Reports say five civilians were killed and 60 others were wounded by Army shells. More than 4,000 people took refuge in two churches in Vidataltivu. These churches have no basic facilities. Some 20,000 people fled northwards from Vidataltivu, after heavy Army shelling and took refuge in Paliyaru and Vellankulam. Mantai North Assistant Government Agent, Mariyadas says that some people found shelter in schools and temples, but others were living in the open, under trees.
Food is short and they face difficulty in obtaining drinking water.
Reports say some refugees have begun moving further north towards Kilinochchi District. On 2 July, over 120 people fled from Mannar in boats to the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu. The military also launched Operation Whirlwind on 10 June, further north in Kilinochchi District, where troops advanced west from Paranthan towards Pooneryn. The Army encountered resistance from the LTTE within two miles, but assaulted and caused heavy damage to LTTE s Rahulan camp , which is believed to be a base for launching attacks on Jaffna peninsula. Although the military claim that Operation Whirlwind was a diversionary tactic, analysts believe that the military now aims to open a supply line to the Jaffna peninsula through Mannar and Pooneryn.