Sri Lanka Army (SLA) stepped up artillery, mortar and Multi-Barrel Rocket Launcher (MBRL) fire on Mu’l’li-vaaykkaal, causing panic among civilians in a heavily congested village of Mu’l’li-vaaykkaal Friday from 9:30 a.m. Friday. Many civilians were killed as the shelling has continued for hours throughout the evening. Medical staff at the makeshift hospital were only able to report the deaths of those who succumbed to the injuries. 110 wounded civilians were admitted up to 4:30 p.m. at Mu’l’li-vaaykkaal hospital which came under attack on previous two days. 27 of the wounded have succumbed to their injuries. Many more, killed in the SLA barrage were buried or burnt by their kith and kin.
Around 200 civilians were rushed to the hospital on Thursday. 39 of themsuccumbed to their injuries.
Heavy exchange of gunfire and intense barrage was reported north of Mu’l’li-vaaykkaal where civilians were still seen fleeing towards the congested southern parts of the village within the so-called safety-zone.
Civilians had to stay under bunkers most of the night and day within the last 24 hours. Many were killed while they were asleep, medical sources reported.
Meanwhile, starvation prevails in the area as Colombo has deliberately limited humanitarian supplies for weeks.
Congested life within the so-called safety zone at Mu’l’li-vaaykkaal where more than 100,000 have been forced within 8 square kilometer strip. Photographed on 01 May, 2009.
Congested road in Mu’l’li-vaaykkaal.
Close-up view of congested road in Mu’l’li-vaaykkal
Another view of congested life.
Bunker above ground level inside a tarpaulin shelter. Note the use of bedsheets and other clothings to create sandbag bunkers
Civilians seek shelter under tractor with sand-load
Shell attack at Mu’l’li-vaayvkkal on April 30th 2009 around 9:00 p.m. 10 people died on the spot.
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