Strong winds and rain batter IDP shelters near Thai border

By DMG 22 Mar 2022

DMG Newsroom
22 March 2022, Myawady, Kayin State

There is an urgent need for shelter due to strong winds and heavy rains near the Thaung Yin River on the Thai-Myanmar border, where internally displaced people (IDPs) are taking refuge, according to the Karen Human Rights Group (KHRG).

The inclement weather in recent days has destroyed makeshift tents near the Thaung Yin River, according to a KHRG official.

“The displaced people in Kayin State’s Dupalaya District and on the Thai-Myanmar border are facing difficulties due to unexpected heavy rains and strong winds. The strong winds damaged temporary shelters made of tarpaulin and bamboo and flooded equipment,” the KHRG official said.

Fighting between the Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA) and the combined forces of the Myanmar military and Border Guard Force (BGF) prompted more than 20,000 people to flee their homes in Kayin State’s Myawaddy Township. They have sought refuge in territory under the control of the Karen National Union (KNU), the political wing of the KNLA, in Lay Kay Kaw, Phalu Lay, Rathe Gu and Min Letpan near the Thaung Yin River, and in the Thai border town of Mae Sot.

“It rained and trees fell on tents and roofs yesterday. The makeshift tents are made of bamboo and are rotting. Rainwater seeped into the tents. Due to the rain, the mobile clinic could not provide medical treatment to the displaced people at the moment,” the KHRG official added.

Fighting between the KNLA and the Myanmar military has been on and off for months in the Lay Kay Kaw area, with the most recent clashes taking place earlier this month.