Arakan CSOs call for unrestricted access to storm-hit areas

By Admin 29 May 2023

DMG Newsroom
May 29 2023, Sittwe

Civil society organizations (CSOs) in Arakan State have called for unrestricted access to storm-hit areas in Arakan State as storm victims have barely received relief aid two weeks after the cyclone hit Arakan State.

Arakan Civil Society Organizations (ACSO), a network of CSOs in Arakan State, on Monday called on the Myanmar military regime to allow international organizations and CSOs to unconditionally help storm victims.

Tight checks at security checkpoints are causing delays to deliveries of relief supplies to storm victims, said ACSO.

While there is a need for large-scale relief efforts, restrictions imposed by the regime are seriously hampering relief operations, said a spokesman of the ACSO.

“We had to exercise caution, but the situation worsened after social activist Ko Wai Hin Aung was detained. We don’t feel safe both physically and mentally. We have to take extra caution when we transport relief supplies,” he said.

ACSO has called on the regime to lift restrictions so that relief supplies reach the people. Storm victims in Arakan State need shelter, food, drinking water and medicines.

Local residents along the Mayu bank in Rathedaung Township are having trouble because they barely receive assistance, said U Maung Hla, administrator of Aung Seik village in Rathedaung.

“Some young villagers from my village have solicited donations and got some fish and other food, which we have shared among the villagers. We want aid groups to come as soon as possible,” said U Maung Hla.

ACSO said much is needed on the ground, and relief supplies so far provided are a tiny amount compared to the plight of storm victims. Despite the fact that international organizations are providing relief aid, there are still many places that have yet to receive relief supplies, said the ACSO in its statement.

The organization called for coordination among aid agencies so that they do not go to areas that draw too much attention but rather visit all affected areas so relief aid is distributed equally and fairly.

Villages along the northern regions of the Kaladan River have barely received relief aid, said residents.

“Only a few villages in the area have received assistance. A Monsoon is due next month, they urgently need shelter,” said a social activist from Kyauktaw.

More than one million people in Sittwe, Rathedaung, Ponnagyun, Kyauktaw, Pauktaw, Mrauk-U, Minbya and Myebon townships were affected by Cyclone Mocha.