378 refugees accommodated at camp in Tuticorin district

Sri Lankan refugees arrived in the district in large numbers on Tuesday morning, after the camps at Mandapam became overcrowded.

In all, 378 refugees belonging to 99 families arrived at the camp run by the district administration at Thappathy under Ettayapuram taluk.

Fifty-four families were accommodated in independent houses and the rest in a school, all situated on the camp premises. The school was chosen as many houses in the camp were in a dilapidated condition.

The refugees were received by the district administration officials and given a sumptuous breakfast.

Collector R. Palaniyandi and Superintendent of Police Y. John Nicholson met the newly-arrived refugees.

Mr. Palaniyandi told The Hindu that those put up at the school would be shifted to houses once the repairs were completed.

He said instructions had been issued to the Deputy Director of Health Services at Kovilpatti to conduct periodic health check-ups. "We have taken steps to ensure drinking water and sanitation facilities to the refugees," he added.

Source: The Hindu