69 killed, over 250,000 affected in Myanmar's severe flooding

Death toll from severe flooding across Myanmar rose to 69, with 259,799 people affected by the disaster so far, the Ministry of Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement said Wednesday.

The flooding has submerged massive areas of the country, and four states and regions -- Rakhine, Chin, Sagaing and Magway have been declared as "natural disaster affected areas."

Flooding has begun to move southwards and is likely to expand and affect more areas, the Meteorology and Hydrology Department warned.

Chinese rescue operations led by Chinese Ambassador to Myanmar Hong Liang have begun its operation covering Rakhine State as well as Sagaing and Magway regions with relief aid worth 300,000 U.S. dollars.

A ten-member team from China's largest non-governmental humanitarian organization - the Blue Sky Rescue Team arrived in Yangon Tuesday to extend helping hand to people affected by the severe flooding.

Responding to the Myanmar authorities' appeal on Tuesday, UN and international humanitarian organizations are set to provide international flood assistance to the affected areas.

Some countries including Norway, Singapore and Thailand have also pledged to provide emergency aid to the affected areas.

According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation, 1,100, 612 acres (445,747 hectares) of farmlands were submerged in 13 regions and states in the country, of which Bago Region suffered the most with over 307,429 acres (124,508 hectares) submerged.

Flooding caused by heavy seasonal rainfall since June has hit people from many parts of the country, destroying houses, farmland, railway lines, bridges and roads. Endi