At least 200 internally displaced persons (IDPs) have fled to Namkham in northern Shan State from Bhamo, according to local residents.
On 4 December, fighting erupted in Bhamo, Kachin State, between the military council and the joint forces of the Kachin Independence Army (KIA).
A displaced woman from Bhamo, who fled to Namkham, stated that since the last week of December, residents of Bhamo have been fleeing to Namkham due to the junta’s shelling and aerial bombings in Bhamo and nearby villages.
The displaced woman shared, “The people from Bhamo and surrounding villages have fled because it became impossible to remain there. My village has over 100 households, and about half of the homes have been damaged or destroyed by airstrikes and shelling. There have been some casualties in the village. Bhamo town and our village are only 3 miles apart.”
The displaced woman added that due to the ongoing fighting, most locals from Bhamo and nearby villages have fled to surrounding areas. Only house watchers and those facing financial difficulties have remained in their towns and villages.
She said, “Some people remain in the village. We fled from Bhamo to Namkham through a forest route, paying around 460,000 kyats for a motorbike ride. Some people stay behind due to financial difficulties, while others haven’t fled because they have nowhere to go.”
Currently, displaced people from Bhamo are seeking shelter in the homes of relatives and monasteries in Naung Kaung, Naung Ma Lon, Naung Kham, Kun Hai, Man Kun, and Aung Myitta villages in Namkham Township.
Due to the fighting, most locals from Bhamo have fled to stay with relatives in Myitkyina, Shwegu, Mandalay, Pyin Oo Lwin, and Namkham.
On 6 January, the fighting intensified as the joint forces of the KIA escalated their offensive. Some areas are ablaze, and the town has sustained heavy damage.
Sent by Shan News
