Typhoon Yagi floods displace more than 235,000 in Myanmar: junta

Floods triggered by Typhoon Yagi in Myanmar have displaced over 235,000 people and claimed at least 33 lives, according to a report released by the country's ruling junta on Friday. Junta spokesman Zaw Min Tun stated in an audio message that 236,649 people from 59,413 households had been forced from their homes due to the flooding. He confirmed 33 fatalities and noted that one person was injured.

The spokesperson added that communication with certain areas had been lost and warned residents living near riverbanks to seek higher ground and remain cautious through Sunday. Earlier, Myanmar's fire service had reported a slightly higher death toll of 36.

Authorities are also looking into reports that several migrant workers in central Myanmar’s Mandalay region, particularly in gold mining areas, are missing after landslides struck the region.

Countries across Southeast Asia, including parts of Vietnam, Laos, and Thailand, have been dealing with severe flooding and landslides following Typhoon Yagi, which brought torrential rains to the region last weekend.

Myanmar is already dealing with a humanitarian crisis, with more than 2.7 million people displaced due to the ongoing conflict sparked by the junta's 2021 coup. The recent flooding has added to the country's growing challenges.