Typhoon Yagi Death Toll in Burma Rises to 226

(ANSA) – RANGOUN, SEPTEMBER 17 – The death toll from floods caused by Typhoon Yagi in Burma has doubled to 226 dead and 77 missing, state television reported. The water has also destroyed nearly 260,000 hectares of rice paddies and other crops, according to local authorities. The UN has warned that up to 630,000 people may need help. Yagi swept through northern Vietnam, Laos, Thailand and Burma (Myanmar) more than a week ago with strong winds and huge amounts of rain, triggering floods and landslides that have killed more than 500 people, according to official figures. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA) disaster response agency said food, clean water, shelter and clothing were all urgently needed in Myanmar, warning that severely disrupted communication lines, blocked roads and damaged bridges were severely hampering relief efforts. (ANSA).