Myanmar faces deadly floods after Typhoon Yagi strikes

Myanmar has experienced devastating floods following heavy rains from Typhoon Yagi, which has been classified as the strongest storm to impact Asia this year. As of Sunday, the death toll has risen to at least 113, with 320,000 individuals displaced and 64 still unaccounted for. The military government has initiated rescue and rehabilitation efforts in response to the crisis. The flooding began last Monday, with initial reports indicating 74 fatalities by Friday. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported that the storm primarily affected the capital Naypyitaw and several regions, including Mandalay, Magway, and Bago, as well as parts of Shan state. Central Myanmar has been particularly hard hit, with swollen rivers and creeks causing significant damage. The situation has been exacerbated by ongoing violence and turmoil in the country since the military coup in February 2021. Infrastructure damage has made it difficult to gather accurate information, with reports of landslides and additional fatalities emerging. State media indicated that five dams, four pagodas, and over 65,000 homes have been destroyed. The humanitarian crisis is severe, with approximately one-third of Myanmar's population of 55 million requiring assistance. Many aid organizations, including the International Committee of the Red Cross, face challenges in providing support due to access restrictions and security concerns. The combination of natural disaster and ongoing political instability has created a dire situation for the affected populations, highlighting the urgent need for humanitarian aid and support.