Water shortages worsen for displaced people in Kyaukphyu amid fighting

By Admin 14 Jan 2026

DMG Newsroom

14 January 2026, Kyaukphyu

Residents and internally displaced people (IDPs) say those displaced by fighting in Kyaukphyu Township are facing an acute shortage of drinking water as clashes between Myanmar's military regime and the Arakan Army intensify.

Kyaukphyu Township experiences water shortages every year during the winter and summer seasons. This year, however, the problem has worsened due to a growing population and a sharp increase in the number of displaced people.

"We are sheltering in the mountains and fields, where wells are rare," said a displaced woman in Kyaukphyu Township. "Even if we go elsewhere to fetch water, it is very difficult because the journey is long. Getting drinking water has become a serious problem for us."

As fighting escalates and spreads to new areas, the number of displaced people continues to rise. Many are living in makeshift tents in forests, mountains and farmland, where access to wells and reliable water sources is extremely limited.

In response, the Phyu Sin Yin Khwin Foundation and the Zinchaung Youth Association have begun drilling water wells in collaboration.

An official from the foundation said social welfare groups are also preparing to store water from lakes and streams and to dig tube-wells in areas where water sources are available.

"Normally, villages in Kyaukphyu have only two lakes," said a local man. "Given the population size, water shortages usually begin as soon as summer arrives. This year, the drought has come earlier than before, partly because there are fewer reservoirs and wells."

Kyaukphyu Township has more than 250 villages. While some have access to tube-wells for drinking water, most rely on earthen tanks to collect and store rainwater.

Villages with limited access to drinking water often face shortages of reservoirs and must transport water each year by boat or vehicle.

There are more than 50,000 displaced people in Kyaukphyu Township, many of whom are in urgent need of food, clothing and healthcare, in addition to clean drinking water.