The Tain Nyo IDP camp in Mrauk U Township was severely damaged by the Mocha cyclone on May 14. As a result, all houses were destroyed, and the internally displaced persons (IDPs) currently residing in the camp are in desperate need of immediate assistance, primarily in the form of shelter and sustenance.
In the Tain Nyo IDP camp, which houses 773 households and a population of 2,865 people, the scarcity of donors has created significant hardships for the IDPs. They are currently facing various difficulties due to a lack of essential resources and support.
A woman from Tain Nyo IDP camp said, "Getting enough food and finding a place to live are both very challenging. When it rains at night, we have nowhere to sleep. The place where we live has a leak, and when it rains, water drips from the top and even comes in from the sides, making it impossible to sleep. It's heartbreaking to see the children suffer."
According to the IDPs, in the past, their primary support came from the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). However, since January 2023, the World Food Programme (WFP) has taken over the responsibilities previously held by the ICRC and has been providing assistance to the IDPs.
According to the IDP camp in charge, they are facing significant challenges since the shift in support. They no longer receive essential aid like drinking water, rice, and shelter. Currently, they are struggling with only 21,000 kyats provided by the WFP. The recent cyclone has further worsened their situation, causing additional hardships for the IDPs.
The IDP officer at the camp reported that "The only money we get is from regular support provided by WFP. The support we used to receive from ICRC has decreased, which has created a crisis for us. As a result, we have to rely on the money we earn from outside work and the assistance given by WFP. When a storm hits, everything becomes chaotic. Even if you have a place to live, it's still possible to find food and drink. But now, we don't have proper shelter, there's a shortage of food, and we lack essential necessities."
The IDPs, who urgently require shelter and food, are reaching out to both local and foreign donors for assistance. They are appealing to the relevant authorities to not overlook their needs.
Another IDP woman said, "We desperately need your help. We have already endured the hardships of war, and it is incredibly challenging for us to survive the rainy season under these circumstances. We urge the government not to abandon us. We've heard that there are donors willing to help, but the government seems to restrict their ability to donate. Even if organizations faced obstacles during the war, we plead for assistance to be allowed now when everyone is suffering from this natural disaster."
WFP budget has been drastically cut in 2023 owing to insufficient funding by member-states.
But at the same time Reuters News Agency has reported that aid intended for victims of Cyclone Mocha has never left the warehouse in Yangon, because the junta has not yet agreed for the aid to be distributed.
The Tain Nyo IDP camp was established in 2019 during a period of intense conflict between the Military Council and the Arakan Army (AA). It provided refuge for residents from various villages, including Wai Thar Li, Auk Tha Kan, Bu Ywet Ma Nyoe, Pauk Pyin Kwin, Khu Hlaing, Pyaing Taung, Let Kar, and Na Ma Dar.
