Heavy rains, floods kill 19, displace thousands in Myanmar

By Yasin Gungor

ISTANBUL (AA) - Heavy rains and flooding in Myanmar, intensified by Typhoon Yagi, have killed at least 19 people and forced thousands from their homes, the Myanmar Fire Services Department reported on Friday.

"19 people, including 6 men and 13 women, have tragically lost their lives," the department said, adding that search and rescue operations were ongoing.

The floods have primarily affected the capital Naypyidaw and surrounding areas, with 3,602 people displaced across 30 locations.

This natural disaster compounds Myanmar's existing humanitarian crisis, with one-third of its 55 million population already requiring aid following the 2021 military coup.

The impact of Typhoon Yagi extends beyond Myanmar, with hundreds reported killed in Vietnam and Thailand due to severe flooding.

The foreign ministers of the Southeast Asian regional bloc ASEAN conveyed their sadness and condolences for the destruction inflicted by the recent typhoon.