Flood-damaged latrines leave Arakan State IDPs facing severe hardships

By Admin 21 Jul 2026

DMG Newsroom

21 July 2026, Mrauk-U

Displaced people at the Gara Taung displacement camp in Mrauk-U Township are facing severe hardships after recent flooding submerged their shelters and damaged camp latrines, rendering most of them unusable.

Camp residents said most of the latrines were inundated or damaged by floodwaters, raising growing concerns over sanitation and public health.

"There are 14 latrines in total at the camp. Because the whole camp and all the latrines were submerged during the floods, only about four are usable now, and even those are not convenient. We have to manage as best we can, sharing one latrine among every 10 to 20 households," said U Kyaw Gyi, manager of the displacement camp.

The camp consists of 78 shelters, 61 households and 273 residents, leaving a severe shortage of latrines for the camp population.

In the aftermath of the flooding, displaced residents say they fear outbreaks of vector-borne diseases due to damaged and contaminated latrines, as well as the increasing number of mosquitoes and other insects in the camp.

"The latrine situation is very difficult, and we also lack mosquito nets. Up to three people are forced to sleep under a single-person mosquito net. On top of our ongoing livelihood struggles, our living conditions are extremely tough. Latrines and mosquito nets are what we need most. A single net is not enough for larger families," said a displaced woman.

As IDPs struggle to meet their basic needs, displaced women and pregnant mothers are also in urgent need of monthly sanitary supplies.

Most residents of the Gara Taung displacement camp fled fighting in Sittwe and Ponnagyun townships. Unable to return home for more than three years, they continue to struggle for survival while facing the risks of airstrikes and natural disasters.

Heavy rainfall since early July triggered flooding across at least 10 townships in Arakan State, contaminating drinking water ponds and damaging homes, public infrastructure and latrines.