MAG Unites Sri Lankan Forces After Tsunami
One of the few positive stories to come out of the tsunami disaster is the unique co-operation MAG sparked between the Tamil Rehabilitation Organisation (TRO), its Humanitarian Demining Unit (HDU), and the Sri Lankan military. When the army base at Kallady in Batticaloa was destroyed, MAG negotiated an agreement so the military, the TRO and MAG work together to clear mines from the area.
MAG's executive director, Lou McGrath, says: "There were initially fears that, following the tsunami, the military presence in Tamil areas could bring about renewed conflict. Such co-operation is, to date, unprecedented and is a good example of confidence and peace-building through mine action. It's clear landmines are a common enemy to all."
Soldiers returned to their camps after the flood to find a number of mines around the perimeter of the camp. As civilians from nearby houses began to salvage their belongings more mines were discovered. According to Sri Lankan army records a total of 149 landmines were to known to have been laid in the area.
MAG worked swiftly with the TRO to erect warning signs and distribute thousands of Mine Risk Education (MRE) leaflets soon after the tsunami hit. Thirty-three mines have now been discovered and the process of clearing through the debris and rubble in meticulous detail continues with more mines found daily. So far there have been no reported mine-related accidents in Batticaloa and the Vanni as a result of the tsunami damage.
MAG's vital Mine Risk Education leaflet after the tsunami hit
MAG's head of operations, Rob White, says: "We cannot be complacent; we need to continue providing assessment, mine marking, educational operations and clearance throughout the coming months."
MAG has also supported the relief effort using vehicles to move bodies from the disaster area and transporting food and emergency supplies to temporary holding camps.
Three teams have tirelessly worked on the clear-up despite at least 30 deminers losing their homes in the disaster. One mechanic lost 50 members of his extended family and many others working with MAG have lost some or all of their immediate families.
Army deminers clearing in the aftermath of the tsunami
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