Myanmar Emergency Update (as of 2 September 2024)

OVERVIEW

In Myanmar, humanitarian needs are rising as escalating conflict continues to drive displacement and exacerbate existing vulnerabilities. Since fighting escalated in October 2023, an estimated 1.8 million people have been displaced by widespread violence. In the North-East, fighting remained intense, particularly in Kachin State (South) which saw frequent airstrikes, ground troop movements, and artillery fire. In the NorthWest, increased air attacks in Mindat and Kanpetlet townships in southern Chin State displaced about 90% of Mindat’s residents to lowland areas in Magway Region. In Rakhine State (Central), nearly 50 people were killed by airstrikes, artillery shelling and landmine explosions while arbitrary arrests, detentions, and extortion were reported in Rakhine State (North). In early August, an estimated 20,000 people moved from Maungdaw downtown to the coastal area due to clashes. In addition, at least 60 to 100 people were killed in the coastal area as a result of artillery and drone attacks. In the South-East, severe flooding in parts of Kayin and Shan State (South) affected both IDP and host communities, leaving around 200 IDPs in villages along the Shan/ Kayah border in dire need of assistance. UNHCR has responded by distributing hygiene kits and tarpaulins to those affected by conflict and flooding in these areas.

According to the Royal Thai Government, over 52,000 refugees have crossed into Thailand seeking protection from fighting since the military takeover in Myanmar in February 2021, with all reportedly returning to Myanmar. No new arrivals from Myanmar were officially reported during the period.

Since February 2021, approximately 68,600 individuals from Myanmar’s North-West region have sought protection in India. Out of this population, 7,718 people registered with UNHCR in New Delhi. On 3 August, the Chief Minister of Manipur stated that 10,000 “illegal immigrants”, primarily from Myanmar, had been identified over the past five years. About 85 have reportedly been deported, and 143 remain in detention centres. The largest group, nearly 6,200 people, was reported in Kamjong District along the India-Myanmar border. To address reports of “illegal immigration” in Manipur, state authorities formed a 12-member ‘House Committee’ and increased checks, patrols, and monitoring of unofficial entry routes and border areas. On 7 August, restrictions were enforced near India's borders with Bangladesh and Myanmar in Mizoram's Lawngtlai District due to unrest in Bangladesh. On 19 August, Champhai District imposed a two-month restriction amid an investigation into alleged nut smuggling, which will likely impact cross-border movement from Myanmar. Since late July, residents in western Myanmar have reported severe food, fuel and medicine shortages following the closure of some India-Myanmar border crossings. Heavy monsoons continue to cause flooding, landslides, infrastructure damage, and outbreaks of malaria, typhoid, and diarrhoea in areas where Myanmar arrivals reside. Food, health, basic medicines, and water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) remain urgent needs among Myanmar arrivals in Mizoram and Manipur. Humanitarian agencies and state governments require more resources to ensure the provision of life-saving assistance for Myanmar arrivals.