Intense fighting between Sri Lankan Government and Tamil tigers has restarted in January, 2007 in Northern part of Sri Lanka, as a result app.38, 000 civilians are displaced in welfare camps and more than 100,000 civilians are trapped in embattled zone.
In the worst fighting since the ceasefire in 2002, hundreds of people have been killed and tens of thousands have been displaced.
Muttur
Heavy fighting in the north-eastern town of Muttur in August left 200 people dead, 500 injured and over 75,000 displaced.
Thousands of people fled Muttur on foot, walking miles to seek refuge in neighbouring villages. Most of the displaced people settled in 71 camps in Kantalai, Thampalakamam and Kinniya districts.
Some fled even further to districts such as Anuradhapura, Kurungela, and Ampara. All of the displaced have poor access to food, shelter and healthcare.
Health Fears
Outbreaks of diarrhoea, malaria and malnutrition have been reported, particularly amongst children and the elderly. Respiratory illnesses are also on the increase due to the dusty atmosphere in the camps.
Five districts in Sri Lanka were devastated by the 2004 tsunami and the island is still in a state of recovery. The Muttur conflict has disrupted humanitarian access to some north-eastern districts of Sri Lanka, particularly Trincomalee. This has stalled ongoing tsunami relief and also made it very difficult for aid workers to reach those affected by conflict.
Although some people have begun returning to Muttur now, there are still many displaced people in the surrounding districts.
Support
Islamic Relief is currently working in Sri Lanka to support those affected by the conflict, and has allocated £40,000 to respond to urgent needs.
A temporary operations base has been opened in Muttur, where staff will distribute food, help register displaced persons, coordinate camp management, and ensure people have adequate access to water and sanitation facilities.
Relief
Relief goods were distributed amongst 10,000 people in the Kantalai area including tinned fish, noodles, and baby milk and hygiene items such as soap, toothpaste, and mosquito coils.
IR is also managing and maintaining a camp hosting over 300 families. In total, IR aims to help around 20,000 people in the Trincomalee region of Sri Lanka.