Photos reveal Sri Lankans' plight

This woman's home was destroyed by the tsunami In pictures

The plight of Sri Lankans hit by the Boxing Day tsunami is revealed by an exhibition of photographs taken by a Manchester pilot.

The exhibition, at the city's Central Library, chronicles the impact of last year's disaster on the island.

The massive wave struck 1,000km of the coastline, killing more than 31,000 people and injuring a further 23,000.

Norbert Stepie, a long haul pilot from Chorlton, took the photos during visits in January, February and May.

He said: "Visiting Sri Lanka for the first time, I was moved by the extent of the devastation.

'Not forget'

"People who have so little have lost everything. In spite of this, their spirit and warmth has not been broken."

Manchester City Councillor Mark Hackett, responsible for culture and leisure, said: "The tsunami was shocking and devastated much of South East Asia.

"It is important for us not to forget.

"By showing this revealing exhibition of photographs we can learn about both the devastation and the beauty of this island and it will hopefully prove an inspiration for people to help in some way."

The exhibition of about 30 photographs begins on 26 July and runs until 3 September.