Severe flooding across Myanmar has claimed at least 74 lives and left 89 people missing as of Friday evening, according to state media reports on Sunday. Heavy rains triggered widespread floods across the war-torn country, leading to one of the worst natural disasters in recent years.
Search and rescue operations are ongoing, with authorities racing against time to find those missing. The floods, caused by torrential rains and exacerbated by Typhoon Yagi—the strongest storm to hit Asia this year—have devastated numerous regions in Myanmar.
Adverse weather brought on by Typhoon Yagi has not only affected Myanmar but has also led to the deaths of hundreds of people in Vietnam and Thailand. Floodwaters from swollen rivers have inundated cities in both countries, highlighting the widespread impact of this powerful typhoon.
In Myanmar, the floods have affected 462 villages and wards across 64 townships in Nay Pyi Taw, Bago, Mandalay, and Ayeyawady regions, as well as Mon, Kayin, and Shan states. The flooding, which began last Monday, has destroyed critical infrastructure, including five dams and four pagodas. More than 65,000 houses have been destroyed, displacing thousands of residents.
Reports of additional deaths and landslides have emerged, but the full extent of the damage remains unclear due to the challenges in gathering information. Damaged infrastructure and downed phone and internet lines have hindered communication and relief efforts.
With search and rescue operations underway, Myanmar’s authorities are appealing for international assistance to cope with the disaster’s aftermath. The government is focusing on providing immediate relief to affected communities while assessing the long-term impact on the country’s economy and infrastructure.
The severe flooding underscores the vulnerability of Myanmar and its neighboring countries to extreme weather events exacerbated by climate change. As the nation grapples with this tragedy, the resilience and solidarity of its people become ever more critical.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
