Myanmar hit by deadly floods after Cyclone Yagi

Severe flooding has hit Myanmar following Cyclone Yagi, forcing more than 230,000 people to flee their homes, according to officials.

The country’s ruling military junta has asked for foreign aid to mitigate the impact, state media reported. The capital Naypyidaw is among the worst-hit areas.

The country’s military said the floods had killed at least 33 people. The state-run New Light of Myanmar newspaper said several temporary relief camps had been set up for the homeless.

Asia’s strongest storm this year, Typhoon Yagi, has swept through Vietnam, China’s Hainan Island and the Philippines.

According to state media, General Min Aung Hlaing, head of the military government, and other Myanmar officials visited areas hit by severe flooding and inspected rescue and relief work.

Reports by Radio Free Asia put the death toll much higher, with the US-backed station saying at least 160 people had died in floods and landslides.

A rescue worker in Taungoo told BBC Burmese on Saturday that more than 300 people were trapped by flooding on the east bank of the Sittaung River.

“There are not enough boats to save us,” said the rescuer.

Scientists say hurricanes and cyclones are becoming stronger and more frequent due to climate change. Warmer ocean waters mean hurricanes absorb more energy, leading to higher wind speeds.

Warmer air also holds more moisture, which can lead to heavier rainfall.

According to the United Nations, much of Myanmar’s population has been displaced by a three-year civil war that has killed thousands and displaced more than 2.6 million people.

According to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), an estimated 18.6 million people are currently in need of humanitarian assistance.

In an update on the ongoing humanitarian situation earlier this week, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) said many families in Myanmar lack access to clean water and sanitation, and basic medicines and health care.

“They live in fear of armed conflict and violence. The disruption to their livelihoods has left countless people without the means to sustain themselves,” ICRC president Mirjana Spoljaric said on Wednesday.