Myanmar flood death toll rises to 226

Typhoon Yagi swept through northern Vietnam, Laos, Thailand and Myanmar more than a week ago, bringing strong winds and heavy rains, causing floods and landslides that, according to official figures, have killed more than 500 people.

Myanmar state television confirmed 226 people were killed and 77 were still missing on the evening of September 16. The source also said that nearly 260,000 hectares of rice and other crops had been destroyed by the floods.

An estimated 631,000 people have been affected by floods across Myanmar, the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA) said.

UNOCHA said food, water, shelter and clothing were urgently needed, warning that severed communication lines, blocked roads and damaged bridges were severely hampering relief efforts.

Difficult communication, especially with remote areas, also delayed information about casualties.

The United Nations World Food Programme said on September 16 that this was Myanmar's worst flooding in recent years, although it did not provide specific details.

Severe flooding hit the country in 2011 and 2015, killing more than 100 people in both events, while Cyclone 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 India has responded, sending 10 tonnes of supplies, including rations, clothes and medicine. UNOCHA said more resources are urgently needed.

Even before the floods, Myanmar's people were already dealing with the aftermath of two years of fighting between the military and armed groups, which has forced millions to flee their homes.