U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has expressed his readiness to help Myanmar following the devastation caused by Typhoon Yagi. On September 12th, Blinken offered condolences for the loss of life across Asia, including Myanmar, and pledged support in the wake of the storm.
The statement highlighted the severe impact of Typhoon Yagi in countries such as Vietnam, China, Thailand, Laos, Myanmar, and the Philippines. The storm has resulted in widespread flooding, loss of life, and significant damage.
In Myanmar, heavy floods have affected areas including Bago Region , Mandalay Region, Shan State, Karen State, and the Yangon-Mandalay highway. Major roads and railways are submerged, bridges have collapsed, and farmlands are underwater. In some places, where the water is more than one person’s height, flood victims are stranded on rooftops and in trees, waiting to be rescued. Charity workers on the ground have reported that urgent aid is needed.
In many cities, thousands of residents have been evacuated to shelters. At least 19 people have died, and over 3,000 have been moved to temporary shelters in the Nay Pyi Taw area. Local residents claim the actual death toll could be much higher than the official figures released by the military council, possibly reaching into the hundreds.
The damage is extensive, and hundreds of thousands of people are struggling, according to charity workers. One volunteer told VOA that it’s difficult to estimate the full scope of the disaster. Refugee camps in conflict zones have also been severely affected by floods and landslides.
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