Thousands of local people displaced by fighting in Ann Township, Arakan State, are in need of food and medicine, according to aid workers.

At least 5,000 internally displaced people (IDPs) from Ann Township are sheltering in nearby villages and forests, with many suffering from illnesses due to the seasonally cool temperatures.

“With winter approaching, children and the elderly can take medicine to relieve their illnesses, but there are even cases of death due to lack of medicine,” said Ko Naing Naing Zaw, a member of the Laywati Myochit Youth Philanthropic Association.

In November, three IDP children and two elderly women from Ann Township reportedly died from cold-related illnesses that could not be treated.

Aid workers say many children and the elderly are among those fleeing the war in the mountains.

“Thousands of IDPs in Ann Township are in urgent need of medicine, warm clothes and blankets,” Ko Naing Naing Zaw added.

The displaced civilians are also facing food shortages and other hardships, with little in the way of assistance.

“Sometimes, we receive relief items from donors. We also share food with others. We only eat once a day,” said a local woman in Ann Township who is currently taking shelter in the jungle.

The displaced civilians include those who have fled fighting near their villages and the regime’s aerial and artillery attacks.

The Arakkha Army (AA) currently occupies several junta bases and camps in Ann Township, with the notable exception of the Myanmar military’s Western Command. Fighting is intense as the AA continues to attack the Western Command headquarters.