Approximately 10,000 civilians who had fled ongoing clashes in Thayetchaung Township, Dawei District of Tanintharyi Region, are struggling to access aid as roads remain blocked and phone lines have been cut.
According to aid providers and resistance groups, since February 10, the Palauk-Thayetchaung section of Union Highway No. 8 has been closed for security reasons, causing food shortages and rising prices for displaced people in Thayetchaung.
With phone lines cut, communication has been disrupted, and information from the ground is limited, making it difficult for aid groups to reach the displaced people.
An IDP aid worker said, “The roads are blocked, and food is running out. We urgently need rice, oil, and salt. Prices are rising, some shops are empty, and with phone lines cut, it’s very hard to communicate. ”
In Thayetchaung Township, where people are displaced by fighting, onions cost 10,000 kyats per viss, eggs are 1,200 kyats each, and cooking oil is as high as 10,000 kyats per liter.
Since early February, fighting between the military junta and resistance groups has continued almost daily in Thayetchaung Township, with ongoing air and naval attacks reported in the area.
So far, people from around 20 villages- such as Theachaunggyi, Mindat, Theinkone, Winwa, Chaungwapyin, Chaukchaung, Sonsinhpyar, Pyinhpyuthar, Gonhnyinseik and Kanetthiri – have been forced to flee their homes to escape the fighting.
Only a small number of displaced people have moved to Dawei town, while most are hiding in the forest.
“About 20 villages have been displaced for nearly a month due to fighting and airstrikes. Most people are still hiding in the forest, and the total number is close to 10,000,” a resistance fighter said.
Clashes and airstrikes have caused civilian deaths, injuries, and the burning of homes. IMNA is still verifying the exact number of casualties on the ground.
At around 7:30 a.m. on March 3, reconnaissance aircraft were seen flying near Winwa village, and junta troops were stationed at the Winwa camp. Local resistance groups urged civilians to be extra careful when travelling in the area.
