Over 10,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs) from Ann, Taungup, and Gwa Townships in Arakan State, where fighting is intensifying, are in urgent need of shelter, warm clothing, and blankets as they seek refuge in nearby forests during the winter season.
Approximately 50,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs) are currently in Ann, Taungup, and Gwa Townships. Among them, over 10,000 are suffering from cold weather and food shortages while seeking refuge in the forests.
“Due to the intense fighting, people are fleeing to what they believe is safe. Some have sought refuge in nearby villages, while others have taken shelter in the forests, fearing airstrikes. They are in desperate need of cooking pots. Having fled without blankets, they are forced to sleep in the snow without shelter in the forest,” said Wai Hun Aung, a social activist in Arakan State.
Most of the IDPs seeking shelter in the forests are children and the elderly. Due to the cold weather and a shortage of medical supplies, some IDPs have died in Ann and Taungup Townships.
“Ann and Taungup are naturally cold areas, with Ann being the worst. As a result, some elderly people have died. The exact number of those who have died is not yet known,” said writer Wai Hun Aung.
The Arakha Army (AA) has launched an offensive to gain full control of Taungup, Gwa, and Ann Townships, with fighting intensifying to this day. As the conflict expands, the number of IDPs continues to rise, and civilian deaths are increasing due to the junta’s shelling and airstrikes.
“There are only a few people left in Gwa. Almost everyone has fled to safer areas, and they are beyond our reach for providing aid,” said a person assisting the IDPs in Gwa Township.
Due to the fighting in Arakan State, the number of people who have fled their homes has risen to nearly 700,000. The need for emergency assistance, including food, medicine, and shelter, is growing.
Since the fighting which started on November 2023, the military council has blocked road access to Arakan State, depriving IDPs of their humanitarian rights.
Sent by Aung Htein (DMG)