Myanmar

23 April 2024

Extreme heat across Myanmar has been affecting IDPs, especially in Magway and Sagaing regions, which host around 1.45 million displaced people. While fleeing from the armed conflict between the military junta and armed resistance groups, many have taken refuge in forests and mountains and are residing in makeshift shelters that provide inadequate protection from the heat. Some IDPs have died from heatstroke. Heat-related complications are especially affecting the elderly, children, and people with underlying health conditions, such as diabetes and high blood pressure. IDPs also face a lack of access to healthcare facilities and medicines. Potable water shortages have been reported, especially in Sagaing region. The use of contaminated water has increased the risk of contracting waterborne illnesses, such as diarrhoea, viral hepatitis, and typhoid. Seasonal forecasts indicate a high probability of above-average temperatures in the entire country in the next three months. (The Irrawaddy 19/04/2024, The Irrawaddy 09/04/2024, WMO accessed 24/04/2024)

23 April 2024

Over 75 people in the IDP camps of Sittwe township in Rakhine state have died as a result of diarrhoeal diseases in April. Camps in Rakhine are marked by poor living conditions and access restrictions. IDPs urgently need access to clean water, medical supplies, and healthcare services. (RFA 22/04/2024, Narinjara 22/04/2024)

02 April 2024

As at 25 March 2024, the resumption of armed conflict in Rakhine state since the breakdown of a ceasefire between the Arakan Army and the military junta in November 2023 had displaced nearly 157,000 people, bringing the number of IDPs in the state to around 350,000. The majority of the newly displaced are in rural areas and need shelter and essential relief items. The renewed conflict has resulted in heightened protection concerns in Rakhine, with 170 civilian deaths as at 3 March 2024 and the risk of forced conscription into military service. Armed conflict, administrative restrictions, road and waterway closures, telecommunication network interruptions, and power cuts are disrupting the supply chain and hindering the humanitarian response. As a result, Rakhine is facing food scarcity, shortages of essential items such as fuel, and increased prices of essential goods. Water scarcity is also a concern, especially for displaced people. (OCHA 03/04/2024, OCHA 03/03/2024, UNHCR 29/03/2024)

27 March 2024

As at 26 March 2024, armed conflict between the military junta and armed resistance groups since late February 2024 in Kale and Monywa townships had internally displaced 28,000 and 25,000 people, respectively. Based on past displacements, urgent needs likely include shelter, food, potable water, and NFIs. (OCHA 26/03/2024)

27 March 2024

As at 26 March 2024, armed conflict between the military junta and armed resistance groups since early March had internally displaced more than 18,000 people in ten townships of Kachin state, many of whom had taken refuge in forest areas. The displaced people urgently need food, water, and shelter materials. (OCHA 26/03/2024, KNG 24/03/2024)​​

19 March 2024

As at 18 March 2024, armed conflict between the military junta and armed resistance groups in Kale and Kani townships in Sagaing region had displaced 24,000 people within the month. Based on past displacements, their urgent needs likely include shelter, food, potable water, and NFIs such as blankets, hygiene kits, and jerrycans. (OCHA 19/03/2024)

19 March 2024

As at 18 March 2024, armed conflict in southeast Myanmar between the military junta and armed resistance groups had displaced 22,000 people within the month in Kayin state, southern Shan state, and Tanintharyi region. Based on past displacements, urgent needs likely include shelter, food, potable water, and NFIs. (OCHA 19/03/2024)