Myanmar appeals for international aid for flood victims

Myanmar appealed for assistance from the international community for flood victims as the disaster hit the country extensively, Speaker of the Union Parliament and House of Representatives Thura U Shwe Mann said on Tuesday.

U Shwe Mann stressed in a statement that urgent assistance from the international community was needed in order to save many lives in affected areas and prevent further negative consequences of the flooding.

He also expressed his appreciation of the timely contributions of China and Thailand.

The initiatives in flood relief by the UN, non-governmental organizations and civil society were encouraging, he said.

U Shwe Mann welcomed the petition at the White House website for emergency helps to flood victims in Myanmar.

Floods have left more than 60 Myanmar people dead and over 210, 000 people in 12 regions and states have been affected by heavy monsoon rains since June, according to the Ministry of Social Welfare, Relief and Retirement.

More than 6,000 households were taking shelter in 130 relief camps in 12 regions and states across the country, the ministry said.

According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation, about 344,493 hectares of farmlands were submerged, of which Rakhine state suffered the most with over 105,300 hectares.