The top UN official in Damascus has warned of a "looming humanitarian catastrophe" in four besieged towns in Syria, calling for immediate access to deliver aid to some 60,000 residents, AFP reported Tuesday (February 14th).

In a statement late Monday, UN humanitarian co-ordinator for Syria Ali al-Zaatari warned of dire conditions in Zabadani, Madaya, Fuaa and Kafraya.

The towns of Zabadani and Madaya, in Damascus province, are besieged by the regime and its allies, while Fuaa and Kafraya are under opposition siege.

According to the statement, "60,000 innocent people are trapped there in a cycle of daily violence and deprivation, where malnutrition and lack of proper medical care prevail".

"The situation is a looming humanitarian catastrophe. The principle of free access to people in need must be implemented now and without repeated requests," it added.

Zaatari said the situation was complicated by an arrangement stipulating that no aid can be provided to Madaya and Zabadani without similar access to Fuaa and Kafraya, and vice versa.

The UN's last humanitarian access to the four towns was in November, the statement said.