Khushi Bhuta, Pune
Typhoon Yagi has reportedly triggered mudslides and floods that have left over 226 dead and at least 80 missing in Myanmar. The storm has now killed a total of over 500 people across Vietnam, Laos, Thailand and Myanmar.
Furthermore, it has been reported that over 600,000 acres of crops have been destroyed as agriculture in the Naypyidaw region has been the worst affected. The United Nations has warned that Myanmar, already destroyed by an ongoing civil war, is facing a serious health crisis amid the deadly typhoon due to a serious lack of proper food, water, shelter, and clothing.
Among the worst hit are nine states including Naypyidaw, Mandalay, Magway, and Bago, which are all bordering the Irrawaddy River. Other affected areas include the Shan, Mon, Kayah, and Kayin states.
The war-torn country is currently primarily ruled by the military junta after the army overthrew the democratic government in 2021. Since then, several counter-groups have emerged in Myanmar leading to a deadly civil war. After having lost their power in several regions, the army has made its rule stricter. This has consequently led to poor communication, particularly in the rural areas.
In a rare instance, military junta chief Min Aung Hlaing has made a request for foreign aid in times of disaster. His official statement as reported by Myanmar’s state-controlled media has been reported as a plea stating, “Officials from the government need to contact foreign countries to receive rescue and relief aid.”
In response to the plea, Myanmar has received about 10 tonnes of aid from around the world, including India. In terms of aid, the country has received dry ration, medicines as well as clothing.
As per a report by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, over 631,000 people have been affected by the storm as “multiple sources indicate that hundreds of people have died, with many more missing.”
The state media of Myanmar has also reported that the country has put 82 relief camps in place to ensure the safety of those displaced by the effects of the storm. Along with the Sittaung and Bago rivers in Myanmar, those residing along Thailand’s Mekong River have also been warned of heavy rainfall.