Tue Sep 17 06:05:00 UTC 2024: ## Typhoon Yagi Devastates Myanmar, Adding to Nation’s Woes

**Naypyidaw, Myanmar** – Typhoon Yagi, the strongest storm to hit Asia this year, has wreaked havoc in Myanmar, claiming at least 226 lives and affecting over 631,000 people. The storm has exacerbated the already dire situation in the war-torn nation, placing further strain on its limited resources.

Torrential rains triggered widespread flooding, damaging infrastructure and crops across 84 townships, including the capital Naypyidaw. More than 158,000 homes have been inundated, with over 2,000 destroyed, forcing tens of thousands to seek shelter in relief camps. The death toll is expected to rise as rescue efforts continue, with over 70 people still missing.

The severity of the disaster has prompted the junta chief, Min Aung Hlaing, to make a rare plea for international aid. “Officials from the government need to contact foreign countries to receive rescue and relief aid,” state media quoted him as saying.

Neighboring India has already provided 10 tons of aid, including food, clothing, and medicine. However, evacuation and rescue efforts are hampered by damaged infrastructure, ongoing conflicts, and a lack of funding, according to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs.

Yagi’s impact has also been felt in neighboring Thailand and Vietnam. In Thailand, heavy rains have continued across several flood-affected provinces, claiming 45 lives since mid-August. In Vietnam, the storm left a trail of destruction, killing over 350 people and causing $1.6 billion in damage. Experts have attributed the increased intensity of the storm to global warming.

With the Sittaung River exceeding its danger level and heavy rains expected in the coming days, the situation in Myanmar remains precarious. The junta has pledged to conduct a thorough assessment of the damage and provide support accordingly.

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