Myanmar floods: UN says death toll 'to rise'

[Jonathan Fairfield]

Myanmar floods: UN says death toll 'to rise'

The death toll from floods in Myanmar is expected to rise over the coming days, the United Nations has warned.

Four western regions have been declared disaster zones after heavy floods, caused by monsoon rains, left at least 27 people dead.

But rescue teams have not yet reached many areas and are still awaiting reports on the worst-hit regions.

In the neighbouring eastern Indian state of Manipur, a landslide buried a village, killing at least 21 people.

Heavy rains are normal in monsoon season, but many people in Myanmar - also known as Burma - told the BBC that the rains were particularly strong in recent weeks.

Wind and rain from Cyclone Komen added to damage.

On Sunday, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs said some 156,000 people were affected by the floods in 12 districts but the total could be "significantly higher".

Read more: http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-33750690

-- BBC 2015-08-03