UNHCR Flash Update on Flooding in Myanmar (28 September 2024)

OPERATIONAL CONTEXT

Typhoon Yagi landed in Myanmar on 9 September, resulting in heavy rains and widespread floodings, further aggravating an already extremely precarious situation in several States/Regions across the country. To date, it is estimated that the floodings impacted nearly 1,000,000 people in 70 townships, including Nay Pyi Taw Union Territory, Bago, Magway, and Mandalay Regions, Kayah, Kayin, Mon and Rakhine States, as well as Shan State (East and South), with around 360 deaths being reported and 100 people unaccounted for, according to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).

In the South-East region, while the water level has receded in Kayin and Mon States, the Bago Region has been considerably impacted, particularly in Taungoo, Kyaukkyi, and Shwegyin Townships. To date, some 364 villages in Taungoo and Nyaunglebin Townships remain flooded, affecting over 316,000 people. Similarly, in Shan State (South), Nyaungshwe Township is the hardest hit, with over 90,000 people affected in 189 villages, and with more than 20,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs) forced to relocate to safer places. Some 27,000 houses have reportedly been destroyed as of 20 September. The water level is not expected to recede soon, with additional risks of waterborne diseases. Kalaw Township is also critically impacted, with 700 households affected and over 500 homes destroyed.

In the Northwest region, the flooding has severely damaged some infrastructure, including roads and bridges, making the provision of assistance even more challenging. In addition, in all flood-affected regions, local sources report agricultural lands being submerged and livestock lost, leaving thousands of families without means of subsisting.

The needs continue to grow in Rakhine State (Central), where the flooding reportedly affected over 2,000 people in four townships. Flooding also affected civilian infrastructure, in particular between Mrauk-U and Minbya, impacting the transportation of goods, while water wells and water tanks have also been damaged, limiting access to clean water. Before the end of the monsoon season, expected in October, further rain is expected in more vulnerable areas, including in areas hosting some 630,000 Rohingyas many of whom are in dire conditions facing multiple displacements in search of safety.