Internally displaced people in Ponnagyun Township, Rakhine State, are facing severe food shortages, and they are also in urgent need of warm clothing and blankets with the onset of winter, according to aid workers.
Since clashes erupted in Rakhine State in November 2023, Ponnagyun residents have been forced to flee their homes, facing difficulties in food supplies and shelter. Additionally, as winter approaches, they are in urgent need of warm clothing and blankets, according to Ko Phye Phyo Naing, chairman of the Ponnagyun Youth Association.
“Most of the IDPs left with only one set of clothes. Now, winter is approaching. Ponnagyun is colder than other townships. The IDPs are struggling to survive: many can’t even afford blankets, mosquito nets, or pillows and some are sleeping without blankets. That’s why, even though we can’t support all of the displaced people, we are planning to help as many as possible with the donations we receive,” Ko Phye Phyo Naing said.
Around 60,000 IDPs are now residing in Ponnagyun Township, half of them lack the resources to purchase warm clothing and blankets as they had fled with only the clothes on their backs, according to air workers.
“When the junta navy launched artillery firings, we ran with just the clothes we were wearing—no ID, no documentation, nothing. I’m a widower, and even feeding myself is a struggle. We’re sleeping without mosquito nets, and without jobs, we’re just focusing on survival,” said one female IDP from Sittwe, who fled to Ponnagyun.
Additionally, as the Arakha Army (AA) continues its offensive to gain control over the entirety of Rakhine State, the displaced people, who fled their homes due to the conflict, are frequently facing the threat of aerial attacks by the junta in addition to physical and mental insecurity.
Similarly, the displaced persons are facing not only insecurity regarding their lives and homes but also health issues. Despite taking on various odd jobs to make ends meet, many are not even able to eat sufficient meals.
“There are many people around Ponnagyun who are not getting enough to eat. Together with ULA and other local organizations, we, the youth associations, are trying our best to donate rice, oil, and other supplies. However, the assistance is still insufficient to fully support the needs of the displaced people,” explained Ko Pyae Phyo Naing.
The displaced people in Ponnagyun Township are those who fled from Buthidaung, Rathedaung, Pauktaw, Thandwe, and Ponnagyun town itself. Due to the threats of the junta’s airstrikes and other security concerns, they have not yet been able to return to live in the town.
The junta has blockaded both land and sea transportation channels in Rakhine State since November 13, 2023, resulting in skyrocketing prices, job scarcity, and collapsing healthcare services for the local populace.
Currently, AA controls Buthidaung, Rathedaung, Pauktaw, Ponnagyun, Kyauk Taw, Mrauk U, Minbya, Myebon, Ramree, Thandwe in Rakhine State, and Paletwa Township in Chin State. However, fighting continues across the region, forcing approximately 600,000 people into displacement, aid workers reported.
The AA has called upon neighboring countries, international organizations, and domestic groups to provide humanitarian support for these displaced communities.
