Famine may affect more than 2 million people.
In the war-torn Myanmar Rakhine state, there is a threat of famine that could affect more than two million people, according to a report published by the United Nations (UN) on Friday. This is reported by TASR based on a Reuters report.
Rice production has fallen due to lack of seed, fertilizer and bad weather
According to the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), rice production in Rakhine State has declined due to lack of seeds and fertilizers, adverse weather and displacement of people.
“Combined with the near-total shutdown of trade, more than two million people are at risk of starvation,” the UN warns. Humanitarian organizations, including the Red Cross, have faced severe difficulties in assessing needs and providing humanitarian aid due to restrictions by Myanmar’s military junta.
“The Rakhine state is standing on the precipice of an unprecedented disaster,” the UNDP report says. The spokesman for the Myanmar military junta did not comment on the situation, Reuters reports.
The number of internally displaced persons in Rakhine State increased by more than 60 percent from October 2023 to August this year. More than half a million people are completely dependent on humanitarian aid, according to UNDP.
Myanmar has been the scene of violent civil conflict since the coup of February 1, 2021 and the ouster of leader Aung San Suu Kyi.
