Refugees are taking shelter in camps in five townships: Namtu, Kutkai, Mongyai, Namhkam and Kyaukme.

Over 80 refugees are staying in makeshift tents in Namtu. The two camps in Kutkai shelter more than 700 refugees. Some 500 refugees take shelter in camps in Kyaukme. Some refugees escaped to Mogok and urban areas of Kyaukme in which the Thiho Monastery shelters hundreds of refugees.

“Some refugees returned to their homes but when they saw there was nothing to go back to, they decided to return to the camps,” said Lo Poe Kyinti from the Ta’ang Women Organisation.

Rebels reportedly kidnapped the villagers and burned houses in Lanaw village, Namhkam.

The battles started on February 7 and are still raging.

Refugees are in immediate need of warm clothes, blankets, food and other essentials.