Typhoon Yagi, the strongest storm to hit Asia in 2024, has devastated Myanmar, leaving at least 226 people dead and 70 missing.
More than half a million people have been affected by the storm, which has caused widespread flooding in 84 communities, including the capital Naypyitaw. Tens of thousands of people have taken refuge in relief camps as Myanmar's already depleted resources struggle with the aftermath.
Time magazine reported that more than 158,000 homes were submerged in floodwaters and 2,116 destroyed. Relief efforts are underway in 438 camps across the country, with survivors seeking shelter as the disaster continues to unfold.
The scale of the destruction prompted Burma's junta leader, Min Aung Hlaing, to launch an unprecedented appeal for international aid. "Government officials need to contact foreign countries for rescue and humanitarian assistance," he said.
Neighboring India has already provided 10 tonnes of aid including food, clothing and medicines, but the need for more help remains urgent. The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) estimated that 631,000 people were affected by the typhoon.
"Multiple sources indicate hundreds of people have been killed and many more are missing," the UN agency said, warning that the death toll could rise. In the nearby Thailand, heavy rain is expected to continue, making the floods worse in 13 states. According to the Thai disaster prevention department, the flood died at least 45 people and influenced 28,000 households from mid -August. Typhoon Yagi also caused extensive damage in Vietnam, killing more than 350 people and causing damages estimated at $1.6 billion.
Vietnam was hit by its most powerful storm in decades, raising concerns about the intensification of tropical cyclones due to global warming. Relief operations continue in Myanmar, but are hampered by damaged infrastructure, ongoing armed conflict and limited funding. Junta spokesman Major General Zaw Min Tun said a full assessment of the damage was underway to provide the necessary aid. Meanwhile, Myanmar's Meteorological Department warned of continuing heavy rains and rising river levels, especially near the Sittaung River, which has risen five feet above the danger mark.
Further rains are forecast in the coming days in three states, including war-torn Rakhine, which are expected to deepen the country's woes.
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