Typhoon Yagi: A New Crisis Amidst Myanmar’s Ongoing Turmoil
Myanmar, still reeling from the humanitarian crisis triggered by the military coup 43 months ago, now faces a new devastation. Last week, Typhoon Yagi tore through communities in Myanmar/Burma and along its borders, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake.
The aftermath is grim:
- Hundreds confirmed dead, with hundreds more still missing
- Thousands of homes destroyed
- Livestock, property, and critical infrastructure severely damaged
- Upwards of 650,000 acres of farmland ruined
The UN estimates that at least 630,000 people have been affected by the massive flooding and landslides. This adds to the already staggering 3.4 million displaced since the 2021 coup.
The full extent of the disaster remains unclear. Our partners on the ground believe the death toll could be significantly higher than reported, as much of the country remains cut off from aid. They estimate that hundreds of thousands of people have been newly displaced.
Notably, the impact of Typhoon Yagi extends beyond Myanmar’s borders. Thailand, which hosts many of those displaced by the ongoing conflict in Myanmar, has also suffered casualties and significant damage to property and infrastructure. This compounds the challenges faced by both Myanmar/Burma refugees and their host communities in Thailand.
In response to this crisis, our partners are calling for:
- Collective action
- Immediate provision of humanitarian assistance and healthcare
- Assurance that aid will not be politicized or weaponized
Despite being stretched thin, our partners are working tirelessly to respond. In just the past four days, Partners Asia has been doing everything possible to support them in delivering essential medicines, food, and temporary shelter to communities already devastated by armed conflict.
As Myanmar faces this new calamity atop existing challenges, the need for support and solidarity has never been greater. We urge the international community to take notice and act swiftly to aid those affected by this double crisis, both within Myanmar and in neighboring countries hosting refugees.