ICRC restores family links for civilians trapped by Sittwe communication blackout

By Admin 01 Jul 2026

DMG Newsroom

1 July 2026, Sittwe

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has launched an emergency messaging network to reconnect displaced people and relatives separated by a communication blackout in Sittwe, humanitarian officials said Wednesday.

The ICRC is using Red Cross Messages, a short text-based communication system, to help families maintain contact amid severe telecommunications disruptions across Arakan State.

"Our teams see significant emotional relief when families receive confirmed updates about displaced or missing relatives," said Ko Myint Naing, an ICRC field officer.

According to ICRC records, field teams delivered 229 family messages during 2026, providing a communication channel for communities affected by prolonged connectivity disruptions.

Direct communication between civilians trapped inside Sittwe and relatives who have moved to areas under the control of the Arakan Army remains unavailable due to the collapse of mobile and internet services.

The communication shutdown has prevented families from checking on relatives’ safety, increasing concerns during periods of heightened insecurity.

"Rising prices have made basic goods unaffordable in Sittwe, and I worry about my mother’s situation," an internally displaced student said. "Employment opportunities have stopped, and my elder brother is covering household expenses and my education costs. Only women remain at our home, and we live with fear of inspections by junta forces."

The ICRC said restoring family links, tracing missing people, and helping separated relatives reconnect remain central parts of its humanitarian work.

Sittwe remains under strict restrictions, with junta forces controlling major land and sea routes into and out of the city.

Local sources said hundreds of civilians seeking to leave for mainland Myanmar remain trapped due to high travel costs, poverty, and rising inflation.