In western Dee Maw Hso Township, Karenni State, residents of Leh Taw 3 internally displaced persons (IDP) camp are currently facing a prolonged rice shortage lasting over a month, according to a member of the camp committee.
“The entire camp is facing a food shortage. The rice we receive is only sufficient for about five days per person, based on a pyi measurement (approximately 2.1 kg). At most, it lasts us a week. In the meantime, we try to find additional rice, but often return empty-handed. Supplies are running low. With no job opportunities, we have no source of income. Even if we borrow rice, we have no means to repay it. And when we do receive some, it’s still not enough to meet our basic needs. That’s the reality we’re facing,” a camp committee member told Kantarawaddy Times.
Camp residents say the rice shortage is compounded by the lack of income and employment, making it impossible to buy food. Due to the scarcity, some families survive on just one meal a day, often going to bed without dinner.
“Some families don’t even get to cook dinner until 9 or 10 p.m. Camp residents have come to me asking for help to get rice. However, I’m also struggling, so I haven’t been able to assist them—and that makes me feel deeply sorry,” the committee member added.
While some families have managed to borrow rice from nearby relatives, most cannot afford to repay loans and have no resources to fall back on.
“We used to receive food aid regularly in the past. But now, even getting help once a month is rare. Donors have stopped coming, and since we don’t have jobs or support like others, we’re really struggling,” said a displaced woman from Leh Taw 3 IDP camp.
Due to the suspension of many international humanitarian aid programs, local Karenni civil society organizations and humanitarian groups have also reduced their support for IDPs. According to the Interim Executive Council (IEC), the food crisis could worsen in areas with high numbers of displaced people, including Dee Maw Hso, Loikaw, Pruso, Hpasawng, and Mese townships.
In addition to rice shortages, Leh Taw 3 IDP Camp is also experiencing a lack of adequate shelter. The camp currently houses around 100 people living in 23 households.
