Since the third week of August, the junta has completely banned the transportation of rice from Ayeyarwady Region to Gwa Township in Rakhine State, resulting in rice shortages in some villages.

Since 25 July, the junta has imposed restrictions on transporting more than 10 pyi of rice(1 pyi = 1.8 kg) from Ayeyarwady Region to Gwa Township. Currently, all rice transportation has been banned, leading to shortages in some villages in Gwa Township, according to residents.

A resident said: “ It was still possible to transport 5 to 10 pyi of rice at around 14 and 15 August. Now, if rice is transported, the military council seizes it. Previously, households that used to cook with 5 cans of rice now only have enough for 3 cans. Due to the rice shortage, we have reduced the amount of rice used for cooking."

Due to the ban on the transportation of rice, some residents are now cooking with reduced amounts of rice compared to their usual consumption, according to residents.

Gwa Town faces a complete ban on rice and essential supplies due to the junta's transportation restrictions. The Arakan Army (AA) controls Kyeintali Town, 40 miles from Gwa, and the ongoing proximity of battles near Gwa has led to this situation.

Some residents are facing famine and are begging for food, while others are subsisting on congee, according to another resident.

The aforementioned resident said: “ People are facing difficulties in their livelihood. As a result, they are breaking into homes. When they find rice, they take it. When they find oil, they take it. They can't tolerate hunger. Some people are begging for food from those who have rice. As the battles in Gwa town continued for an extended period, people will face severe hardship.”

Since 10 August, intense fighting has been ongoing within Gwa Township, causing residents to flee to the Ayeyarwady Region and other safer areas.

Currently, only farmers and elderly people remain in the villages within Gwa Township.