After striking the Philippines in early September, Typhoon Yagi—the strongest storm to hit Asia in the past year—has unleashed heavy rains across Southeast Asia, severely impacting northern Vietnam, Laos, Thailand, and Myanmar.
Several states and regions in Myanmar have been overwhelmed by serious flooding, with central Myanmar being the hardest hit. Numerous rivers and streams, particularly those descending from the Shan State hills, have overflowed, causing significant damage in the south, where CESVI is already operating with development projects.
The affected areas have suffered extensive damage to road networks, transport links, telecommunications, and electricity infrastructure. Many regions remained flooded for prolonged periods, with over one million people estimated to have been affected nationwide.
Flooding and landslides have caused widespread damage to homes, household assets, and critical infrastructure, including healthcare facilities, schools, water sources, major highways, bridges, and WASH infrastructure. Livelihoods have been devastated, forcing numerous families to evacuate. Communication remains difficult due to flooded roads and power outages. While floodwaters have receded in some areas, ongoing rainfall and river conditions continue to pose a threat, with fears of renewed flooding and river overflows.
More than 400 people have been confirmed dead in Myanmar, but with dozens still missing and entire villages cut off, this number is expected to rise. Over 320,000 people have been newly displaced in a country where, due to ongoing conflicts, more than 3 million people have already been forced to flee their homes.
In southern Shan, 14 townships have been battered by heavy rainfall and floods. More than 80% of the city of Nyaungshwe is submerged, including areas already home to people displaced by conflict.
The situation is particularly worrying for children and the most vulnerable families. At least 6 million children live in the affected areas, and many were already displaced due to Myanmar’s internal instability. These children and their families now face even greater humanitarian challenges, with limited access to vital services.
Acute watery diarrhoea, dengue fever, malaria, cholera, and measles already pose a serious threat to children in Myanmar. The ongoing flooding is likely to exacerbate the spread of waterborne diseases, heightening the need for urgent healthcare, nutrition, and WASH services. Despite rapid response efforts, providing essential WASH support—including clean water, sanitation, hygiene supplies, menstrual hygiene management, and shelter—remains a major challenge.
Despite the complexity of the situation—with blocked roads, damaged bridges, and ongoing conflict—CESVI is on the ground, working to deliver emergency kits to those in need. In recent weeks, we have been distributing blankets, sleeping mats, solar lamps, water buckets, clothing sets, and hygiene and dignity kits to affected communities in Southern Shan.
