Southeast Asia is facing a devastating aftermath of Typhoon Yagi, with the death toll surpassing 500, primarily in Myanmar, which has reported at least 226 casualties and 77 individuals missing, according to the state-run newspaper Myanma Alinn.
The typhoon, compounded by seasonal monsoon rains, wreaked havoc across central and eastern regions, severely affecting Mandalay, Magway, Bago, and Naypyitaw. While some areas are starting to recover as waters recede, others, particularly in Shan and Kayah states, remain in critical condition.
Yagi, which struck Vietnam last week with winds up to 92 miles per hour—the strongest in decades—also led to significant loss of life in the Philippines, southern China, and northern Thailand. Overall, nearly 300 fatalities were reported in Vietnam, with northern Thailand and Laos reporting 42 and 4 deaths, respectively.
In addition to the loss of life, the floods damaged over 160,000 homes, 1,040 schools, and various infrastructures in Myanmar. The military government has indicated that about 240,000 people are now displaced, prompting the establishment of 438 temporary relief camps for over 160,000 flood victims.
Amid ongoing civil conflict since the military seized power in 2021, assessing the disaster’s full impact has become challenging. The UN reports that nearly 631,000 people are affected by the floods, with water levels still critical in some areas. This has compounded an already serious humanitarian crisis in a country that had around 3.4 million displaced individuals at the start of September.
Significant agricultural land and infrastructure have been damaged, raising alarms about food security. The UN emphasizes urgent needs for food, water, healthcare, and shelter, but efforts are obstructed by damaged transportation routes and ongoing violence.
In a glimmer of hope, the ruling military government announced that international aid is beginning to arrive, with more support expected from the Association of Southeast Asia.
Myanmar isn’t new to such calamities; Cyclone Nargis in 2008 led to over 138,000 lives lost. Experts alert that climate change could make storms like Yagi more frequent and intense, as warmer seas fuel stronger storms.
This article includes reporting from The Associated Press.