Intensifying hostilities between the Sri Lankan Army and the rebel
Tamil Tigers (LTTE) have led to the displacement of up to 8,000
people in Vaharai, Batticaloa district, Eastern Sri Lanka.

IOM, which has had an office in Batticaloa since the 2004
tsunami, is working with the government, UN agencies and the NGO
Foundation for Co-Existence (FCE) to help displaced families,
providing transport, food and emergency shelter.

Since Friday IOM and its partners have bussed over 1,500
internally displaced people (IDPs) from areas where fighting is
taking place to safer locations in Batticaloa district.

The operation is ongoing and many IDPs are still waiting for
help to leave the area. Others are leaving with any transport
available, including bicycles, tractors and bullock carts,
according to IOM Batticaloa Head of Office I. Sylvester.

At the request of the local authorities, IOM and FCE have also
been delivering food to nearly 700 newly displaced families in five
locations, including Aalankulam, Mavadyvembu, Kirimutty and two
other welfare centres.

IOM's trucks this weekend delivered essential items including
food, water, shelter and sanitation materials to IDP sites on
behalf of the government, UN agencies and NGOs.

"Batti is very tense now and with the fighting audible in the
city since Sunday, the situation is obviously very fluid. We plan
to respond to humanitarian needs as they evolve," says
Sylvester.

IOM's operations in Batticaloa are funded by UNICEF, the
Australian Government, the European Commission Humanitarian Aid
Office (ECHO) and the UN Central Emergency Response Fund
(CERF).

For more information, please contact:

Passanna Gunasekera

IOM Sri Lanka

Tel: +94 5333 432. Ext. 213

E-mail: "mailto:pgunasekera@iomsrilanka.org">pgunasekera@iomsrilanka.org