Nearly one million people have been forced to flee fighting in Pakistan's northwest, as the military claimed major advances in its battle against Taliban militants in the area.
Cars and buses full of people streamed out of the area Friday after the government lifted a curfew in the Taliban-ruled town of Mingora. Many families headed for refugee camps, as the government prepared to fight militants.
A spokeswoman for the United Nations refugee agency, Ariane Rummery, says the large number of displaced people presents a "very grave" humanitarian situation and a challenge for the government.
The army said Friday it had killed 55 Taliban militants in Swat in the previous 24 hours.
The military urged civilians in the region to help identify Taliban militants who were attempting to disguise themselves by cutting their hair and shaving their beards in order to mingle with refugees escaping the area.