Photo caption: War-displaced individuals in Myebon Township, Arakan State (Photo: HDCO)

Many displaced people (IDPs) sheltering in Arakan Army (AA) controlled Ann Township, in Arakan (Rakhine) State, are having to survive on rice porridge due to lack of work, aid and high food prices.

There are about 2,000 displaced people currently sheltering in Ann Township. They cannot earn enough to support themselves and also need healthcare.

An aid worker from Ann Township said to DMG: “War-displaced people have little choice but to hope for sporadic day labor jobs. Many families are left without work and are forced to survive on porridge.”

Some of the displaced in Ann Township are sheltering in remote, hard-to-reach areas, where the prices of basic commodities are even higher.

An Ann Township resident said: “Even though a bag of rice originally costs 70,000 MMK, transportation and other expenses often drive the price up to 150,000 MMK by the time it reaches displaced people. This has only worsened the hardships for those who have no jobs or access to aid.”

Ko Naing Naing Zaw, an official of the Lay Wadi Young Patriots philanthropic group said: “In addition to healthcare concerns, the need for food among war-displaced people is overwhelming. In areas where donors cannot reach, the situation is even worse, with livelihoods being managed haphazardly. Some families are living in makeshift shacks in the jungle, enduring harsh conditions.”

The AA took full control of Ann Township on 20 December 2024, but the threat of junta airstrikes, landmines, and unexploded ordnance still prevents IPDs who fled their homes from returning. Residents from the villages of Ywar Thar Yar, Meelaungchaung, Aukywar, Sin Toe, Kyar Mauk, Dainggyi, and Kyinkone in Ann Township remain displaced.

The IDPs are currently sheltering in monasteries and other areas of Ann Township that they consider safe., such as villages near the source of Ann Creek and along Kwin Creek and Dalat Creek.