FCA grants 150,000 euros for Typhoon Yagi relief efforts in Myanmar 

People in Taungoo in the east Bago region of Myanmar return home after flood waters begin to recede. Photo credit: FCA Myanmar

Typhoon Yagi, one of the most powerful storms to hit the South China Sea in nearly 30 years, has caused widespread devastation across Vietnam, Myanmar, Laos, and Thailand. Myanmar has been hit particularly hard with over 160 killed and large numbers of people displaced. 

FINN CHURCH AID (FCA) has granted 150,000 euros from its disaster fund to provide humanitarian aid in Myanmar, focusing on east Bago region and Kayin state. Floodwaters have displaced thousands and caused significant damage to infrastructure. As of mid-September, it’s estimated that over 230,000 people have been displaced.

Relief efforts are hindered due to the scale of the disaster. The heavy rainfall, combined with mountain runoff, has led to severe flooding and landslides, with many rivers overflowing and dams nearing full capacity, raising concerns about potential breaches. People are bracing for further rainfall, causing more damage. The current death toll of 160 may well rise as search efforts continue for missing people. 

A flooded street. People walk through the waters dragging boats. Simple shacks line the street and are full of water
Floodwaters raised by Typhoon Yagi have forced at least 230,000 people to flee their homes in Myanmar and caused significant damage to infrastructure. Photo credit: FCA Myanmar

Relief efforts focus on cash and sanitation

FCA’s work will provide essential support to around 3,500 recipients. The support includes cash assistance, which enables people to buy immediate and urgent necessities, such as food, clothes and sanitary goods. Water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) projects will also be carried out as a matter of urgency. In flooding situations, drinking water can quickly become fouled and disease can spread.  

FCA Myanmar country office will be responsible for the relief efforts. The office is located in Kayin State and will work in coordination with other organisations working in the region. The humanitarian response is critical, but the ongoing political instability in Myanmar complicates relief operations.  

FCA’s decade long work in the country and good working relationships with local organisations will assist in reaching people as fast as possible.

Media requests and inquiries: 

FCA Myanmar Country Director, Lin Min Aung,
Linmin.aung@kua.fi, +959 264 594337  
 
FCA International Communications Manager, Ruth Owen 
ruth.owen@kua.fi, +358 50 409 7848 

A flooded street showing an ornamental arch half covered in water and the top of a temple

A flooded street in Taungoo, east Bago region, Myanmar.
Photo credit: FCA Myanmar

A truck with people sitting on the driver's cab drives through a severely flooded street

A truck navigates through floodwaters in Taungoo, east Bago region.
Photo credit: FCA Myanmar

A view from a hilltop of a flooded village and fields. People in the distance trudge through floodwaters.

Taungoo township was badly hit by flooding caused by Typhoon Yagi.
Photo credit: FCA Myanmar