Myanmar: Flood-related disruptions ongoing across many parts of the country as of Sept. 16

Disruptions due to flooding are ongoing across many parts of Myanmar as of Sept. 16. Heavy rainfall in recent days associated with the remnants of Typhoon Yagi have triggered widespread flooding in several regions; parts of central Myanmar are the worst affected areas, including areas of Kayah, Kayin, Mon, and Shan states, Mandalay, Magway, and Bago regions, and the capital Naypyidaw. Authorities have reported at least 113 weather-related fatalities and more than 320,000 people have been displaced, of which more than 236,000 are being accommodated in around 187 relief camps established across the country. Tens of thousands of homes and hundreds of schools have been destroyed. Many roads, bridges, and other infrastructure have been damaged and widespread power and communication outages are ongoing.

Disruptions may persist even after the flooding has subsided as authorities work to clear debris. Localized power outages and disruptions to telecommunications services are possible where significant flooding has impacted utility networks.

Floodwaters and debris flows may render some bridges or roadways impassable, impacting overland travel in and around affected areas. Ponding on road surfaces could cause hazardous driving conditions on regional highways. Authorities could temporarily close some low-lying routes that become inundated by floodwaters.

Flooding could heighten the threat of disease outbreaks. Backflow from drains mixed with floodwaters can become trapped in open areas when inundations recede. These stagnant pools often become a breeding ground for mosquitoes and bacteria, increasing the incidence of insect- and water-borne diseases. Exposure to contaminated water from inundated industrial sites, sewer systems, and septic tanks also poses a significant health threat.