Published: 09:58, September 22, 2024
Myanmar's flood death toll rises to 384
By Xinhua

People clean up after major flooding in Kalaw township in Myanmar's southern Shan state on September 19, 2024, following heavy rains in the aftermath of Typhoon Yagi. (PHOTO / AFP)

YANGON - The death toll from Myanmar's floods has risen to 384, with 89 people still missing as of Saturday morning, the Information Team of Myanmar's State Administration Council reported on Saturday.

The deaths included 164 from Nay Pyi Taw Union Territory, 134 from Mandalay Region, 78 from Shan State, five from Kayin State, two from Bago Region and one from Ayeyarwady Region, the report said.

The floods have affected dozens of townships across nine regions and states, covering about 16 percent of the country, it said.

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It also said that 2,149 buildings were completely destroyed, 3,455 were partially damaged, and 546 schools were submerged and damaged. Additionally, 533 roads and bridges, 2,489 power poles, and 99 communication towers were also destroyed, it said.

A total of 148,643 people were affected by the floods, which have devastated 735,461 acres of paddy fields and killed 144,998 animals, the report added.

Destroyed railway tracks are pictured after major flooding in Kalaw township in Myanmar's southern Shan state on September 19, 2024, following heavy rains in the aftermath of Typhoon Yagi. (PHOTO / AFP)

Triggered by Typhoon Yagi and a deep depression in the Bay of Bengal, the floods were the most devastating in the last 50 years, it said. Heavy rains in the nighttime combined with mountain runoff have contributed to the rising casualties.

READ MORE: Widespread flooding displaces tens of thousands in southern Myanmar

Local authorities, rescue organizations, and residents are working together to clean the affected areas, provide healthcare, and distribute food and other essentials to the victims, it said.