CNA၊ Gu Gu
With the intensifying clashes between the Arakan Army and military junta forces near the town of Gwa, the number of displaced persons has increased significantly. As a result, organizations assisting displaced persons have stated that there is a greater need for support in providing clothing and food supplies for the refugees.
The number of displaced persons has now reached around 6,000. The refugees are suffering from the cold weather and facing significant difficulties in terms of food, clothing, and shelter. Due to the limited donations we have received, we are unable to provide everything they need. We are only able to distribute what little we have,” said one of the volunteers assisting with the refugee crisis.
The Arakan Army (AA) and the military junta are reportedly continuing to clash near the village of Shwe Kyin Kone, located about five miles from Gwa Township, where fighting between both sides is still ongoing.
A source assisting internally displaced persons (IDPs) has reported that many of the displaced people, fearing airstrikes by the military junta, no longer stay in places like monasteries or schools as they did before. Instead, they are living in makeshift shelters between rows of houses. With the cold weather of the winter season, they are facing harsh conditions and have a significant need for warm clothing and blankets.
The source explained, “The displaced people can no longer stay in places like monasteries due to the threat of airstrikes. As a result, many of them have sought shelter in areas that they thought would be safer, using tree branches to build makeshift shelters. With the cold weather worsening, children, the elderly, and young mothers are suffering greatly from the harsh conditions. Furthermore, they are unable to use stoves for warmth, as the military junta has been monitoring with drones, and there have been bomb explosions. The displaced people are enduring incredibly difficult conditions.”
In addition, due to the ongoing displacement caused by the conflict, most of the internally displaced persons (IDPs) are suffering from conditions such as diarrhea, respiratory infections, and fevers. Those assisting with the humanitarian crisis have stated that there is a significant need for medical supplies and support.
The military junta had already tightly restricted the transport of medical supplies and essential goods in the Gwa town area even before the fighting began. As a result, displaced persons are now facing these challenging conditions.
