Fearing new fighting will start anytime, residents of three villages in Paletwa Township, where the Burma Army and the Arakan Army are at war, have abandoned their homes.

A Christian pastor helping them pointed out how it was better to leave the area where the soldiers are facing each other, as the villages are regularly shelled during the fighting.

They might not be able to leave once the fighting starts.

About 350 residents or 90 families from Thayar Kon, Kyauk Palin and Sap Tha Lawa have fled to Meezer village, which is not in the middle of the conflict zone.

The pastor said they are in need of food and shelter. He estimates they need at least $5,000 to buy bamboo and materials for their roofs.

“Our church has already provided $500, but that is not enough for everyone.” People are staying in churches, schools and with their relatives in the village.

Since the fighting between the armed groups has flared up again, many people have been displaced. In Paletwa town, over 5,000 people are living in camps, some of whom were affected by precoup violence.