People from Mannar, north of Vavuniya and Mullaithivu districts have displaced to Kilinochchi in unprecedented numbers. Even people from within Kilinochchi are displacing, many families have displaced several times within a few weeks. Kilinochchi Government Agent said that as of 8 August, a total of 113,397 people have sought IDP status inside the district.

Over the last few days, people have displaced from Anaivilunthan and Akkarayan in the Karachchi AGA division in the district. People are also presently displacing from Nachchikuda, Kiranchi and Jeyapuram areas in the Poonahari AGA division. People could still be seen living under trees in the district. Some who have sought refuge in schools must be vacated before 4 September in readiness for the reopening of the schools.

Civilians are also continuing to be killed and injured by the indiscriminate attacks. Since the attack of the Mulliathivu hospital complex at 1.00am on 9 August, five civilians were killed and more than 25 have been injured by shelling and bombing. A large number of schools as well as hospitals were displaced adding to the chaos created in civilian life.

People are digging bunkers in homes and work places to protect them from the indiscriminate attack by the Sri Lanka military.

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Portraits of Displacement

Photos taken by TRO Kilinochchi Staff of IDPs in the Vanni. TRO is providing humanitarian assistance to the 150,000 Internally Displaced Person. The Govt. of Sri Lana is restricting international humanitarian assistance and access to these IDPs. The govt has imposed embargoes and restrictions on food, medicine, fuel, building materials for temporary shelters and other essential items.

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