Ponnagyun IDPs suffer severe water shortages

By Admin 04 Apr 2026

DMG Newsroom

4 April 2026, Ponnagyun

Rising summer temperatures have caused wells and ponds in Ponnagyun Township, Arakan State, to dry up, leading to acute water shortages and creating serious difficulties for local residents.

Ponnagyun Township, which hosts a large number of internally displaced persons (IDPs), is among the hardest hit, with many people struggling to access sufficient clean water for daily use.

According to social aid groups, the situation has worsened to the point where residents are now forced to collect water from abandoned wells that were previously left unused.

Ko Pyae Phyo Naing, chairman of the Ponnagyun Youths Association, said, "People in Ponnagyun Township are suffering greatly from water scarcity. The situation has become so severe that wells once used for disposing of dead animals are now being used for bathing."

Health concerns are also increasing, as the use of unsafe water sources may lead to diseases such as diarrhea and skin infections.

Due to the shortage, available drinking water must be used sparingly, adding further hardship for displaced communities.

Residents also report that water collection times often conflict with their working hours, affecting their ability to earn a living.

A local resident said, "In the IDP camp near Thedaw Village, water can only be collected between 6:00 AM and 8:00 AM in limited amounts. In the evening, water is no longer available. Because of these time restrictions, some IDPs who need to leave early for work, such as woodcutting, or those unable to work due to health issues or extreme heat, face difficulties as water collection time overlaps with their working hours."

Local social aid organizations are reportedly working together to carry out emergency relief efforts to address the water shortage in Ponnagyun Township.

Water scarcity is a recurring issue in Ponnagyun Township, with residents facing similar challenges every year during the summer season.