Myanmar

02 January 2025

Since 2022, around 15,900 Rohingya people have attempted to undertake dangerous maritime journeys in over 190 overcrowded and unseaworthy vessels – nearly 50% of which embarked just within 2024 (until 19 December) – from Myanmar or Bangladesh in hopes of reaching other countries, such as Malaysia and Indonesia. Over 1,400 have died or gone missing, 50% in 2024 alone. Nearly 95% of the vessels that undertook the journeys in 2024 embarked from Rakhine state, from where the Rohingya are fleeing to escape intense armed conflict and violence, forced recruitment, high food insecurity levels, and severe access restrictions. These people need food, water, healthcare, and protection during and after their journeys. Such journeys are likely to increase in the coming months given non-monsoon weather conditions, a trend that has been observed in previous years. (UNHCR accessed 02/01/2025, UNHCR 05/11/2024, OCHA 13/12/2024)

17 December 2024

15.2 million people in Myanmar are facing acute food insecurity, with 2.3 million classified to be facing Emergency (IPC Phase 4) conditions. The majority reside in Chin, Kachin, and Rakhine states and Sagaing region. The main drivers are intense and widespread conflict, economic collapse, and recurring natural hazards. Extreme levels of humanitarian constraints, such as violence against humanitarian personnel, facilities, and assets; interference with humanitarian implementation; the denial of the degree of the crisis, including by restricting the collection and publication of food insecurity data and analysis; and administrative and physical impediments to reaching people in need significantly aggravate the situation. The affected people urgently require emergency food assistance. (Humanitarian Action 12/12/2024, Reuters 16/12/2024, ACAPS accessed 18/12/2024)

19 November 2024

Insecurity and armed conflict in Rakhine state have reached a historic high. By mid-November 2024, the number of reported fatalities had surpassed the combined figure for the previous ten years. The number of IDPs had also reached around 530,000, 15% of the state’s estimated population of 3.6 million. Those residing in Rakhine are facing widespread food insecurity, as rice production has significantly fallen, the cost of food has increased, and there is widespread unemployment and a lack of a social safety net, limiting purchasing power. There are also severe restrictions on humanitarian access and a lack of access to essential services. In 2024, there has been a significant uptick in cross-border displacements and dangerous maritime journeys among the Rohingya attempting to reach other countries, indicating the severity of the humanitarian situation in Rakhine. (UNDP 07/11/2024, UNHCR accessed 20/11/2024, ACLED accessed 20/11/2024)

12 November 2024

Since July 2024, heavy monsoon rains and the remnants of Typhoon Yagi have resulted in intense flooding that has significantly heightened the humanitarian needs in Myanmar. The floods have destroyed around 3,000 houses and damaged 36,000, which currently need repair. The most flood-affected areas include the regions and states in the northwest and southeast, as well as Rakhine state. (Shelter Cluster 08/11/2024)

08 October 2024

The Myanmar military junta has increased airstrikes in Lashio town. Out of a population of 250,000, around 200,000 have fled to other towns in Shan state (such as Kalaw, Nyaung Shwe, and Taunggyi) and main cities of other regions such as Mandalay. The people of Lashio town are experiencing recurrent displacements caused by the fighting. Based on previous displacements, IDPs would need urgent shelter, food, potable water, protection, healthcare support (especially psychosocial support), and access to WASH facilities and items. People who are currently residing in Lashio are facing heightened protection concerns. The humanitarian response in the town is hindered by airstrikes and a telecommunications and internet blackout. Many humanitarian organisations have suspended their operations or evacuated from Lashio earlier in 2024 because of insecurity. Fighting in the town has already resulted in significant casualties and damage and destruction to civilian infrastructure such as homes and offices. Media reports suggest that a possible future ground offensive by the junta to recapture the town is imminent. (ECHO 03/10/2024, RFA 02/10/2024, BNI 07/10/2024)

17 September 2024

Heavy monsoon rain, compounded by Typhoon Yagi, since 9 September 2024 has caused severe flooding, particularly in Bago, Kayah, Kayin, Magway, Mandalay, Mon, Nay Pyi Taw, Rakhine, and Shan states/regions. Flooding has been reported in 59 of the 330 townships in Myanmar, affecting around 630,000 based on initial reports. Nearly half of the affected people are reported to be living in Mandalay and Magway. The floods have displaced around 320,000 people and killed at least 226 across the country. Significant damage to housing, road networks, transportation, telecommunications, and electricity in the flood-affected areas have been reported. The current situation worsens the already dire humanitarian situation resulting from the armed conflict and June–August floods. Urgent needs include food, potable water, healthcare support (especially medicine), clothes, dignity kits, and shelter support. Unstable telecommunications and internet services, damaged roads and bridges, road blockages, and armed conflict constrain the humanitarian response. (OCHA 16/09/2024, UNICEF 16/09/2024, AP 18/09/2024)

20 August 2024

The estimated number of displacements from intense fighting, including air strikes and shelling, between the Myanmar military junta forces and the Arakan Army in Rakhine state in August 2024 has increased from the initially reported 5,000 IDPs. On 5 August 2024, an estimated 20,000 people were displaced from three downtown wards in Maungdaw township towards the coastal areas. Others are trying or have succeeded to reach safety in Bangladesh. The IDPs need access to food, drinking water, shelter, healthcare, and WASH assistance. (OCHA 16/08/2024)