The death toll from floods in Myanmar has risen to 226.
The death toll from severe flooding in Myanmar following Typhoon Yagi has doubled to 226. Meanwhile, the United Nations warns that up to 630,000 people may need assistance.
Typhoon Yagi swept through northern Vietnam, Laos, Thailand, and Myanmar more than a week ago, bringing strong winds and heavy rainfall, causing floods and landslides that, according to official figures, have killed more than 500 people.
Myanmar's state television confirmed on the evening of September 16th that 226 people had died and 77 were still missing. The report also stated that nearly 260,000 hectares of rice and other crops had been destroyed by the floods.
The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA) said that an estimated 631,000 people have been affected by floods across Myanmar.
UNOCHA said that food, water, shelter, and clothing were all urgently needed, warning that cut communication lines, blocked roads, and damaged bridges were severely hindering relief efforts.
Difficult communication, especially in remote areas, also meant that information about casualties was slow to be released.
The United Nations World Food Programme said on September 16 that this was Myanmar's worst flood in recent years, although it did not provide specific details.
Severe flooding occurred in the country in 2011 and 2015, with more than 100 deaths in both events, while Hurricane Nargis in 2008 left more than 138,000 dead or missing.
Over the weekend, Myanmar's military government issued an appeal for foreign aid, and so far only India has responded, sending 10 tons of supplies, including dried food, clothing, and medicine. UNOCHA said it urgently needs more resources.
Even before the floods, the people of Myanmar were facing the consequences of two years of fighting between the army and armed groups, which forced millions to flee their homes due to the conflict.
