More shelters needed in Ponnagyun IDP camps

Saw Shin May

Narinjara News, 28 May 2024

The internally displaced persons (IDPs) informed Narinjara News that they urgently need shelters in the IDP camps due to the recent rain  in Ponnagyun locality of Arakan State.

"It's raining now and it makes cooking very difficult. During the night hours, we can't sleep. The rain and wind have torn the tarpaulins. We can't afford to buy food items or any other shelters," said U Aung Myint, the  in-charge of Myat Lay IDP camp.

He added that the IDP camp was established in 2019 and it currently houses more than 130 families (around  700 people) who came from Sittwe, Kyauktaw, Ponnagyun and Maungdaw townships.

Ma Mya Than Aye, in-charge of  Pan Ni Lar IDP camp, also stated that the roofs of many houses are now covered with tarpaulins and straw. The recent rain and strong winds have damaged many of those houses.

"When it rains, it deteriorates the living conditions. During the  night  rainfall, we have to seek refuge in safer places. The children and  elderly persons face more difficulties,” she added.

In the third week of May, around 6,000 tarpaulins were donated to Pan Ni Lar IDP camp.

"The number of tarpaulins was not enough for everyone in the camp. Only five families were initially provided tarpaulins for use. However, all the families need the tarpaulins,” she asserted.

Established in November 2023, the IDP camp comprises 85 households (with a population of 307) from Ywar Haung, Myo Thit and San Pya wards under Ponnagyun township.

In Ponnagyun, the IDPs are taking shelter in the makeshift tents, set up in schools, monasteries as well as on roadsides in various villages including Myat Lay, Pan Ni Lar, Tha Yet Cho, Aung Phyu Pyin, Kyan Khin and Ga Nan Taung.