Death toll from Myanmar floods caused by Typhoon Yagi now at 226

Myanmar's military junta made an unusual request for foreign assistance over the weekend. The death toll in Myanmar from Typhoon Yagi has surpassed 220, with nearly 80 individuals still missing, as reported by the military government.

The typhoon affected several countries in early September, including northern Vietnam, Laos, Thailand, and Myanmar, resulting in over 500 fatalities across the region. In Myanmar, severe floods and mudslides caused the death of at least 226 people and the destruction of entire villages.

The United Nations highlighted that more than half a million people in Myanmar urgently require food, drinking water, shelter, and clothing due to the devastation caused by the storm. Around 600,000 acres of crops were destroyed, with the Naypyidaw region being one of the hardest-hit areas.

The impact of Typhoon Yagi extended to nine states and regions in Myanmar, including the capital Naypyidaw, Mandalay, Magway, and Bago, all situated along the Irrawady River. Additionally affected were Shan State in the northeast, as well as Mon, Karenni, and Kayin states in the south.

Since early 2021, Myanmar has been embroiled in a civil war following the military's seizure of power from the democratically-elected government. The conflict has resulted in numerous casualties and the displacement of millions, with armed resistance groups challenging the ruling military junta.

The flooding in Myanmar, described as one of the worst in recent history by the United Nations, has affected approximately 630,000 people. Relief efforts have been hindered by blocked roads, damaged infrastructure, and limited access to affected areas, such as Shan State controlled by rebel forces.

The military junta in Myanmar issued a rare plea for assistance, with India being the only country to respond by providing aid, including food, clothing, and medicine. Typhoon Yagi also caused casualties in Thailand and Laos, with Vietnam reporting 292 deaths, 38 missing individuals, and significant damage to homes, crops, and manufacturing facilities.