Copyright © Text and photographs Carlos Reyes-Manzo 2005

Senthalir Illam Orphanage in Mullaitivu in north east Sri Lanka was completely destroyed by the Tsunami on Sunday 26 December 2004. Only 52 of the 175 children living there survived. When the Tsunami struck at 8.30 am most of the children were just finishing breakfast, some had started walking down to the beach to go swimming. Many of the children were engulfed by the waves as they ran for safety. The waves were so powerful that four of the buildings collapsed and crushed the children trapped inside. The children who survived are living in temporary accommodation in Kilinochchi. Over a third of those affected by the Tsunami are children.