The total number of civilians fleeing from uncleared areas to government controlled areas since January has risen to 50,000.

This milestone was reached Saturday with the arrival of a civilian group consisting of 1,164 persons in the Puthukkudyiruppu area and subsequent transfer of the group to welfare camps in Vavuniya, the Ministry of Resettlement and Disaster Relief Services said.

The Ministry expects an increase in the number of civilians, crossing over from the conflict zone in the next few days.

All civilians have been provided with first aid, food and refreshments and sent to welfare villages, the officials said.