. The lockdown which was to end on April 5 has now been extended leading to uncertainty and panic among the citizens.

According to the Guardian, “stories of desperation are emerging in Shanghai as the city enters its third day of strict lockdown, with increasingly widespread reports of residents being unable to access food, medicine and other essentials.”

Many shops selling essential items including food have remained closed due to the lockdown.

China is facing one of the worst outbreaks of Covid 19 after successfully managing to contain its spread since 2020.