Sunday September 3, 2017

Violent conflict and natural disasters are devastating the lives of families in Myanmar. Prone to cyclones, storm surges, floods, landslides and earthquakes, Mynamar is incredibly vulnerable to climatic change. What’s more, ongoing conflict is threatening the safety and wellbeing of countless families.

Heavy rain is common in monsoon season in Myanmar. However in Kayin State the annual floods are getting worse. From July 2018 onwards, the nation witnesses the worst flooding it had seen for an astonishing 30 years. As a result, many villages have been inundated by flood water, bridges have been left damaged and road access limited.

As of July 29, 11 people were reported dead and over 16,000 families left displaced. As monsoon rains continue, the numbers of those affected will continue to rise.

Over 1,000 people estimated dead from violent clashes

What’s more, since late August 2017, the emergency situation in Rakhine State, Myanmar, has worsened. Violent clashes have reportedly resulted in over 1,000 deaths and the United Nations estimate that over 655,000 people have fled, seeking refuge in Bangladesh, since the 25th August. This includes high numbers of women, children and elderly family members.

This recent spate of conflict has not only seen civilians killed and landmines planted but satellite imagery confirms villages have been set alight. Entire townships have had to be evacuated creating wholly displaced communities taking temporary shelter in schools and public buildings.

Camps are overcrowded, leaving little space for basic infrastructure. As a result, more than 90% of household water sources are highly contaminated with E. coli and numerous cases of highly contagious diphtheria have erupted.

Faces of Rohingya · Our work with Refugees

Myanmar | Zia Salik reports

Islamic Relief on the ground

Islamic Relief has been working in Myanmar since 2008, delivering life-saving emergency aid, food, shelter and hygiene kits to those displaced by internal conflict and inter-communal violence. We’ve rebuilt schools and funded healthcare through mobile boat clinics, which allow us to reach isolated communities.

We are continuing our on-going operations in Myanmar and our providing emergency aid to people affected by recent floods – including critical food and non-food aid. We are also closely monitoring the crisis in Rakhine State, responding to the needs of those affected.

Please donate now and help save lives.

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