July 26th, 2021
Some Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps in Arakan State are in need of rations including rice and COVID-19 protective materials, according to in-charges of the IDP camps.
U Nyi Pu, in-charge of Sinbawkai IDP camp in MraukU Township said: “IDPs face a shortage of rice. Some IDPs have to borrow rice from the IDPs who have a lower number of family members.”
Sinbawkai IDP camp where around 4,000 people are taking shelter, was put in lockdown after the COVID-19 cases were detected on July 14th.
The IDPs are unable to go outside to earn their living. The IDPs are facing difficulties due to a shortage of rations distributed by the Ministry of Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement and the ICRC, said U Nyi Pu.
U Sein Shwe Bu, an in-charge of Wartaung IDP camp in Kyauktaw Township said: “Yesterday, the Ministry of Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement provided the IDP camp with rations. But the camp has not received any COVID-19 protective materials from relevant organizations and philanthropic organizations. We have to do it on a self-reliance basis. We have to use the remaining stocks left in the second wave of COVID-19. We are in need of masks and hand gel for the long-term.”
U Kyaw Thein, an in-charge of the Piyin IDP camp in MraukU Township where more than 2,700 people are taking shelter said: “We are in need of masks and soaps. I would like to request relevant organizations to provide help as the IDPs are at a high risk of infections.”
U Zaw Zaw Tun, Secretary of the Rakhine Ethnics Congress (REC) which is currently compiling the list of IDPs said: “Most of the IDPs get assistance. But it is not enough for them. IDPs have to go outside to earn their living as rations are not sufficient for them. They find it difficult to go outside as the COVID-19 case has surged at present. They have to rely only on relief assistance. There may be a shortage of food.”
More than 100,000 IDPs remain at the IDP camps in Arakan State. The IDPs are concerned about Covid-19 infection as they have to stay in the densely-populated camps.
According to the list on July 20th, the total number of COVID-19 cases reached 1,702. A total of 683 patients have been discharged from the hospitals while 66 deaths are recorded in Arakan State.
Sent by the DMG
