The Sanyin IDP camp in Myebon Township, Arakan State, is expecting to face a food shortage in the coming days because relief aid groups have been unable to reach the settlement.

The camp has enough rice for only the next five days if no more relief aid is provided, said camp manager Ashin Ahreka.

“The camp would face difficulty when the rice for five days runs out,” the monk said.

One reason for the impending food shortage is that donations from civil society organisations and charity groups have decreased, the monk added.

“The aid groups that come from Ann town were blocked. They were asked questions [by Tatmadaw soldiers] and they dare not come to us to provide relief aid,” Ashin Ahreka said.

More than 400 people from Sanyin, Hinkhayaw and Ingyin villages are taking shelter at the camp due to clashes in the area between the Tatmadaw and the Arakan Army (AA).

“There are no people in nearby villages to ask for help to get food for IDPs. If we cannot get donors in time, all IDPs here will face starvation,” an IDP said.

The camp is also in dire need of cooking oil and salt, IDPs say.

Conflict between the Tatmadaw and the AA ethnic armed group has resulted in more than 150,000 IDPs across Arakan State, many of whom struggle to meet basic needs such as food, shelter and clothing.

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Photo: Thabarwa Nadi