Ongoing conflict empties schools, diseases from toxic mine waste persecute villagers from Myanmar

Over 1,000 schools in western Myanmar have been abandoned by pupils, Radio Free Asia reported on Thursday, adding that most educators in battlegrounds are also fleeing for their lives.

According to the article, escalating battles in northern Rakhine state between the junta and Arakan Army have emptied schools in 10 townships.

Residents in northern Myanmar are contracting diseases from nearby chemical waste, RFA also reported on November 24.

In Kachin state, rare earth mining produces toxic chemicals that end up in water sources, the locals have confirmed.

In Momauk township’s In Khaung Par village, locals said they are getting skin diseases after contact with water in a nearby stream.

According to locals, liquid waste from mining sites is drained into a stream near In Khaung Par village, affecting the skin on legs, palms and body. Many residents reported symptoms like peeling skin, rashes and sores on their hands, arms and legs.