Myanmar Emergency Update (as of end October 2024)

OVERVIEW

Since the military takeover in February 2021, the political and security landscape in Myanmar has plunged millions into a deepening humanitarian crisis. This month marks one year since the escalation of conflict that has spread across multiple regions of the country. Civilians continue to face serious protection risks, including conscription, human rights violations and insufficient resources to meet basic needs. Ongoing territorial conflicts have disrupted key access roads, restricting freedom of movement, impeding supply routes and driving up commodity prices, further exacerbating humanitarian needs.

Over a month after torrential monsoon rains and Typhoon Yagi struck Myanmar, impacting some 70 townships across 11 states and regions, an estimated 1.1 million people continue to deal with the aftermath. The catastrophic floods that followed have caused widespread damage, destroying houses and critical infrastructures – water sources, schools, roads and community facilities – and flooded crops and washed away livestock. The states and regions most affected include Nay Pyi Taw, Bago, Kayah, Kayin, Magway, Mandalay, Mon, and eastern and southern Shan states. This disaster has added another layer of complexity and vulnerability to an already precarious situation marked by conflict.

Access remains challenging in some areas with roads and bridges in need of urgent repairs to facilitate the delivery of urgent, life-saving assistance. Many families are without shelter and access to basic services, having lost basic household items such as kitchen utensils, bedding, water storage, facilities, and other daily essentials. UNHCR is actively responding to the most urgent needs, working alongside partners and other UN Agencies, particularly in the north-west and south-east of the country.

According to the Royal Thai Government, over 52,000 refugees crossed into Thailand seeking protection since February 2021. Most have since returned to Myanmar and no new arrivals have been reported since June 2024.

Since February 2021, close to 70,000 people from Myanmar’s North-West region have sought protection in India. Out of this population, 8,241 are registered with UNHCR. The Indian Army Chief recently reaffirmed India's commitment to sheltering displaced people from Myanmar and providing essential aid. This statement follows recent clashes in the Ukhrul district, which resulted in six casualties, underscoring the challenges border communities and newly arrived Myanmar refugees face. Reports suggest an increase in new arrivals from Myanmar to border villages in Manipur's Tengnoupal and Chandel districts. Humanitarian agencies reported improvement in the security situation in Manipur's border districts although strict curfews remain in effect in some locations. While essential services remained operational, heavy rainfall significantly disrupted economic activities, leaving both host communities and displaced people without livelihoods. Newly arrived populations face acute shortages of food, medical care and essential commodities. Recogizing the impact on communities in the region, local authorities have called for additional government resources for the response.