More than 1,000 people displaced by intense fighting in Katha Town, Sagaing Region, have sought refuge in Monghnyin Town in neighboring Kachin State, according to aid workers assisting those affected.

Nearly 900 war-displaced people are sheltering in six monasteries in Monghnyin Town and one on the town’s outskirts, while more than 1,000 people in total across the town have fled from Katha.

“More displaced people are expected to arrive. According to the current list, there are over 1,000. Some are renting houses. The displaced people include the elderly and disabled,” said an aid worker.

The displaced population also includes people with illnesses and pregnant women nearing delivery, making access to healthcare support especially important.

In addition to the monasteries, the local social aid group Kan Thar Oo, and Sein Lan So Pyay Restaurant are providing medical assistance and food to the displaced people as much as they can, while the Shanni Literature and Culture Association is also planning to offer food support.

“At the moment, the displaced people are being supported by local residents. Kan Thar Oo is providing medicines, and Sein Lan So Pyay is donating food for ten days. Our organization is also collecting rice and has so far received 36 bags,” said a member of the association.

Katha residents have been fleeing since late December, when the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) and allied resistance forces launched an offensive to seize the town from junta control.

In Katha, fighting has spread into the town centre, forcing residents to flee to nearby Maw Luu and Indaw towns in Sagaing Region, as well as to Myitkyina, the capital of Kachin State.