Current Humanitarian Situation Update in Kachin State, 25th January 2017

Joint Strategy Team | January 25, 2017

Intense fighting continues in Kachin State between the Myanmar Government Armed Forces (Tatmadaw)and the Kachin Independence Army (KIA).  Recent fighting in late December 2016 and early January 2017 in Nagyang area has resulted in over 6,000 IDPs from Zai Aung/Mung Ga Zup, Hkau Shau and Maga Yang IDPs camps facing grave safety and security challenges.  In desperation for a safe place, over 4,000 IDPs tried to enter China on 11th January 2017, but were immediately pushed back to Myanmar by Chinese security forces.  Due to the ongoing, fluid conflict situation, IDPs have been fleeing in different directions, including the government-controlled area (GCA) and along the border areas in Myanmar, while some of them have moved to the Chinese side of the border to stay with their relatives.

Currently, 73 families (about 300 people) are taking shelter in Sadung, Waingmaw Township in the GCA, and some of them have arrived there since 10th January 2017.  Most of the IDPs are from neighboring villages of Sadung, namely Hkau Shau (Hka Shan), Lung Htang, Zai Awng, Pangse, border post 8, Pyan Bum, Ying Naw, Nga Htung, Gara Yang, Nbu Kawng, Bumsin, Hpung Gaw Dan and Hkau Nau villages.  On 24th January 2017, the Kachin State Minister of Social Warfare visited the IDPs in Sadung with several humanitarian agencies and provided assistance such as basic food, medicines, hygiene kits, clothes, etc.  109 families (467 people) have also arrived in the GCA, particularly in Waingmaw and Myitkyina IDPs camps.  Most of them are originally from Zai Awng and Maga Yang IDPs camps.  Temporary shelters tent, basic foods, Non-food items have been provided to the newly arrived IDPs.

During this week, the IDPs who were staying in Lung Byen area in the non-government controlled areas (NGCA) have been arriving in Sha It Yang area, whichis between Maga Yang and Pa Jau IDP camps.  430 families (about 1,900 people) have reached the location and are staying there with temporary shelters mainly made of tarpaulins.  The IDPs from Maga Yang IDP camp have also temporarily relocated to Na Ham Pa.  At present 441 families (about 2,000 IDPs) are staying in the temporary shelters.  As of today, about 124 families (about 894 IDPs) have reached Laiza area and are staying in Hpung Lum Yang, Je Yang, Woi Chyai IDP camps and Alen Bum boarding School.

With the escalation of armed clashed, the situation in Kachin State remains unstable and tense.  Civilians and IDPs are deeply concerned about protection, safety and security.  The most vulnerable group such as elderly people, children and pregnant and lactating mothers are facing great challenges.  Education for the children has been interrupted in the current conflict affected IDPs camps. Immediate humanitarian response is critical for the IDPs and civilians in the conflict areas of Kachin State.

Joint Strategy Team – Bridging Rural Integrated Development and Grassroot Empowerment (BRIDGE), Kachin Baptist Convention (KBC), Kachin Relief and Development Committee (KRDC), Kachin Women Association (KWA), Kachin Development Group (KDG), Karuna Mission Social Solidarity (KMSS), Metta Development Foundation (Metta), Nyein (Shalom) Foundation and Wunpawng Ninghtoi (WPN).