160,000 displaced in Rakhine State amid conflicts: UNOCHA

 The  United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA) in Myanmar reported a surge in displaced individuals to over 157,000 as the ongoing conflict between the junta forces and Arakan Army (AA) fighters escalates in Rakhine State.

Due to the onset of the hottest season, the displaced individuals from Rakhine State are also facing the shortage of drinking water, said an UNOCHA statement.

On 4 April, the UNOCHA included the ongoing situation in the Rakhine region in its summary report on the humanitarian situation in the Asia-Pacific region.

The summary report covered the Rakhine situation from 26 March  to 1 April.

It stated that heavy fighting incidents were going on in Buthidaung, Maungdaw and Ann townships of Rakhine State.

"Since last November, almost 157,000 people have been displaced due to the renewed fighting. The presence of explosive remnants of military weapons and landmines poses a significant threat to the safety of civilians in conflict areas," revealed the statement.

It also added that the fighting between the junta forces and joint forces of Kachin Independence Army (KIA) in northeast Myanmar also intensified last week particularly in Momauk locality.