According to the radio, artillery shell attack towards the west of Mankulam continued through the whole of last night and the shell attack in the Oddusuddan area was started today.

Over 9000 civilians left their houses in a hurry and sought refuge in safer areas in the Mullaithivu district.

The radio said that many of the fleeing people were walking a distance of about 11 miles and have not found any shelter. They are staying on the roadside under the shade of trees.

The displaced are without food and there is no one to look after them, the radio added.

Unconfirmed reports said that the Jeyasikurui troops have started a limited offensive to capture the Oddusuddan town area, about 15 miles east of Mankulam.