The Myanmar branch of the UNOCHA (the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, has reported a surge of IDPs to over 157,000 since November 2023, as the war escalated between the Arakan Army (AA) and the Junta in Rakhine State.

UNOCHA highlighted that the hardships faced by war-displaced individuals in Rakhine has worsened with drinking water shortages exacerbated by Myanmar's current annual hot season.

On April 4, in its summary report on the humanitarian situation in the Asia-Pacific region, UNOCHA included the ongoing situation in Rakhine State. The summary report encapsulated   the situation between March 26 - April 1.

According to UNOCHA's report, heavy fighting between the Junta and the AA is currently ongoing. “In Rakhine, the conflict between the Myanmar Armed Forces (MAF) and the Arakan Army continues with ongoing clashes in Buthidaung, Maungdaw and Ann townships. Over 157000 people have been displaced by the renewed fighting since last November. Landmines are now a significant safety risk across all affected locations.”

The statement further added that fighting between the Junta and resistance forces led by the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) in northeast Myanmar has intensified, particularly around Momauk.

“In the Northeast, fighting between the MAF, and the Kachin Independence Army and its allied forces, has intensified in Momauk Township over the past week. More than 1,000 displaced people from IDP camps in Lwegel Town were reportedly re-displaced due to heavy shelling.Conflict between the MAF and various armed groups also continues in the Southeast, with fighting expanding in Kyaikmaraw Township in Mon last week. Artillery fire reportedly destroyed more than 300 houses in Dhamatha Village, and displaced more than 1,000 people”, UNOCHA elaborated.

Civilians continue to bear the brunt of the ongoing war according to UNOCHA.