Myat Swe — An unseasonal weather forecast is causing concern for internally displaced people (IDPs) in Arakan State, where more than 150,000 people are sheltering in displacement camps due to clashes between the Tatmadaw and the Arakan Army.

According to the Department of Meteorology and Hydrology (DMH), isolated rain or thunderstorms are likely from April 9-11 in Kachin, Shan, Chin and Arakan states, as well as across Nay Pyi Taw, Sagaing, Mandalay and Magway regions.

U Wai Hla Aung, manager of the Tin Nyo IDP camp in Mrauk-U Township, said unseasonal rains might cause trouble for IDPs because some camp shelters are not ready to withstand inclement weather.

“The roofs of some shelters are broken. So, IDPs will face accommodation difficulties when rainwater leaks from the roofs into their shelters. They might also face more hardship having sufficient food,” he said.

Along with rain, the DMH has also warned of the potential for strong winds, thunder and lighting, and hail in the days to come.

Myanmar’s monsoon season typically lasts from mid-May to October.