YANGON, Myanmar: The death toll in Myanmar has surged to 74 following the devastation wrought by Typhoon Yagi, according to state media reports on Sunday.
Floods and landslides caused by the typhoon, which struck the region last weekend, have claimed nearly 350 lives across Myanmar, Vietnam, Laos, and Thailand. The floods have led to the destruction of over 65,000 homes and damaged five dams, exacerbating the crisis.
The latest figures indicate that 89 people remain missing in Myanmar, while more than 235,000 individuals have been displaced. The disaster has particularly impacted central regions, including the low-lying capital Naypyidaw, where extensive farmland has been submerged.
The situation has been further complicated by damaged infrastructure, including roads and bridges, and disrupted communication networks, making information gathering challenging. The country’s ongoing conflict, following the military coup in 2021, has intensified the humanitarian crisis, with over 2.7 million people already displaced by the conflict.
In response to the disaster, Myanmar’s junta chief has requested international aid, a notable shift from the military’s previous stance of blocking or impeding foreign humanitarian efforts. The military had previously restricted aid to victims of Cyclone Mocha last year, highlighting ongoing difficulties in addressing the needs of those affected by natural disasters amidst political instability.
