Myanmar flood death toll rises to 226

The death toll from severe flooding in Myanmar following Typhoon Yagi has surged to 226, with the UN warning that up to 630,000 people may require urgent assistance.

Typhoon Yagi struck northern Vietnam, Laos, Thailand, and Myanmar over a week ago, bringing strong winds and heavy rain that triggered floods and landslides across the region, claiming more than 500 lives.

Myanmar’s state TV confirmed on Monday that the death toll had doubled from 113 to 226, with 77 people still missing. The floods have also destroyed nearly 260,000 hectares (640,000 acres) of rice paddies and other crops.

The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA) estimated that around 631,000 people in Myanmar have been affected by the flooding. Relief efforts are being hindered by communication breakdowns, blocked roads, and damaged bridges.

The UN’s World Food Programme described the disaster as the worst flooding in Myanmar’s recent history. The military junta has made a rare appeal for foreign aid, with India being the first to respond, sending 10 tonnes of supplies. However, more resources are urgently needed.

Even before the floods, Myanmar was grappling with the effects of three years of conflict, with millions displaced by the ongoing war between the junta and opposition groups.