Incessant rains add to suffering for displaced people in Thandwe Twsp

By Admin 24 Jul 2024

DMG Newsroom
24 July 2024, Gwa

Heavy rains are compounding the hardships of war that residents are facing in Arakan State’s Thandwe Township, according to displaced people and volunteers helping those uprooted by the conflict between Myanmar’s military regime and the Arakkha Army (AA). 

Junta and AA troops have been battling for control of Thandwe Township since April, with the hostilities escalating in recent weeks. 

Meanwhile, it has been raining continuously across Arakan State since mid-July, and the monsoon season weather is taking an especially heavy toll on people displaced by the fighting in Thandwe Township, said volunteers. 

“Children and elderly people are particularly affected. We are concerned for our health as medicines are not available,” said a displaced woman. 

More than 50,000 people have been displaced by the fighting in Thandwe Township. Many are taking shelter at monasteries, schools and relatives’ homes as they attempt to distance themselves from the conflict zone. 

Those displaced lack access to humanitarian assistance amid shortages of consumer goods, soaring food prices and difficulties with transportation. 

“We need shelter as well as clothes and essential medicines. Many donors have fled the fighting. So we are receiving less assistance. Children have gotten sick. Displaced people from low-lying areas will have to evacuate if it continues to rain,” said a volunteer helping the internally displaced people (IDPs). 

Communications are also down in Thandwe, meaning people cannot withdraw money donated via mobile wallets due to lack of internet access, said volunteers. 

“There are donors, but we can’t withdraw money. Rice prices have surged. A sack of rice has jumped to 208,000 kyats. Of course, there are also many other difficulties,” said a volunteer. 

The AA is currently focused on attacking the Maung Shwe Lay naval base at the southern tip of Thandwe Township’s Ngapali Beach, once Myanmar’s premier coastal resort destination.