The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) says international aid groups are struggling to reach people in need in Rakhine State as the Myanmar junta continues to restrict access.

In a recent statement, ICRC speaks of its concerns.

“In Rakhine, as in many other conflict-affected areas throughout Myanmar, humanitarian access to deliver aid remains challenging, particularly in rural areas. Despite the difficulties in reaching these communities, our team is doing its best to continue providing vital aid to most in need. ICRC can only reach vulnerable people when humanitarian access is granted, respected and facilitated by all,” the statement says.

After Cyclone Mocha, the ICRC and partner organisations responded to the needs of the most vulnerable in Rakhine providing materials to build shelter and improve access to clean water and sanitation to communities living in Ponnagyun, Rathedaung, Kyauktaw and Mrauk-U townships, the organization says. Tarpaulins, bamboo poles, iron sheets, shelter tool kits, nails and other related materials were provided to over 5,000 families (21,140 individuals).

The ICRC also provided water purifiers and chlorine tablets to prevent water borne diseases. By constructing temporary latrines and donating tarpaulins and sanitations kits, the ICRC helped to improve hygiene in distressed communities and promoted practices to prevent communicable diseases.

A number of international and local aid organizations have spoken of their frustration over the junta red-tape that has made it difficult to aid Cyclone Mocha victims in Rakhine, and also other people in need in this state.