September 17, 2024

The flood-related death toll across Myanmar has risen to 226, with 77 people still missing, according to a report released by the junta on September 17. The widespread flooding has affected 56 townships, including Naypyidaw, Southern Shan State, Karen State, and Bago Region, leading to the destruction of 2,116 homes and submerging over 150,000 households, according to the junta’s statement.

Additionally, 386 religious buildings, 1,040 schools, and 117 administrative offices have been damaged by the floods. More than 600,000 acres of farmland have been submerged, and over 120,000 livestock have perished as a result of the disaster.

As of the evening of September 16, over 160,000 people remain displaced in temporary shelters, with 438 rescue camps currently operating. The junta’s figures state that the total number of casualties, including those dead and missing, stands at 303, with 226 confirmed dead and 77 still missing. The floods have also caused the death of 128,344 livestock, and a total of 643,081 acres of farmland have been destroyed.

Since September 9, continuous heavy rains have led to severe flooding across the country. Townships in Naypyidaw, Kayah, Karen, Bago, Magway, Mandalay, Mon, Shan, and Ayeyarwady Regions have been particularly affected by the floods and flash floods.

The Sittoung River remains above the danger level in Taungoo and Madauk towns, while the Thanlwin River in Hpa-an is 4.5 feet above the danger level, according to a September 17 morning update by the junta’s Meteorological Department.