Typhoon Yagi's deadly toll: Myanmar food crisis deepens

The death toll from flooding in Myanmar has risen to at least 113, according to the country's military government, following torrential rains triggered by Typhoon Yagi, which has wreaked devastation throughout Southeast Asia.

At least 320,000 people have been displaced, with 64 still missing, according to a late-night newscast on state-run MRTV. "The government is conducting a rescue and rehabilitation mission," he told reporters.

The devastating impact of Typhoon Yagi has been further exacerbated by Myanmar's ongoing political turmoil and limited infrastructure. Local aid workers report severe challenges in reaching remote areas, with many communities cut off from essential supplies and medical assistance. The flooding has also raised concerns about potential disease outbreaks, as contaminated water sources pose significant health risks to displaced populations.

Typhoon Yagi, Asia's strongest typhoon this year, has killed hundreds of people in Vietnam and Thailand, and flooded towns in both nations. According to state media estimates, flooding in Myanmar began last Monday and had killed at least 74 people by Friday.

As rescue efforts continue, harrowing stories of survival have emerged from affected areas. In one instance, a family of five was rescued from the roof of their submerged home after clinging to it for over 24 hours. Such accounts highlight the urgent need for increased rescue resources and international support to address the scale of this disaster.

Myanmar has been in upheaval since a military coup in February 2021, with violence engulfing most of the country. According to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), the storm's rains primarily damaged the capital Naypyidaw, the Mandalay, Magway, and Bago districts, as well as eastern and southern Shan state, Mon, Kayah, and Kayin states.

"Central Myanmar is currently the hardest hit, with numerous rivers and creeks flowing down from Shan hills," said to OCHA.

Environmental experts warn that the severity of Typhoon Yagi and its aftermath may be linked to climate change. Rising global temperatures are believed to contribute to more intense and frequent extreme weather events, putting vulnerable regions like Myanmar at increased risk. This disaster serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for global action on climate change and improved disaster preparedness in at-risk areas.

Reports of additional deaths and landslides have emerged, but gathering information has proven difficult owing to destroyed infrastructure and disrupted phone and internet lines. According to state media, the water wrecked five dams, four pagodas, and more than 65,000 dwellings.

The destruction of critical infrastructure, including dams and roads, poses significant challenges for long-term recovery efforts. Rebuilding these essential structures will require substantial resources and time, potentially leaving affected communities vulnerable to future disasters. The international community's support will be crucial in helping Myanmar rebuild and strengthen its resilience against future natural calamities.

Around one-third of Myanmar's 55 million people require humanitarian assistance, yet many aid organizations, including the International Committee of the Red Cross, are unable to operate in many places due to access limitations and security concerns.