More than 12,500 people who have fled the war from Kayah State are taking shelter in Nyaungshwe Township and are in need of food and humanitarian aid, according to charity organizations that are providing relief.
People fleeing the war from Kayah State have been leaving their homes since November 15, and most of them are living in Nyaungshwe Township. There are 16 IDP camps in Nyaungshwe town and there are many people who are sheltering in the villages.
The IDP camps in Nyaungshwe town are Myo Ma Yangon Monastery, Maha Yan Aung Pagoda, Shwe Chan Thar Pagoda, Myo Oo Pagoda, Phong Taw Thi Pagoda, Phong Taow Seik Pagoda, Red Pagoda, Kantha Yeik religious hall, Mya Pagoda, Shwezali Pagoda, Shweyi Kya Monastery, Tein Nang Pagoda, Bayargyi Monastery, Nang Tae Monastery, Bori That Monastery and Bayar Kyain Monastery.
In Nyaungshwe Township, war refugees are taking shelter at villages such as Nang Pan Tale, U Ywa Ma In Tein and Yay Nwey Mine Thauk villages, and the population is said to be large.
"Many are coming now. Taunggyi Township did not accept them, so most of them came to Nyaungshwe. There is no place for us to accept. All places are full. It's a pity that they have to be sent back, so we don't know what to do," said an official from the charity association in Nyaungshwe.
"We provide food, living, health and education. Coordination has been done so that they can go to school when they are old enough to go to school. There are more than 600 war displaced children who can go to school. Donations can also be made to help children get the necessary support. Although it is not enough, we will do our best. Mainly, Nyaungshwe locals help and support. There are also donors from other areas. There are also many charitable associations. They provided rice, oil, salt, and all cooking supplies. They cooked for them. For about a month, Nyaungshwe town is trying to provide support. After a while, there may be a need. Much help is needed. WFP only supports rice, oil and salt. We will provide food for at least one month," said an official from the charity association in Nyaungshwe.
On December 6, it was reported that Shweyi Kya Monastery (Nang Tok) in Nyaungshwe Township received around 70 displaced people and encouraged donors to donate.
On December 6, 2023, all IDP camps in Nyaungshwe town were full, and according to the compiled list, there are more than 12,500 IDPs in 16 camps in Nyaungshwe town. It is reported that the residents of Nyaungshwe are mainly supporting the livelihood of the war refugees who are taking refuge in Nyaungshwe Township, and donors from far away and charitable associations in southern Shan State are also helping with donations.
On November 28, 2023, after consulting with relevant education officials from Nyaungshwe Township and officials from the township administration, they decided five points to ensure the continuity of education for school-age children who left their homes in Kayah State. Those points are to be sent the children to the nearest schools by class, to accept them without school uniform and books, to fill in the documents required for official attendance and to be assisted step by step by those in charge, to ask for help by charitable organizations to provide books, pens, pencil, school uniform, bag and curriculum books and to provide necessary assistance the township education department.
