21.   In Nagata, the worst-hit area, most of the land has remained untouched since the debris of ruined houses was removed.

22.   In Tavaiva-am economic difficulties, apparent in the form of abandoned construction projects and ruined houses, seem to have had some influence.

23.   A burst of cannon fire hit the roof of the ruined house, setting it ablaze, and tank shells screamed overhead as rebels ran for cover.

24.   Conditions in the muddy village -- little more than a collection of ruined houses -- have been miserable, but the refugees had said they still wanted to stay.

25.   The roadside is mined and there are unexploded shells in the ruined houses.

26.   Many carried the possessions they had fled with, others bore sheets of corrigated iron salvaged from ruined houses.

27.   Meanwhile a group of men dig frantically in the debreis of a ruined house in search of four women, missing since the raid early Thursday.

28.   Piplica for one believes another of her neighbours lies somewhere among the ruined houses that remained a frontline for so many years.