Unexpected Rain Increases Hardships for Displaced Karenni Civilians
By Network Media Group
Monday, April 22, 2024
Early rainfall has damaged the huts of displaced Karenni civilians who haven’t been able to replace the tarps serving as their roofs in camps affected by donor shortfalls.
Heavy rain and wind damaged 52 huts in Shwe Nyaung Kon camp, located in western Hpruso Township of Karenni State, on April 11, out of a total of 81 huts.
A representative from the Kayaw Youth Organisation stated that displaced civilians urgently require supplies for their shelters to withstand the upcoming wet season. The entire camp requires new tarps for their roofs, as most of the current tarps are over a year old.
However, only a few donors have visited the camp this year, and none have provided new tarps.
The problem extends across Karenni State and into southern Shan State, where over 250,000 people have been displaced by the conflict, with the majority displaced for over three years.
In Demoso Township, where 100,000 people have sought safety, there is also a serious shortage of aid, and the tarps covering their huts need replacement.
A source from the Karenni Humanitarian Team stated that most of those affected have relatives they can stay with. However, he added that it’s not ideal for them to stay with their extended families for too long, which is why it’s preferable for them to stay in the camps despite the shortfalls.
Due to the conflict restricting the flow of goods into the state, housing materials like tarps have become prohibitively expensive. For example, an 18′ x 18′ tarp that used to cost 35,000 kyat now costs 7,000 kyat more.
Volunteers emphasize that tarps are not the only necessity; they also require food and medicine to assist those affected by the war.
