The United Nations Myanmar on 8 April announced that theWorld Food Programme (WFP) has distributed emergency food items to nearly20,000 people in northern Rakhine State.

"People affected by the conflict received lifesavingfood items and rations, thanks to the community volunteers, who supported thedistributions. More  WFP distributions are planned in the coming days inboth central and northern Rakhine localities," said a statement.

Since 19 March, the WFP's emergency food assistance reachednearly 20,000 people in northern Rakhine localities despite intense fightingand disruptions in transportation and telecommunications, added the statement.

"More and more people in Rakhine are now facing therisk of food insecurities as the displacement continues,” it highlighted.

Despite limited resources and access, the WFP remainscommitted to utilize available means for  delivering essential supportacross the Rakhine region and other parts of Myanmar.