IDP camp in Mrauk-U in dire need of food

By Chan Aye 17 Sep 2019

Chan Aye | DMG

17 September, Mrauk-U

The number of IDPs has increased in the IDP camp at the Shithaung monastery in Mrauk-U city this month so there’s insufficient amount of food and shelters, according to officials of the camp.

Nearly 500 people from six villages including Pan Myaung, Waithali and Ywar Haung Taw villages are taking shelter in the camp, but about 300 people arrived at the camp this month.

“We do not have enough money to give food to them every day. They cannot eat two meals a day even the curry is just vegetables,” U Thar Tin, manager of the Shithaung IDP camp, told the DMG.

The camp has asked villagers and close friends for relief aid for the camp, which was open on 5 March, U Thar Tin said.

Since refugees were given a place to stay under the monastery building, women have been inconvenienced because there are no rooms and sufficient toilets.

“We fled to the camp for safety. But, we are not secure here. A large number of people sleep in the hall. Old people sleep outside the hall,” said Ma Khaing Thida, an IDP from Letka village.

The ICRC has mainly been providing relief aid for the camp, which is one of 15 IDP camps in Mrauk-U Township.

The number of IDPs has now reached more than 65,000 in Arakan State and they are in need of food and shelter, education access and health care service.