Relentless airstrikes and naval bombardments by Myanmar’s military junta have severely disrupted daily life in Gwa Township, forcing residents to abandon their livelihoods amid a worsening humanitarian crisis.
Gwa, the southernmost township in Rakhine (Arakan) State, has become a flashpoint as the military attempts to breach the state from the neighboring Ayeyarwady Region. The offensive has trapped civilians between active conflict and a collapsing local economy.
"Because Gwa is under constant military pressure, basic daily survival has become extremely difficult for both residents and displaced people," a resident told DMG. "People cannot work because of the constant threat of airstrikes and naval shelling. With no safe way to earn a living, families have no income."
Along with neighboring Thandwe Township, Gwa has endured some of the heaviest air and sea bombardments throughout July and August.
The conflict has crippled Gwa’s primary economic drivers. With limited arable farmland, the local economy relies heavily on offshore fishing and food imports from mainland Myanmar.
However, junta naval deployments have blocked fishing vessels, while military trade blockades imposed since 2024 have completely severed mainland supply routes through Ayeyarwady.
To survive, merchants are forced to source goods from northern Rakhine State along long, hazardous trade routes. High transportation costs have doubled local commodity prices.
Prices for essential commodities in Gwa have reached exorbitant levels, with low-grade rice selling at 90,000 kyats per bag, cooking oil at 15,000 kyats per liter, and fuel reaching up to 13,000 kyats per liter. Staple ingredients have also spiked, with onions priced at 14,000 kyats per viss (approx. 1.6 kg / 3.6 lbs) and garlic at 22,000 kyats per viss.
Humanitarian assistance in Gwa remains virtually non-existent, and local community relief efforts are overwhelmed.
As the military continues its push into Rakhine State, civilian safety and access to basic food supplies continue to deteriorate.
