More than 192,000 displaced in Sri Lanka

COLOMBO, Sri Lanka, May 7 (UPI) -- An ongoing conflict between the Sri Lankan army and rebels in the north of the country has displaced more than 192,000 people, according to the United Nations.

The U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs said the population of internally displaced persons in Sri Lanka has swelled to more than 192,000 people who were forced to flee their homes because of the government's military campaign targeting the rebel Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam, the United Nations reported.

According to a news release, the growing humanitarian crisis has prompted OCHA and the Sri Lankan government to call on the international community for $50 million in aid to support the needs of the displaced population, including "food, water, sanitation, shelter, nutrition, health and protection."

The United Nations estimated Wednesday that there are still 50,000 people trapped in conflict in the northeast of the country.