After more than a week since Typhoon Yagi hit northern Vietnam and swept through mainland Southeast Asia, Myanmar is still grappling with the aftermath of the devastating storm.
Yagi made landfall in northern Myanmar on September 10, causing extensive damage through torrential rains, flooding, and landslides. Towns in central Myanmar have been submerged, while regions like Bago, Magwe, Shan, Karen, Karenni, and Mon states have also suffered significant destruction of infrastructure and agricultural land.
The storm has worsened the already dire situation in Myanmar, with a population already strained by civil conflict and economic turmoil following the military coup in February 2021. The UN reported in July that over 3 million people are internally displaced, and 18.6 million are in need of humanitarian aid.
The official death toll from the typhoon stands at over 200, with thousands displaced. Flooding has affected over 600,000 people in Myanmar, with urgent needs for food, water, medicine, clothing, and shelter. The distribution of aid is likely to become a contentious issue in light of ongoing political tensions.
The National Unity Government has called for international relief efforts, urging aid to bypass the military regime and reach those most affected by the disaster. Concerns have been raised about the politicization of aid delivery and the need to ensure fair and equal distribution to all impacted communities.
Ethnic armed groups are also playing a significant role in relief efforts, highlighting the need for inclusive engagement with all relevant parties in Myanmar. As the situation in the country evolves, there is a growing recognition of the importance of adapting existing norms and practices to better address the complex humanitarian challenges facing Myanmar.