On Friday afternoon, March 22, 2013, at 3.30 p.m., a fire started in Mae Surin Camp where 3,524 refugee were accommodated. With the strong wind blowing, the fire rapidly spread from Section 1 to Section 4 of the camp, which is located in Khun Yuam District, Mae Hong Son Province. Thousands of refugees were in panic trying to escape, while many ran towards mountain. It took 3 hours before the fire was taken out.

After the fire, 37 refugees were found dead, including those in hospital. 200 houses which were about half of the camp, were burned down, and 2,300 refugees became homeless. Among the deaths are vulnerable refugees i.e. children, handicapped and elderly. One COERR camp-base staff was killed and one lost her daughter in the incident. 10 out of 13 COERR camp-base staff lost their houses and were among the homeless.

The coordinating meeting was immediately organized, and daily held among the concern NGOs, UNHCR and Government officers. COERR is also appointed sector lead for the non-food items. So far COERR Mae Hong Son delivered the emergency supplies valued at over THB. 300,000.- to the affected people, as follows: mosquito nets, blankets, pillows, mats, rubbish bags, spoon, plate, bowls, slippers and buckets. For the efficient relief teamwork, COERR staff from other Field Offices like Mae Sarieng, Mae Sod and Kanchanaburi also rushed to help the Mae Hong Son relief team.

However, needs still prevail and COERR look forward to receiving additional donation for the procurement of the needy items such as candles as the camp has no electricity, 200-liter water containers, buckets with lids to contain food, water bowls, slippers, kitchenware (plates, spoons, cooking pots, etc.), women’s undergarment, etc.

COERR would like to request our readers for the donation of these emergency items for the suffering refugees. Your donation in cash is also one of the best way to enable us to do the purchase in the local market and make fast delivery to the refugees. Donation to COERR can be made through the following channels:

You can follow at www.facebook.com/coerr.fb