The devastating aftermath of Typhoon Yagi continues to unfold in Myanmar, with the death toll from floods rising to 268. The junta’s information team reported that 88 people remain missing, adding to the growing humanitarian crisis unfolding in the wake of the storm.
Over a week ago, Typhoon Yagi swept across Southeast Asia, bringing heavy rains and strong winds to northern Vietnam, Laos, Thailand, and Myanmar. The storm triggered widespread flooding and landslides, claiming the lives of 588 people across the region. In Myanmar alone, the floods have impacted 56 townships, resulting in the tragic loss of life and displacement of countless individuals.
The junta’s statement revealed that nearly 270,000 hectares of rice and other crops have been submerged, a devastating blow to the country’s agricultural sector. Additionally, over 100,000 farm animals perished in the floods, further exacerbating the economic hardship.
The United Nations has issued a warning that as many as 630,000 people in Myanmar might require immediate assistance. In response to the crisis, the junta made a rare appeal for international aid, acknowledging the overwhelming scale of the disaster.
An Indian navy ship delivered vital aid, including dried food, clothing, medicine, and tents, to Thilawa port in Yangon, Myanmar’s commercial hub. The junta’s chief, Min Aung Hlaing, has ordered swift rehabilitation efforts, aiming to restore normalcy within six months.
The floods in Myanmar have added to the already dire situation in the country, which has been plagued by conflict and political instability since the 2021 military coup. Millions of people have been displaced, facing severe hardship and uncertainty. The ongoing humanitarian crisis demands urgent international attention and support to alleviate the suffering and provide necessary assistance to those affected by the devastating floods.
