More than 5,000 civilians displaced by war in Kyaukphyu Township, western Myanmar’s Rakhine State, are in critical need of emergency food supplies as intense fighting continues between the Arakan Army (AA) and military junta forces.

The escalating violence has forced thousands of rural residents from their homes in recent weeks.

On Sept. 11, the Kyaukphyu-based Zin Chaung Youth Philanthropic Association reported that 5,100 displaced individuals urgently require food aid.

According to the organization, providing a basic monthly ration—calculated at two condensed-milk cans of rice per person daily, or two baskets per month—requires 10,200 baskets of rice monthly. At current market prices of 16,000 kyats per basket, the total monthly cost is estimated at 163.2 million kyats (around $43,000).

Residents expressed deep concern over the looming threat of starvation.

“We Arakanese people hold a deep sense of dignity and find it difficult to ask for donations,” Ko Khin Kyaw Nyunt, a resident, told Narinjara. “However, in times of such extreme hardship, we must set aside our pride to save lives. I earnestly appeal to international philanthropic organizations to help the thousands displaced in Kyaukphyu.”

The aid group emphasized that the crisis extends far beyond this immediate group. Emergency food is urgently needed for roughly 30,000 displaced people scattered across eight camps in Kyaukphyu Township, plus tens of thousands who fled to neighboring Ramree Township.

Across both townships, the total number of displaced people facing severe food insecurity now exceeds 50,000.

A local relief organization confirmed to Narinjara that it is currently coordinating logistics to deliver emergency food supplies to the most vulnerable 5,100 individuals.