Families along Cambodia's border with Thailand are now living in limbo after the sudden eruption in cross-border tensions has forced tens of thousands of locals to flee their homes.
Following a period of calm after clashes first broke out along the border back in the summer, the conflict has dramatically reignited since Sunday afternoon, with both sides accusing the other of initiating the attack.
A spokesman for the Cambodian Defense Ministry said on Wednesday that more than 100,000 Cambodian villagers have fled their homes for safe zones amid the latest flare up.
In Banteay Meanchey province, an evacuation center has become a temporary refuge where feelings of fear, exhaustion and relief coexist. Families arrived in the dark carrying their children and only scarce belongings, after the unrest saw explosions across several frontier villages.
Officials say they are doing what they can to support the most vulnerable people at the temporary refuge camps which have been quickly set up.
"I've seen that the elderly, young children, pregnant women, and people with disabilities are suffering the most during this sudden evacuation. They're the most vulnerable, but they're receiving special care and attention from the government. We're doing everything possible to provide proper shelter, with medical teams on standby to support their health, and enough food to ensure no one goes hungry," said Oum Peatrey, provincial governor of Banteay Meanchey.
Amid the uncertainty, evacuees remain unsure about when they will be able to return home, as they still come to terms with the unwanted disruption to their life.
Many are anxious about their houses, crops, and livestock, but their deepest concerns are for their children who still don't understand why they had to flee or when life will return to normal.
"I fled as explosions fell behind us. I didn't even have a motorbike to take the essentials. I worry less about myself and more about my grandchildren -- they're so young, they don't understand what's happening. I pray every day for this to end, for Thailand to stop, and for us to live in peace," said an elderly woman named Kim Sophat.
Among those who have fled is 106-year-old Prem Prek, who has seen it all in his long life and simply hopes for no more suffering.
"All I want is peace and a better future for Cambodians. I hope the younger generation never has to know war or experience anything like this," he said.
Cambodian families flee border clashes as renewed fighting leaves many in limbo
