Myanmar Flooding Death Toll Rises Amid Ongoing Rescue Operations

Myanmar's flooding death toll has risen to 74 as of Friday evening due to heavy rains and Typhoon Yagi. Search and rescue operations are ongoing, with at least 89 people missing. The flooding affected significant regions and caused substantial infrastructure damage, hindering aid operations in the war-torn country.

Myanmar's flooding death toll increased to 74 by Friday evening, according to a state media report on Sunday. Heavy rains triggered widespread floods across the country, and search and rescue operations are actively continuing, with at least 89 people missing as of Friday evening.

Typhoon Yagi, the strongest storm to hit Asia this year, has wrought havoc in Vietnam and Thailand, killing hundreds and causing rivers to overflow. The flooding in Myanmar began last Monday, resulting in the deaths of at least 19 people by Friday morning.

Myanmar, reeling from a military coup in February 2021, has faced extensive violence and instability. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported that the storm's impact was severe in Naypyidaw, Mandalay, Magway, Bago, and regions like Shan, Mon, Kayah, and Kayin states. Central Myanmar is particularly affected due to numerous rivers and creeks stemming from Shan hills.

State media reported that the flooding destroyed five dams, four pagodas, and over 65,000 houses. One-third of Myanmar's population requires humanitarian aid, but agencies like the International Committee of the Red Cross face operational challenges due to accessibility and security concerns.

(With inputs from agencies.)