Myanmar Emergency Update (as of 30 September 2024)

OVERVIEW

Following the military takeover in February 2021, vulnerabilities across Myanmar have deepened, exacerbated by the escalation in fighting since October 2023, which has worsened the humanitarian crisis. Indiscriminate attacks on civilians and prolonged conflict are likely to cause further displacement, with incidents reported across the country affecting civilians, IDPs, aid workers and their families.

On 9 September, Typhoon Yagi made landfall, bringing heavy rains and widespread flooding that affected nearly one million people across 70 townships, including Nay Pyi Taw Union Territory, Bago, Magway, and Mandalay regions, as well as Kayah, Kayin, Mon, Rakhine, and Shan states (East and South). Heavy rains also destroyed livelihoods and infrastructure such as health facilities, schools, and critical roads and bridges. Although access challenges due to inaccessible roads has made it difficult to verify numbers, according to OCHA, around 360 deaths have been reported with 100 people still unaccounted for. UNHCR is monitoring the situation, actively participating in inter-agency rapid needs assessments and working closely with humanitarian partners on data verification and protection-based responses. So far, UNHCR and partners have supported over 7,000 flood-affected people (about 1,650 families) with core relief items and shelter materials in Shan State (South), with more assistance underway.

In the North-East, clashes continued while the North-West, severely impacted by floods, also experienced armed clashes, shelling, improvised explosive device attacks, and airstrikes. These incidents resulted in civilian casualties, property damage, and displacement. In Rakhine State (Central), clashes have been reported, forcing people to seek safety and shelter within townships or relocate to Yangon. In Maungdaw Township, airstrikes hit near the UNHCR compound, causing damage and destroying a WFP warehouse. In Rakhine State (North), the situation remains unchanged, with continued airstrikes. In the South-East, recurrent clashes resulted in civilian casualties, displacement, and property damage.

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.

In India, approximately 69,200 people from Myanmar’s North-West region have sought protection since February 2021, with 7,944 registering with UNHCR. On 1 September, violence escalated in Manipur’s Imphal West-Kang-pokpi border area, resulting in two deaths and several injuries in the host community. Amid renewed violence and student protests, a total curfew was imposed in Imphal West, Imphal East, and Thoubal districts alongside a five-day suspension on mobile internet services. Although essential services were exempt, the curfew reportedly hindered aid delivery to recent Myanmar arrivals. India’s Union Home Minister announced a roadmap to address the situation in Manipur.

The Armed Forces Special Powers Act was extended for six more months in most parts of Manipur, effective 1 October, due to ongoing insecurity. Critical humanitarian needs, including food, healthcare and other essential services, remain for Myanmar arrivals in Mizoram and Manipur, requiring increased support and resources for humanitarian agencies and local authorities.