Dozens dead and thousands displaced in Myanmar floods

(Vatican Radio) A state of emergency has been declared in Myanmar, where heavy flooding has left more than two dozen people dead and thousands displaced. 

Listen to the report by Alastair Wanklyn: 

The floods follow weeks of heavy rain, and in recent days a cyclone brought more turmoil.

Landslides destroyed homes, and towards a quarter of a million hectares of rice paddy fields were flooded, Myanmar's government said.

A state of emergency was declared in four regions, with one Burmese newspaper saying there is "huge destruction" in the Chin and Rakhine states. It said roads and bridges were broken.

The government said aid groups were having trouble reaching some areas.  

It said around 150,000 people were displaced from their homes. A similar number were already living in refugee camps before the flooding struck.

The United Nations said it would assess the need for food, drinking water and shelter. A U.N. aid agency said Myanmar's military was helping to reach people affected.

In recent days, flooding has struck across south Asia, including parts of India.

In Myanmar, aid workers warn the disaster toll may rise as more rain and strong winds are forecast in days ahead.