WFP distributes food in Myanmar's Rakhine state

2012-11-10 259

Aid is distributed in Myanmar's troubled Rakhine state, where 100,000 people have been displaced in sectarian clashes.

At least 89 people have been killed here in recent violence between Buddhists and Muslims.

Houses have been burnt to the ground and people forced to flee.

The U.N. World Food Programme (WFP) has stepped up aid in the area, and says supplies are being distributed to guard against malnutrition.

The agency says the worst effected areas can only be reached by boat, along shallow waterways.

SOUNDBITE: WORLD FOOD PROGRAMME SPOKESPERSON FRANCES KENNEDY SAYING (English):

"WFP has dispatched supplies to the areas affected by the recent upsurge of violence in October in Rakhine state. That means precious one month food rations for around 35,000 people."

Food prices have risen dramatically in recent days, putting an extra strain on resources in the impoverished state.