Kantarawaddy Times
It is reported that Nattang IDP camp, located in the western part of Demoso Township in Karenni State, is experiencing rice shortages.
Due to the ongoing rice shortages and the difficulty for donors to reach out the camp consistently, residents are borrowing food from nearby relatives.
“We have to ask from my brothers when we run out. If we constantly ask, how can they keep giving? They themselves are IDPs who returned here recently. Last year, they didn’t also have a good harvest. If we always ask for food, how can they sustain us?” said Daw Ngein, a female IDP from the camp.
Daw Ngein continued to explain that they have submitted letters to the camp committee and nearby organizations to request because they are in dire need.
Rice, being a basic staple, is primarily needed. However, for curries and side dishes, seasonal vegetables are being cooked, said a woman from the IDP camp.
“As it is the best time to plant, we have planted some vegetables in our yard, so we can eat some pumpkin leaves and corn. Sometimes, neighbors give us some vegetables, and we also grow a little bit ourselves,” she added.
Though donors occasionally come to assist, they can only provide two pyi (around 2.5 liters) of rice per family, which is insufficient for larger families.
“In Nattang IDPs camp, we mainly need rice, oil, and salt. We are experiencing shortages. We also need some basic medical supplies and ,even more, we (our camp) don’t have any funds. For example, for families that completely run out of rice, how can we provide for them? How can we arrange to send patients to hospitals or clinics? We haven’t been able to solve these issues. It’s a significant challenge for us. We appeal to capable donors to assist us. We warmly welcome donors to reach out to our IDP camp,” said a committee member from Nattang IDP camp.
It is known that there are nearly 100 households with over 400 people in Nattang IDP camp.