Kachin News Group / BNI Online | September 3, 2018

Internally displaced persons (IDPs) that were taking refuge in AG Church in Kanhla Ward in Namti, Kachin State have relocated to Myitkyina last week due to frequent flooding in their former shelter.

A total of 142 people from 28 IDP families are living a harsh life after setting up tarpaulin tents in Pamati Ward Area (5) since August 22.

The IDPs’ in-charge U Thaung Swe told K.N.G that they are facing various requirements with not only living but also education since they had to relocate from the flood-hit area after fleeing from the clashes.

“We really couldn’t stay in Kanhla in Namti anymore as we had suffered from the flooding. The water level rose up to three or four feet, up to the place where we sleep, in June. It got worse in July and August. The building was flooded and the rooms were small. That’s why we have relocated,” he explained.

Each IDP family is living in a temporary tarpaulin tent in a vacant land plot, which has no building.

They have not received any assistance so they are in immediate need of aids.

The IDPs are urging respective government and organizations to assist them in easing their inconveniences.

The IDPs fled from Kasung Village after fighting raged between the Tatmadaw and the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) in their village on April 21. They took shelter in nearby Kanhla Assembly of God (AG) Church for around four months before relocating to Myitkyina.

The majority of the IDPs are ethnic Lisu and Rawang tribes.