As displacement continues for the internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Karenni (Kayah) State, their needs are increasing to grow and they are in urgent need for blankets and warm clothing during the winter, according to the IDPs.
Many IDPs in the eastern part of Loikaw Township fled without their belongings. They currently lack sufficient blankets and warm clothing, according to an aid worker.
“When they first fled the fighting, many people couldn’t bring their belongings. Now, during winter, they don’t have enough blankets. The situation is getting worse. They also don’t have enough warm clothing. There have been requests for blankets. They need more mats too because it’s getting very cold,” they said.
The aid worker also said that they are requesting assistance from the Karenni State Interim Executive Council (IEC) and coordinating with donor organizations.
There are around 25,000 displaced people in eastern Loikaw Township who need not only blankets and warm clothing but also other basic food supplies.
Local organizations have been relying on donor organizations to support the long-term displaced population, though they note that the number of aid organizations has decreased recently.
Similarly, at the Pyoekhin Lay IDP camp in western Demoso Township, people who fled due to Operation 1111, which was launched in 2023, have been living together. Although the camp has existed for a year, they say they have not yet received support from social organizations.
The camp houses displaced people from Loikaw, Nar Nat Taw, and other areas, with 27 households and about 100 people.
There are few donor organizations providing support, and the refugees face financial difficulties in buying blankets and warm clothing.
“When we first fled, we couldn’t bring anything with us. We probably thought we wouldn’t need much. But now we need everything, starting with blankets. It’s getting cold,” said a displaced woman.
The IEC stated that they face challenges in meeting the food supply and humanitarian needs of 300,000 IDPs in Karenni State.
Sent by Kantarawaddy Times.
