Conflict-affected Karen forced to drink dirty water are suffering severe diarrhoea in areas controlled by Karen National Union Brigade 1 and 6 where they are hiding.

''It is difficult for IDPs in these areas to get clean water," said Saw Nanda Hsue, spokesperson for the Karen Human Rights Group (KHRG). He said the heavy rains have contaminated the water sources from which they get their water from Thathon and Myawaddy districts.

"The Karen Health and Relief Team has been providing medical care to the IDPs. And the Karen Domestic Committee has given them a water purifier and food," he said, but they are not receiving enough support. He said some children and elderly people are sick with other debilitating diseases such as malaria.

Naw Say Say Heh, the second joint secretary of the Karen Women Organisation, told NMG that donors can contact her if they want to help the IDPs.

Accpording to KHRG, more than 170k have been displaced by fighting in Karen State since the coup over 15 months ago.