Kuala Lumpur/Yangon, 9 December – Myanmar is facing a deepening humanitarian crisis as it struggles to recover from the devastating impact of Typhoon Yagi in September, which caused severe flooding and landslides affecting over 1.1 million people across 70 townships. 

The typhoon has exacerbated a pre-existing humanitarian crisis, with 18 million people already in need of humanitarian assistance due to the compounding impacts of ongoing conflict and rising poverty due to lost livelihoods and a struggling economy, amidst back-to-back climate disasters.  

The destruction of more than 2.3 million hectares of agricultural land containing rice paddies and other crops, 176,000 livestock losses, and extensive damage to homes, schools, roads, and power infrastructure during the typhoon have pushed communities to the brink. Many vulnerable communities have also been left with limited access to essential services such as clean water, healthcare and sanitation. 

Families reliant on farming are facing food insecurity and prolonged economic hardship. Additionally, extensive flooding has left behind debris and contaminated water sources, compounding health risks and jeopardizing recovery efforts. 

Field visits and needs analysis conducted by the Myanmar Red Cross Society (MRCS) in October and November indicate that the most pressing needs include provision of food and basic needs, including cash assistance, shelter and household recovery, livelihood restoration and mental health and psychosocial support for communities coping with loss and displacement. 

In September, immediately after the floods, the IFRC and MRCS launched a 2.5 million CHF emergency appeal in response to the crisis to support 25,000 people over the next year, with MRCS mobilising over 400 volunteers and reaching more than 34,000 people with multi-sectoral assistance, including immediate lifesaving search and rescue efforts, evacuating those in danger from the floods. 

Between 18 September and 31 October, over 25,000 people received emergency shelter and household items, more than 34,000 people received heathcare support, 33,000 people received clean water and sanitation services, and more than 7,300 women and girls received dignity kits, containing vital female hygiene and toiletry items. The latest IFRC operational update has been published to provide more detailed information on the progress of the response. 

However, significant challenges continue to impede effective humanitarian operations in Myanmar, with restricted access remaining a major barrier, particularly in transporting essential non-food items to conflict-affected areas. 

The IFRC is calling for all stakeholders and humanitarian partners to collaborate and ensure a rapid and effective response to help affected communities recover and rebuild their lives. 

Operations Manager of the Myanmar Country Delegation for the IFRC, Christie Samosir, said: 

“Humanitarian principles drive our work. In line with global practice, the IFRC continues to support MRCS to engage with all parties to facilitate access and ensure that assistance reaches the vulnerable and crisis-affected population. Coordinated efforts like these are crucial during emergency for the humanitarian assistance to be delivered in time.” 

Moe Thida Win, Director of MRCS’s Disaster Management Department, added: 

“The floods caused by Typhoon Yagi have left many families in despair, with no homes, no clean water and no basic necessities. We must act now to address these urgent needs and prioritise the safety and dignity of affected populations.” 

For more information or to request an interview, please contact: [email protected] 

In Yangon: 

Swe Zin Myo Win +95 97959 56050 

In Kuala Lumpur: 

Afrhill Rances, +60192713641 

In Geneva: 

Hannah Copeland, +41762369109