The junta has restricted families to buying no more than four pyi of rice (approximately 7.2kg - 8kg) per family every three days in junta-controlled Bawlakhe Town in Karenni (Kayah) State.

Flooding affected Bawlakhe Town during the second week of September, displacing many residents from their homes.

Due to a lack of goods reaching the town, due to travel restrictions, Bawlakhe Town residents can only buy rice from the junta. The junta only sells rice in small quantities, by the pyi (one pyi = 1.8 to 2 kg) rather than by the bag, according to a resident who wishes to remain anonymous.

He said: “We are now entirely dependent on the junta for rice… only four pyi for each family.”

The junta is selling rice for 8,000 MMK per pyi, and limiting each family to just four pyi of rice every three days.

Locals who have been displaced from their homes by flooding are staying together in a school and a communal area.

The aforementioned resident said: “Currently, some [displaced residents] are still staying in the school, but the majority are living in a safe communal area away from the flood.”

Though the waters have now receded from Bawlakhe Town residents cannot yet return home as the receding waters have left mud, debris and garbage everywhere.

The flow of goods into Bawlakhe Town has been disrupted for over a year due to ongoing fighting between the junta and revolutionary forces on the outskirts of the town.