IDPs in Rathedaung Twsp face livelihood hardships

By Admin 22 Aug 2024

DMG Newsroom
22 August 2024, Rathedaung

Tens of thousands of local people displaced by fighting in Rathedaung Township, Arakan State, are facing livelihood hardships, according to aid workers.

“Around 50,000 internally displaced people (IDPs) from Rathedaung Township are currently in urgent need of food assistance and medicine,” said an official from the Ponnagyun Youths Association.

The association has provided relief items to the IDPs from Rathedaung Township, but it is not enough to meet their needs, the official added.

“Local and international organisations are unable to reach those in need in Rathedaung Township due to junta travel restrictions and a mobile phone and internet blackout. The IDPs are earning a living by fishing and collecting vegetables,” said an IDP in Rathedaung Township.

Commodities are in short supply and prices are skyrocketing in Arakan State, with these difficulties felt more acutely by the IDPs due to junta travel restrictions.

“We are struggling to eat regularly and buy medicine amid various difficulties. We are struggling to make ends meet due to rising commodity prices,” said an IDP woman in Rathedaung Township.

The Arakkha Army (AA) seized control of Rathedaung on March 23.

Hundreds of thousands of people in Arakan State have been displaced since fighting between the AA and Myanmar’s military regime resumed in November of last year, with many in need of food, medicines and shelter.