Heatwave, water shortages cause health problems in Arakan IDP camps

By Admin 18 May 2024

DMG Newsroom
18 May 2024, Sittwe

An ongoing heat wave is taking a toll on the health of displaced children and elderly persons at displacement camps in Arakan State, with many reported cases of fever, headache and vomiting.

Internally displaced people (IDPs) living in makeshift tents by the Ponnagyun-Kyauktaw road are suffering from extreme heat.

“The heat is unbearable, especially for elderly persons with underlying health conditions as they have to live in makeshift tents. Babies often vomit and cry as they don’t feel well,” said a displaced woman.

In Ponnagyun Township, nearly 10,000 displaced people are living in makeshift huts at schools and monasteries in Yoe Ngu, Aung Phyu Pyin, Thayet Cho, Kyangin, Yoe Tayoke, Thaetaw and Ganantaung villages, and by the roadside.

The heat wave is affecting IDPs living in roadside tents roofed with tarpaulin sheets in particular.

“It is boiling in sheets made with tarpaulin sheets. The hut is low. We can’t sleep at night. It won’t be easy to go on like this for another month,” said an IDP who lives in a makeshift tent near Thayet Cho Village.

IDPs are also suffering from skin conditions as they have had to use unclean water for nearly two months.

“People have developed heat rash and irritation. Children can’t sleep as they feel itchy,” said an IDP living near Yoe Ngu Village.

Day temperatures are recorded between 33℃ and 35℃ in Ponnagyun Township this week, according to the Department of Meteorology and Hydrology.

Around 30 people at IDP camps near Pan Nilar, Yoe Ngu and Thayet Cho villages are suffering from diarrhoea and skin problems.

Three IDPs at the Ahtet Myat Hle displacement camp in Ponnagyun Township reportedly died due to diarrhoea-related complications in April.