There are approximately 150,000 internally displaced people (IDPs) in need of food and medical supplies in the KNU Brigade 3 controlled area of Kler Lwee Htoo (Nyaunglaebin District), in Bago Region.

Saw Lae Ka Paw, a spokesperson for the Karen Peace Support Network (KPSN), said: “Currently there are around 150,000 IDPs. The villagers have been forced to flee because the military opened fire with artillery.”

He added that most of the IDPs were children and elderly people and they are in need of food and medical care.

He said: “We need essential medical supplies because the summer season in Myanmar causes colds, runny noses, coughs, and illnesses of many kinds. We are collaborating with the KNU clinic regarding emergencies.”

He explained that the situation is tense in the Brigade 3 area and preparations such as gathering food and medical supplies, must be made for people who will have to flee fighting.

"The fighting is currently becoming more intense. As a result, we need a lot of things. We are working with other Karen social organisations to stay safe during the rainy season”, he said.

Currently, the KPSN is trying to raise funds and it requesting long-term food and medical supplies for IDPs in the Brigade 3 area.

Over 1.8 million people have fled their homes across Myanmar, according to a report issued on 5 April by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOHCR).