Relief workers report serious challenges in evacuating internally displaced persons (IDPs) from the western part of Pekon Township, where families have once again been forced to flee following joint offensives by the military junta forces and the People’s Militia Force of the Pa-O National Organization (PNO).

Two IDP camps in western Pekonhave been directly affected by the fighting, forcing residents to flee yet again. With displacement recurring and camps scattered, humanitarian rescue teams have been unable to reach the sites to provide assistance. As a result, evacuation efforts have largely been carried out by individuals relying on self-help mechanisms. A male volunteer assisting the displaced told Kantarawaddy Times.

“The main difficulty we face is evacuating the IDPs to safety. Poor road conditions and transportation challenges are the first obstacles. Internet access in these areas is unreliable, which makes it difficult to communicate with those remaining in the towns. There are no proper vehicles available for evacuation, and no rescue teams or humanitarian groups are operating in this area,” he explained.

Reports indicate that each of the two camps—Min Nga and Lwin Lone— shelters more than one thousand IDPs. Most of the displaced are originally from nearby villages in Pekon Township. Some families have now fled up to eight times, while others have been displaced five times.The latest wave of displacement began on September 14, following intensified joint attacks by the Military junta and the PNO.

According to reports, approximately 70 percent of the IDPs have been evacuated from the township. However, rescue efforts are still underway to relocate the remainder. Relief workers also note that even those who have reached safety continue to face urgent needs for food, medicine, and other essential support.