More than 8,000 people displaced by the ongoing armed conflict in Tanintharyi Region are suffering from food shortages, according to Dawna – Tanintharyi IDP Support Group.
As it is the rainy season, IDPs are struggling with transportation difficulties, high commodity prices and dwindling donations.
Due to frequent offensives by the Myanmar’s military council combined with transportation restrictions, IDPs are currently suffering from severe food shortages.
An official from the Dawna-Tanintharyi IDP Support Group explained their transportation difficulties during the monsoon.
“Transporting food is more difficult in this area. It is especially difficult to transport rice, salt and peas, which should not come into contact with water. They don’t have enough food supplies. They only have a supply of food for a month at most. If the army enters this area or clashes break out, there may be food shortages,” he said.
Caption: IDPs in Tanintharyi Region (Photo: Dawna – Tanintharyi IDP Support Group)
The official went on to say that children and pregnant mothers, as well as the elderly, are facing malnutrition as displaced people become more desperate for food.
In addition, IDPs suffer from seasonal flu and malaria during the rainy season and need medical assistance, aid workers said.
There are more than 26,000 IDPs in Tanintharyi who are in need of humanitarian assistance, IDP aid workers said.
Sent by Than Lwin Times.