Summary: "Inter - communal conflict erupted on 20 March following an argument in a shop selling gold items in the Eastern Market of Meikhtila, around 150 km south of M andalay in central Myanmar. Reports indicate a quarrel between a Buddhist cust omer and a Muslim shop owner escalated , leading to clashes that quickly spread to many parts of the town. In Meikhtila, a total of 12,846 people are estimated to have been displaced, including 9,563 now living in five temporary locations ( i.e. three schools, one education al college and a football stadium) with a further 3,283 in local monasteries. According to a recent UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs ( UNOCHA ) situational report , up to 40 people have been killed and 61 injured in the fighting with a n estimated total of 2,245 houses destroyed. The Myanmar Red Cross Society has responded immediately to those affected by the clashes , in co ordinat ion with the International Committee of the Red Cross ( ICRC ) , to provide search and rescue, first aid and referral services. Red Cross ambulances have also been used to transfer more serious cases of injury to local healthcare facilities. Local v olunteers are participating in support of the inter - agency assessment team to ascertain needs and are working closely with local authorities..."