August 8, 2024

Since late June, torrential monsoon rains have caused severe flooding across Myanmar, affecting more than 200,000 people and forcing many to flee their homes, according to a recent release by the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP).

Based on an August 6 estimate from WFP’s Advanced Disaster Analysis & Mapping satellite imagery, approximately 855,000 people are currently residing in flood-affected areas.

“The flooding has compounded the emergency food insecurity situation in Myanmar,” said Mr. Paolo Mattei, WFP’s Country Director for Myanmar. “At a time when more than 13 million people across the country are struggling with food shortages, this natural disaster exacerbates their vulnerability,” he added.

WFP teams are actively providing emergency aid to at least 120,000 flood-affected individuals in Kachin State, Kayin State, Sagaing Region, Bago Region, and Magway Region. The assistance includes cash, rice, nutritional supplements, and fortified biscuits.

In response to the ongoing flooding in five regions and states, WFP has initiated an emergency flood response operation to support over 100,000 affected individuals.

The situation remains fluid, with continued monitoring by WFP. The organization stands ready to scale up its response efforts as necessary to address the evolving needs of flood-affected communities across Myanmar.

Photo – UN Myanmar