By Kantarawaddy Times
In Karenni State, internally displaced persons (IDPs) already affected by ongoing conflict are facing additional hardships following the severe flooding in September, according to statements from IDP community members.
After the floods, aid delivery to IDP camps has reduced significantly, noted a committee member from the Zi Ohn IDP camp in Lay Mile Myeni Gone Village.
“We don’t have flood-affected IDPs here. However, we have many people displaced due to the ongoing conflict, including those who have moved from four different regions. Since the floods, the number of donors arriving to assist has significantly decreased. Currently, the situation is dire, with many facing food shortages. Some individuals have resorted to washing clothes for others to earn money to buy rice. There is a large number of people here running out of rice supplies,” shared a committee member.
In camps where donors have not been able to reach as regularly, IDPs are now submitting around 10 letters requesting assistance in person, according to those supporting the IDP relief efforts on the ground.
With priority being given to flood-affected areas, ordinary IDPs are left to repeatedly seek help, explained a member of Karenni Hope, an organization involved in supporting IDP initiatives.
“With the recent flooding, resources for the IDPs have been stretched thin. Many aid donors have focused heavily on flood-affected IDPs, leaving significant gaps for those displaced due to the ongoing conflict. Following the floods, donor contributions have declined sharply. As it stands, the shortage of food supplies has created severe challenges for the current IDPs,” stated a member of Karenni Hope.
At present, there are five IDP camps that frequently request aid, with Karenni Hope focusing on assisting the most vulnerable camps.
Many of the IDPs in the camps are experiencing shortages of essentials like rice, oil, and salt. The recent rise in commodity prices has also worsened the situation for IDPs, creating additional financial strain.
“The primary need is rice, but that’s not all—we also need money,” explained an IDP women. “The needs are vary from each person: some people require medicine, so with financial support, they could either buy rice or obtain the medicine they need. It would be helpful if we could manage it that way.”
As of September, records from the IEC indicate that Karenni State had 16 flood-affected IDP camps, encompassing a total of 54 villages. These camps, facing significant hardships due to the flooding, each host over 200 individuals.
