Flood in Myanmar

Torrential monsoon rains have flooded large areas of Myanmar, leaving at least 69 people dead and affecting the homes of more than 250,000 people, across 12 of Myanmar's 14 states. Many areas are cut off with flooding, high waters and landslides.

Residents of Myanmar's delta region expect flood water levels to increase as water continues to flow from the north of the country. Rivers in the Ayeyarwady delta region were 0.6 to 1 metre higher than safe levels, with water levels expected to rise a further 15cm in coming days.

The delta regions affected are a major rice producing area and local reports have estimated that 1 million acres of farmland, mostly rice paddies, are flooded and more than 65,000 acres have been destroyed, raising concerns over the countries food security.

The government of Myanmar has declared four areas; Chin, Magway, Sagaing and Rakhine as disaster zones, and called for international aid to assist in relief efforts.