Typhoon ⁢Yagi’s Fury: Death Toll ⁤Rises in Myanmar Amidst Floods and Landslides

AFP reports that the devastating ⁤impact of Typhoon ⁣Yagi continues to wreak havoc in Myanmar,⁤ with severe flooding affecting numerous areas across the country.

According ⁢to The Global New Light of Myanmar newspaper, the floods have claimed the lives of 74 people, with 89 others reported missing. Search and rescue operations are currently underway.

The disaster has resulted in the destruction of over 65,000‌ homes and five dams, exacerbating the suffering ​of the conflict-hit country since the military seized power in⁣ 2021.

The previous death toll from the junta coup stood ‌at 33, with more than 235,000‌ people ⁢forced to flee the area, as per figures released on Friday.

Extensive agricultural land in the central region, including areas ‌surrounding Nay Pyi Taw, the ⁤capital city‍ located in a low-lying area, has been inundated with floodwaters.

Landslides have been reported in mountainous areas, but the extent of the damage ⁢remains unclear due to damaged roads and bridges, as well as disruptions ​to phone and internet services.

The Sathong and Bago rivers, which flow through central and southern Myanmar, remain above the⁤ danger level, although water levels are expected to recede in the coming days.

Myanmar authorities have established​ 82 “tidal camps” to provide shelter for internally displaced persons (IDPs).

In a rare move, Myanmar’s military leaders have requested international assistance⁢ to cope with the floods, despite their history ⁤of rejecting or blocking foreign humanitarian aid.

Last year, the military suspended ‌travel permits ⁣for aid groups attempting to reach the victims of Cyclone Mokha, which affected over a million people ‌in ⁢the western part of the country.

The United Nations Office for the Coordination⁣ of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA) in Myanmar and the International⁤ Committee of the Red Cross⁣ (ICRC) have declined to comment on the military’s request.

Official figures indicate ​that floods ‍and landslides have claimed nearly​ 350‍ lives in four countries ⁣– ⁢Myanmar, Vietnam, Laos, and Thailand – since‌ Typhoon Yagi made ⁣landfall last weekend.