Mizzima-Sept 19
In a statement released on 17 September, the Special Advisory Council for Myanmar (SAC-M) urged neighboring states to set aside political differences and open their borders to facilitate the delivery of international humanitarian aid to the people of Myanmar through resistance authority and civil society networks. The call comes as the death toll rises in Myanmar and flooding continues to impact a population already struggling with an ongoing armed conflict and impending economic collapse.
Typhoon Yagi hit northern Myanmar on 10 September causing severe flooding, landslides and widespread destruction across the country. Low-lying townships surrounding Naypyitaw and Mandalay have been inundated, while areas of Bago, and Magwe regions, as well as eastern and southern Shan, Karen, Karenni and Mon states have also been impacted. At least 113 people are known to have been killed and 325,000 people internally displaced by the storm, Myanmar military junta-controlled media reported on Sunday. The actual figures are likely to be far higher. Myanmar was already facing a catastrophic humanitarian crisis, devastated by almost four years of revolutionary war against the military junta. An estimated 3 million people are internally displaced across the country, many living without basic food, shelter and sanitation. The military has consistently prevented humanitarian assistance from reaching those in need. The full extent of the damage caused by typhoon Yagi in such circumstances is difficult to ascertain, but it is certain to have significantly exacerbated the crisis. An international humanitarian response to Yagi is urgently needed. It is essential that international humanitarian actors engage with Myanmar resistance authorities and civil society to support their relief efforts. Read more at: https://eng.mizzima.com/2024/09/19/14124
