Myanmar Junta Bombardments Deepen Livelihood Crisis for Displaced Civilians in Werathani
Development Media Group
Tens of thousands of displaced civilians in Rakhine State’s Werathani Township face mounting survival and livelihood crises as Myanmar military forces escalate airstrikes, naval shelling, and artillery bombardments.
Junta jet fighters, navy warships, and heavy artillery units stationed at the Regional Operations Command (ROC) in nearby Sittwe routinely shell Werathani town and surrounding coastal communities.
Because residents rely almost exclusively on fishing and waterway transport, naval patrols have effectively paralyzed the local economy. Junta warships regularly fire upon and detain local fishermen, preventing families from harvesting food or earning an income.
"When airstrikes occur, residents face immense hardship," a displaced person in Werathani told DMG. "We want this war to end as quickly as possible. People live in constant fear."
Humanitarian workers report that tens of thousands of displaced people across the township remain without formal aid.
Over 100 displaced households—more than 400 people—are sheltering in makeshift conditions in Hsintetmaw Village. Among them, over 20 families urgently require emergency assistance.
"Displaced families face severe challenges on all fronts," said Ma Do Lay, a local humanitarian worker. "When emergencies arise, people lack even basic funds to pay for river ferry fares. Due to constant airstrikes and artillery shelling, they urgently need shelter, food, and emergency healthcare."
Civilian casualties continue to rise.
On November 1, junta aircraft bombed Werathani town and Ywachaunggyi Village, injuring five residents, including three women.
The bombardments coincide with heavy ground fighting between junta troops and the Arakan Army (AA) on Ngapyi Island, along the border between Sittwe and Werathani townships.
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