Heavy rains in Myanmar have caused severe flooding, killing at least 19 people in and around the capital city, Naypyitaw. Rescue teams, according to the national fire service, have relocated around 3,600 displaced residents to safer areas using boats.
The extreme weather, triggered by Typhoon Yagi—the most powerful storm to hit Asia this year—has already claimed more than 230 lives across Vietnam and Thailand. Floodwaters from overflowing rivers have also inundated major cities in both countries.
Myanmar, already reeling from political and economic turmoil following a military coup in February 2021, faces additional challenges with this natural disaster. The country is in the midst of an armed rebellion, with new resistance groups and ethnic minority armies opposing the military junta. The ongoing conflict, coupled with a deepening economic crisis, could be worsened by the impact of the floods.
Satellite imagery from the U.N.-backed Myanmar Information Management Unit (MIMU) revealed that about 162 sq km of land around Naypyitaw was flooded on Thursday. Additionally, 366 sq km around Mandalay, Myanmar’s second-largest city, was also submerged.
The fire department reported on Thursday that 3,602 flood-affected people were rescued from 30 locations, with 19 confirmed dead. Photographs shared by the department showed rescue workers bringing stranded residents, including women and children, down from rooftops into boats as floodwaters swamped buildings.
Myanmar’s humanitarian crisis continues to deepen, with about a third of the country’s 55 million people in need of aid. However, many aid agencies, including the International Committee of the Red Cross, are unable to operate in numerous regions due to security risks and access restrictions.
Key Points:
- Death Toll and Displacement: Heavy rains caused severe flooding in Myanmar, killing at least 19 people and displacing around 3,600 residents, particularly in and around the capital, Naypyitaw.
- Typhoon Yagi’s Impact: The flooding was triggered by Typhoon Yagi, the strongest storm to hit Asia this year, which has already claimed over 230 lives in Vietnam and Thailand.
- Worsening Crisis: The floods add to Myanmar’s existing turmoil following the 2021 military coup, exacerbating an economic crisis amid an ongoing armed rebellion.
- Flooded Areas: Satellite data shows 162 sq km around Naypyitaw and 366 sq km near Mandalay have been submerged.
- Rescue Operations: Rescue teams have been moving stranded residents, including women and children, to safety using boats, as many were trapped on rooftops.
- Humanitarian Challenges: One-third of Myanmar’s population requires humanitarian aid, but access is restricted due to security risks and conflict, limiting the efforts of organizations like the Red Cross.
