More than 10,000 locals have fled the war into Hpa-an District due to the fighting in Kawkareik, and are in need of food and health care, announced the Karen National Union (KNU) Center.

A statement from the KNU Center said that due to the fighting Kawkareik, more than 10,000 locals have sought refuge in three townships in Hpa-an District.

According to the KNU Center, there are 4,489 IDPs in Nabu Township, 2,679 IDPs in Paikyone Township and 3,520 IDPs in Donrin Township in Hpa-an District, totaling 10,688 IDPs.

The statement stated that the Committee for Internally Displaced Karen People (CIDKP) and Hpa-an District have provided emergency basic food for those fleeing the war in the area controlled by the KNU 7th Brigade in Hpa-an District.

Leaders of the CIDKP and Hpa-an District personally visited the places where the war refugees were displaced due to the fighting in Kawkareik. Local and foreign aid is being led by Hpa-an district and township officials and providing food and equipment and other necessary assistance, it said.

There is a need for food and health care for those fleeing the war due to the war in Kawkareik, and education and school supplies for school-aged children and more food and milk powder cans for pregnant mothers and children are needed, it said.