The number of IDPs that fled their homes due to ongoing fights in Rakhine State has reached over 106,000, according to the Rakhine Ethnic Congress (REC).
Locals are fleeing their houses as the fights has intensified in Buthedaung, Yathedaung, Kyuktaw, Ponnagyun, MraukU, Minbya, Myaebon and Ann Townships. They are taking shelter at urban wards and monasteries.
Ko Zaw Zaw Tun, Secretary of the REC said: “The IDPs are facing food shortages. Of them, the IDPs who are taking shelter at the IDPs camps run by the government and cities are ok. Some IDPs camps in remote areas and non-government-recognized ones, are facing more difficulties in the availability of food as they don’t get aid from international organizations and local organizations. The quality of rice in some IDP camps is very poor. There is no any nutritious aid for children, pregnant women and the elderly.”
The camps are in need of nutritious food for pregnant women and children. Some pregnant women die after giving birth. In addition, the elderly also die due to climate condition. The camps are in need of nutritious food for infants below six months, he added.
According to the REC’s list, there are 106614 IDPs including 69,412 IDPs outside camps—4,500 IDPs in Ponnagyun, 7214 in Kyauktaw, 11103 in MraukU, 11475 in Minbya, 4467 in Myaebone, 3076 in Ann, 13,316 in Yathedaung, 13,692 in Buthedaung, 291 in Pauktaw and 277 in Sittwe.
