Locals forced to flee their homes due to armed clashes in northern Kale Township in Sagaing Region are in need of essential supplies and medical care, according to people helping the displaced.
For more than ten days, thousands of residents from more than ten villages have been forced to flee their homes after fighting broke out between military council troops and combined forces of the PDF near Pyintawu village north of Kale in late March and early April.
Currently, civil society groups and some religious groups are helping the displaced, but as the displacement continues and more displaced people arrive, it is difficult for some of them to get basic food, said one of those helping the displaced.
“The most important thing of all is food. The hosts can no longer afford to feed them. The people in the town are better off and can give more, but the people in the countryside can’t afford much. And medical care is also needed for the displaced people. Some of them have become sick or contracted a disease,” he said.
Currently, seasonal illnesses and diarrheal are reported among displaced people in downtown Kale and rural areas. They are being treated with mobile clinics, but that is not enough to cover all areas.
“Right now, those in the town center are being treated with mobile clinics, but they can’t reach the rural areas yet. Even in the town, they can only reach those living in the IDP shelters. The mobile clinics have yet to reach people living with their relatives at home,” he added.
There are an estimated 50,000 IDPs currently living in northern Kale, most of whom are staying in religious buildings, some with their relatives and some in rented houses.
Although there are no more armed clashes, the displaced residents still do not dare to return to their homes, fearing that the junta troops could return at any time.
Sent by KMG.