The United Nations says at least 3.4 million more people will struggle to afford food in the next three to six months with urban areas worst affected as job losses mount.
According to a World Food Programme (WFP) analysis, areas affected are manufacturing, construction and services and food prices rise while more poor people have lost their jobs and are unable to afford food.
WFP country director Stephen Anderson said in a statement that concerted response is required now to alleviate immediate suffering, and to prevent an alarming deterioration in food security.
The WFP said market prices of rice and cooking oil had risen by 5 per cent and 18 per cent since the end of February, showing families in the commercial capital of Yangon were skipping meals, eating less nutritious food, and going into debt.
The agency added it plans to expand operations, tripling to 3.3 million the number of people it assists, and is appealing for $106 million.
Food insecurity is rising sharply in Myanmar in the wake of the military coup and deepening financial crisis with millions more people expected to go hungry in coming months,.
Myanmar’s army seized power on Feb.1, plunging the Southeast Asian nation into turmoil and cracking down on mass protests and reportedly killing over 700 people.
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