More than 40,000 people displaced by renewed fighting

By Admin 17 Nov 2023

DMG Newsroom
17 November 2023, Sittwe

More than 40,000 people have been displaced in Arakan State since renewed fighting broke out on Monday between rhe Myanmar military and the Arakan Army (AA), DMG has learnt.

More than 20,000 residents fled Pauktaw town on Thursday after the regime bombarded the town. Residents said they fled with only the clothes on their backs and had no time to bring their belongings.

“We didn’t even have our lunches [on Thursday]. Fifteen of us fled in four motorbikes. It rained and we had no clothes to change into. We want international organisations to provide relief supplies for us,” said a Pauktaw resident.

Some 15,000 people from more than 10 villages in Ponnagyun Township have also fled their homes for fear of junta artillery strikes.

Light Infantry Battalion No. 550 based in Ponnagyun has been shelling daily, and warships are also firing along the Kaladan River, said residents.

“We fled by boat. The river was stormy. As we fled, we were in constant fear that we might be spotted by the Navy. We didn’t bring many foods. We don’t know how to go through,” said Daw Than Htay Che, who is from Tankho Village in Ponnagyun Township.

More than 1,000 people from Gyitchaung, Wetkyeing and Tamathar villages in Maungdaw Township have also fled to nearby villages due to fighting between the regime and the AA.

The displaced people need food, clothing, shelter and healthcare services.

“We fled with only the clothes on our backs. We got soaked in the rain. For the time being, villagers here have arranged food for us. But, we will have difficulties in the long run,” said a resident who fled Manaw Thiri Village in Pauktaw.

Among the displaced people are the elderly and children. It has been heavily raining in Arakan State, arousing concerns about their health.

A 7-month-old girl from Donenyo Village in Maungdaw died on Thursday after catching a cold. Some 500 people have fled Donenyo Village.

The regime has blockaded roads and waterways in Arakan State since the fighting broke out on November 13, making it difficult for humanitarian agencies to provide help to displaced people.