Supporting communities in Kachin after devastating artillery attack

2 mins read time

In October, an artillery attack in Kachin State Myanmar destroyed the community of Munglai Hkyet, one of the internally displaced persons (IDP) camps we support in Kachin State. Find out what our partners have been doing to support those affected in the aftermath of the bombing.

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The community of Munglai Hkyet, populated by civilians, was bombed just before midnight on the 9th October, 2023. The attack killed 29 people, including 12 children, two of whom attended our preschool centre here; which was also destroyed. ​

The community of Munglai Hkyet was completely destroyed

Since the devastating attack, our partners on the ground in Kachin have been working to support those people affected. In the immediate aftermath, they arranged for families to be relocated into the Laiza area to take refuge in churches, tents and other people’s homes.

​Their offices were also used as shelter for staff and their families who were affected by the bombings. The offices’ proximity to the Chinese border offered some degree of safety from further attacks.

Families are taking refuge in temporary shelters and tents

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​Food provisions were arranged for those who lost their homes and were displaced by the fighting. Warm clothing and blankets are also being provided as the winter season begins. The distribution of warm clothing is a long-standing part of our programme in Kachin State, and takes place each year, but this is all the more urgent given the circumstances right now.
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Displaced families face uncertainty in their temporary accommodation

 
To help support the youngest children, staff and teachers from our preschool centres have been visiting families affected by the bombings in order to provide care, council, and play opportunities for preschool aged children whilst in their temporary homes.
 
Our partners are now working with officials to identify new safe areas for people from Munglai Hkyet to relocate to. These new sites will be closer to the Chinese border, which should offer greater safety from further attacks. Once these new areas have been established, we make plans to continue to provide high quality support and care to the youngest children displaced by conflict. 

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FIND OUT MORE ABOUT OUR WORK IN KACHIN STATE

YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE

You can support families displaced by bombing in Kachin State with a donation today and help our partners respond to the crisis on the ground. 

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