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DESCRIPTION OF THE EVENT
Starting 8 September 2024, strong winds and heavy rainfall from Typhoon Yagi triggered severe flooding and landslides across Myanmar. The floods and landslides impacted about 60 townships in nine states and regions, with an estimated 631,000 people affected, and resulting in nearly 200 deaths reported by the time the IFRC Emergency Appeal was launched on 18 September 2024. Estimates of damage have subsequently increased and current reporting indicates nearly 1 million people affected and more than 400 deaths.1
The severe weather lasted until 12 September, ultimately impacting nine states and regions, including Southern and Eastern Shan State, Kayah, Mandalay, Naypyidaw, Magway, Kayin, Bago and Mon.
On 14 September, state run media reported that the State Administration Council made a request for assistance from other countries to cope with the impact of floods that and to date more than 320,000 people have been relocated to temporary camps, many of which are potentially overcrowded and lack sufficient access to water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) following the destruction and severe damage to homes and belongings.
Severity of humanitarian conditions
1. Impact on accessibility, availability, quality, use and awareness of goods and services.
The floods and subsequent landslides have caused extensive damage across Myanmar, severely impacting infrastructure, homes and essential services. Over 141,000 buildings, including houses, office buildings, and schools, and approximately 1,171 road networks and bridges, have been damaged, making it extremely difficult to conduct needs analyses, deliver goods and provide much- needed aid.2
Local markets, homes and health facilities have been destroyed, significantly reducing the availability of food, water and medical supplies. The agricultural sector has been particularly hard- hit, with over 176,000 animals reportedly lost and more than 838,000 acres of rice paddy and other crops submerged and damaged3. The timing of the floods, coinciding with the end of the rice planting season, has heightened food insecurity, especially for communities that rely heavily on agriculture for their livelihoods. The flooding has also made access to health facilities and schools nearly impossible for many people.
The destruction of over 110 telecommunication towers and 5,700 electricity poles has disrupted communication and power supply as well, complicating efforts to identify needs, coordinate the distribution of essential goods and disseminate information.
Access to clean water has been severely restricted too, as household water and sanitation systems and community water sources are expected to be damaged or contaminated by floodwaters. This raises the risk of waterborne diseases. And this risk will become more complex as affected populations return to their homes in severely affected areas.
2. Impact on physical and mental well-being
The floods have had significant adverse effects on both the physical and mental well-being of the affected people.
As mentioned in Point 1 above, disruptions to water systems are limiting access to clean drinking water and increase the risks of waterborne diseases. The risk of disease outbreaks is high due to poor water and sanitation. This adds mental stress to an already difficult situation. Many people are living in overcrowded camps and other locations that lack appropriate sanitation infrastructure. They have limited access to clean water and proper hygiene facilities, which increases the risk of illness.
The widespread damage to roads and infrastructure has hindered the transportation of patients, making access to emergency healthcare increasingly challenging. The disruption of supply chains has also restricted the availability of essential medicines, escalating the risk of preventable health complications and fatalities.
Across the country, especially in conflict-affected areas, the floods have exacerbated particularly dangerous risks, as the movement of unexploded ordnance in flooding and shifts in land mass expose communities to accidental detonation.
The psychological impact of the disaster is thus profound. Thousands of people have been displaced from their homes, with numerous individuals reported missing, contributing to heightened stress and trauma. The long-term mental health and psychosocial well-being of the affected population are clearly at risk as survivors cope with the loss of loved ones, homes and livelihoods. Support is essential in this context.
3. Risks & Vulnerabilities
Myanmar is still reeling from previous severe humanitarian challenges too. Over 3.4 million people are currently displaced due to ongoing violence, conflict, political instability and natural disasters.4 The situation is dire, with more than 18 million people, or approximately one-third of the population, in urgent need of humanitarian assistance. 5 Many communities already had limited access to essential goods, clean water, healthcare and sanitation facilities. Rising poverty levels are also further complicating the crisis, and Myanmar is already among the countries with the highest vulnerability to climate change impacts.
The recent floods have compounded these existing challenges, worsening the already critical conditions for millions of people. With widespread damage to homes, infrastructure, and livelihoods, the flood has disrupted access to basic services and exacerbated food insecurity.
Myanmar's economy remains fragile as well, with nearly half of the population estimated to be living in poverty at the end of 2023.6 This combination of economic instability and frequent climate-related disasters has left many families struggling to meet their basic needs. The flooding’s impact on agricultural production and employment opportunities will likely only deepen poverty levels and further weaken people’s economic resilience.