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Thousands displaced in Sri Lanka

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Source: CCTV.com | 04-22-2009 09:08

In Sri Lanka, tens of thousands of civilians are still fleeing the fighting between government troops and rebel fighters. The Red Cross has described the situation as "catastrophic" and called for calm.

This picture released by the Sri Lankan Army shows what the army claims to be civilians escaping an area controlled by Tamil Tigers in north-eastern Sri Lanka.(AFP/HO)
This picture released by the Sri Lankan Army shows what 
the army claims to be civilians escaping an area 
controlled by Tamil Tigers in north-eastern Sri 
Lanka.(AFP/HO)

The war continues for yet another day, and it's these people who are bearing the brunt.

Thousands of Sri Lankan civilians were made homeless overnight and had to make their way to this refugee camp. On Tuesday alone, nearly 40-thousand people escaped the violence.

Some of these displaced civilians took to the sea. They know the way ahead won't be easy especially for those coping with the loss of loved ones.

Pierre Kraehenbuehl, head of red cross operations, said, "We are extremely worried about these tens of thousands of civilians who are trapped in this rapidly shrinking "no fire" zone. We consider their situation at present to be nothing short of catastrophic."