Typhoon Yagi: CPI Flood Relief Reaches 190,000+ People in Myanmar

Disaster Strikes

“We had nothing.”

On September 9, 2024, Typhoon Yagi struck Myanmar, affecting at least 890,000 people across 70 townships. More than 300 people died and more than 300,000 were displaced. Flooding damaged and destroyed homes and infrastructure across the country.

The most severely affected areas included the Nay Pyi Taw, Bago, Magway, and Mandalay regions and Karenni/Kayah, Karen/Kayin, Mon, Rakhine and Shan states.

Women and girls are particularly vulnerable to natural disasters. The UN estimates that four out of five people displaced by natural disasters are women and girls and they are 14 times more likely to die then men during these events.

Rapid Response Saves Lives

Thanks to support from our donors, Community Partners International (CPI) mobilized an emergency response on September 10, working closely with community partners in several affected states and regions. These partnerships helped us rapidly assess needs and mobilize resources.

Within three days of the typhoon, partners began distributing relief supplies to people in urgent need in flood-affected areas. Immediate priorities included safe water and food packages containing rice, cooking oil, salt, peas, canned fish, and instant noodles.

CPI also supported distribution of essential household items to flood-affected families, including kitchen utensils, bedding, mosquito nets, clothing, storage containers, and soap. We supplied tarpaulins and other shelter materials for those whose homes were destroyed. This rapid mobilization helped save lives, meet immediate needs and support early recovery.

Within three weeks after the typhoon, CPI’s flood relief support had reached more than 190,000 people. This included 166,000 people who received food support and at least 29,000 who received water, sanitation, and hygiene support. More than 14,000 people received help with shelter, including the construction of temporary houses.

Flood-Affected Communities Still Need Your Help

“Houses and their contents were destroyed instantly.”

“We lost hope after the floods destroyed our house,” explains Daw Aye, a villager in Lat Pan Kone, Nay Pyi Taw. “We had nothing.”

With CPI’s support, the Young Men’s Christian Association in Nay Pyi Taw (YMCA-NPT) mobilized rapidly to support flood-affected communities in four townships. They distributed food boxes and safe water to meet immediate needs. As floodwaters subsided and communities entered the recovery phase, they continued to support them with food and other essential items.

“The water rose so quickly that villagers had no time to move their belongings,” explains Saw Jackson, the YMCA-NPT General Secretary. “Houses and their contents were destroyed instantly. We provided food, clothing, blankets, towels, and hygiene supplies. Seeing the smiles on people’s faces reminded me how vital our support to these communities is.”

“The assistance from the YMCA arrived at just the right time,” confirms Daw Aye. “Knowing people cared and didn’t forget our needs brought us relief and happiness. We are truly thankful.”

CPI continues to work with partners to support ongoing recovery in flood-affected communities. Current needs include livelihood recovery assistance, especially for farmers who lost crops and livestock to the floods; construction of permanent shelters for families who lost their homes; repair of water wells, latrines, and other water, sanitation, and hygiene infrastructure; ongoing support to secure adequate food, clothing and essential household items; and support to communities to prepare for future emergencies.

We are deeply grateful to our community of donors for their generous support of communities affected by flooding in Myanmar. To help people affected by conflict and natural disasters in Myanmar, donate here: https://cpintl.org/myanmar-crisis