UN Agency Reports 230,000 Displaced Since Myanmar Coup
By The Irrawaddy 25 June 2021
A United Nations humanitarian agency says the number of people displaced by violence and fighting in Myanmar since the Feb. 1 coup has increased to around 230,000 and stressed that they need assistance.
“Displaced people, as well as communities in affected areas, are in urgent need of a wide range of humanitarian assistance, including food and basic household materials, shelter, access to health care, water and sanitation, as well as various protection services, including psychosocial support,” the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs reported on Thursday.
Kayah State’s displaced population has risen to 103,500, almost three times the number the agency reported in May.
On June 22, 47,600 people were also reported as displaced in Karen State, with most living in forests, it stated.
Several thousand people have also fled fighting in Chin, Kachin and Shan states and Magwe, Sagaing and Bago regions.
The UN body said relief operations were ongoing but were being hindered by armed clashes, violence and insecurity.
In the mountain town of Mindat, Chin State, seven civilians displaced by junta offensives on the town died from lack of medical care, a camp volunteer in the township said.
Mindat Township displacement camp management committee has sought volunteers to provide health care in the camps as there are no medics.
The volunteer said some civilians have returned home as clashes between the junta and Chinland Defense Forces have ceased although some people remain in the camps.
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