Saw Shin May

Narinjara News, 28 May 2024

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

"It's raining now and it makes cooking verydifficult. During the night hours, we can't sleep. The rain and wind have tornthe 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 andit currently houses more than 130 families (around  700 people) who camefrom Sittwe, Kyauktaw, Ponnagyun and Maungdaw townships.

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

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

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

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

Established in November 2023, the IDP camp comprises85 households (with a population of 307) from Ywar Haung, Myo Thit and San Pyawards under Ponnagyun township.

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