Dhaka: An estimated 655,000 Rohingya have crossed into Bangladesh fleeing violence in Myanmar’s Rakhine State since August 25, increasing the total Rohingya population in Cox’s Bazar to 867,000, said the UN migration agency on Sunday.

It said the new arrivals are living in spontaneous settlements increasing the need for humanitarian assistance, including shelter, food, clean water, and sanitation.

The IOM identified a number of challenges that include the recent diphtheria outbreak (over 900 reported cases); demarcation and construction on land without prior engagement with site management, leading to confusion; lack of access to food amongst Rohingyas in certain camp areas, and limited access to, and inadequate, WASH services.

The IOM is working closely with the government of Bangladesh and the humanitarian community to meet the needs of the displaced population.

The IOM and its partners continue to scale up operations to respond to the needs of the new arrivals, existing Rohingya, and affected host communities.