Thu Sep 19 07:27:35 UTC 2024: ## WFP Launches Major Flood Response in Myanmar After Devastating Super Typhoon Yagi
**YANGON** – The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) is launching a massive flood response in Myanmar this week, aiming to provide emergency food assistance to hundreds of thousands of people affected by Super Typhoon Yagi. This response represents a significant escalation of WFP’s flood relief efforts, which have been ongoing since July.
Super Typhoon Yagi, which struck Myanmar on September 11th, has caused widespread devastation across the country, resulting in severe flooding and landslides. Eight states – Bago, Kayah, Kayin, Magway, Mandalay, Mon, Nay Pyi Taw, and Shan – have been particularly hard-hit, with the floods causing hundreds of deaths and affecting at least 631,000 people.
“This is the worst flooding Myanmar has seen in recent history,” said Sheela Matthew, WFP Myanmar Representative. “Much of the country is submerged, and some areas are witnessing their first floods in decades. The impact on food security will be devastating.”
Prior to the typhoon, over 13 million people in Myanmar were already facing food insecurity. The floods have further exacerbated this situation, leading WFP to provide a one-month ration of emergency food, including rice, fortified biscuits, and nutrition products, to up to half a million people.
WFP teams are working with local organizations to assess the damage caused to crops, livelihoods, and people’s ability to access food. They are also actively distributing food to remote communities where access is challenging due to the flooding.
“Our teams are working around the clock to respond to the growing needs,” Matthew added.
WFP has already reached 185,000 people affected by earlier floods in July and August. This new response will provide critical assistance to a far larger population as the country grapples with the aftermath of Super Typhoon Yagi.
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