Residents say that since the fighting intensified in Loikaw, Karenni State (Kayah), the number of displaced people has increased in Demoso Township, so that trade routes are closed and basic foodstuffs are almost out of stock.
“The road is blocked because the fighting is still intense in Loikaw. Even there, there is a shortage of goods, and it is worse here. Demoso mainly imports goods from Loikaw, so this side is also in shortage,” said a man who lives in Demoso Township.
The residents of Loikaw, who fled to safety due to the intensity of the fighting in Loikaw, have arrived in Demso Township and are in urgent need of food and clothing.
“When everyone thought of running away to safety, we couldn’t have all the things at once. Now I don’t even bring any rice to eat. There are five people in the family, including three children. When we started coming out, we could only bring a couple of clothes. This side is colder than Loikaw, and there are hardly any warm clothes,” said a displaced woman.
Most of the displaced people who fled from Loikaw Township are currently living together in schools and churches, as well as staying in relatives’ homes. Evacuees need sheets, blankets, and warm clothes because the weather is getting cold, a person assisting the displaced people told MPA.
“It’s getting quite cold here. Since all of them are IDPs, we can’t help the newly arrived refugees. They are sleeping with only one or two blankets, which is not enough. We have given out the things we have, but it is not enough,” he said.
When transporting goods to Demoso Township, they have to pass through Loikaw Township. Due to the closure of Loikow Road, there is a shortage of food items in Demoso Township, and some grocery stores are closed.
