IOM opens shelter for tsunami victims in Muttur

[TamilNet, Friday, 11 February 2005, 10:51 GMT]
Transitional shelter complex comprising forty-five units constructed by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) with the funding of the Government of Japan at a cost of 3.2 million rupees was opened Thursday in Naduthivu in Muttur division, south of Trincomalee district, sources said. One hundred eighty families with one thousand persons displaced from Habeeb Nagar who were sheltered in Annahaar Maha Vidiyalayam since December 26 have been shifted to the transitional shelter complex Thursday, IOM sources said.

Mr.M.A.M.Niyaz, Muttur Divisional Secretary declared open the shelter complex. IOM Project Officer Mr.T. Muralitharan, Mr.M.Barry (Operation Officer, IOM) Muttur Assistant Divisional Secretary Mr.Manivannan, and religious dignitaries participated in the event.

Muttur Duivisional Secretary Mr.Niyas opened the transitional shelters for tusnami victims.

Each unit of the transitional shelter complex can accomodate four families. The brick-units are constructed on a private land have roofs covered with tin sheets. Electricity is provided to all units. In addition to the two existing wells, two more wells have been built to provide good drinking water. A common hall has been constructed in the complex for general use by the residents, IOM sources said.

Addressing the event, Mr.M.A.M.Niyaz said, Thaha Nagar, Vaddam, and Habeeb Nagar in the army controlled areas and Malaimunthal, Nallur, Illakanthai, Kadatkaraichchenai and Soodaikuda, in the LTTE controlled areas in the Muttur division were devastated in tsunami.

He added that action has been taken to identify suitable lands to constructed permanent houses for these victims.

Tsunami victim family occupies a shelter.

Transitional shelters constructed by the IOM in Muttur division.