PHNOM PENH: Nearly 3,000 families in Banteay Meanchey and Pursat provinces are unable to return to their homes at all, while many others returned to find their houses damaged or destroyed and are forced to stay in displacement camps.
According to the Ministry of Interior, at least 2,822 families, including 2,735 families in Banteay Meanchey province and 87 families in Pursat, cannot return to their villages and homes.
Although the ministry did not specify the reason, it is likely due to the placement of shipping containers and razor wire barricades by the Thai military.
Meanwhile, in Oddar Meanchey province, 84 villages are still not accessible, with local authorities and relevant officials currently working to clear explosive remnants of war (ERWs) and make urgent repairs.
As of Friday (Jan 16) morning, 140,693 refugees remained in sanctuary camps, including 73,616 women and 46,180 children.
“Some refugees have returned to their villages, but are forced to stay in temporary camps again because their homes have been completely destroyed or are riddled with unexploded ordnance fired by the Thai military,” said the ministry.
Authorities are continuing to assess the total impact and overall damage, while providing food and arranging transport to the remaining displaced citizens. - The Phnom Penh Post/ANN
