Death toll from Typhoon Yagi in Myanmar reaches 74; dozens still missing

The death toll from Typhoon Yagi in Myanmar has risen to at least 74, with 89 people still missing, according to a report by state media. This is an increase from the previously reported toll of 33 deaths. However, due to difficulties in gathering information, the actual number of casualties may be higher.

Previously, Typhoon Yagi ravaged Vietnam, northern Thailand, and Laos, resulting in over 260 fatalities and widespread destruction, according to Associated Press.

The updated numbers follow an announcement by Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, head of the ruling military council, that Myanmar is seeking international aid. Nearly 240,000 people have been displaced, adding to the 3.4 million displaced by conflict and unrest prior to the storm, according to the UN refugee agency.

Flooding has severely affected low-lying regions in Mandalay and Bago, eastern Shan state, and the capital, Naypyitaw, since Wednesday. On Friday, Min Aung Hlaing and military officials inspected the affected areas and reviewed relief efforts in Naypyitaw. The General emphasised the urgency of managing rescue and relief operations and requested foreign assistance for the victims.

The full extent of the damage remains uncertain, with local reports suggesting more than 100 people are missing. The ongoing civil conflict in Myanmar, which began in 2021 following the military’s takeover from Aung San Suu Kyi’s government, has complicated relief efforts. Analysts estimate the military controls less than half of the country.

Myanmar’s monsoon season often brings extreme weather, and in 2008, Cyclone Nargis resulted in over 138,000 deaths. At that time, the military government delayed international aid and tightly controlled its distribution.

State television also reported significant infrastructure damage, including 24 bridges, 375 school buildings, one Buddhist monastery, five dams, four pagodas, 14 electrical transformers, 456 lampposts, and over 65,000 houses. The heavy rains, described as the worst in 60 years, have also damaged several ancient temples in Bagan, a UNESCO World Heritage site, with record rainfall collapsing walls at centuries-old structures.

(with inputs from AP)

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