Photo Gallery: A tough life gets tougher

In the wake of the military coup, Myanmar’s economy has been paralyzed and work has grown scarce, with the impact falling heavily on the poor. In a nation that typically is a net exporter of food, the World Food Program warns that more than 6 million people could face hunger by October.

People receive bags of rice from the World Food Program on May 21, 2021 as part of efforts to supply food to residents of poor communities on the outskirts of Yangon. (AFP)
People receive bags of rice from the World Food Program on May 21, 2021 as part of efforts to supply food to residents of poor communities on the outskirts of Yangon. (AFP)
A boy walks on a bamboo bridge near his home on the outskirts of Yangon. (AFP)
A boy walks on a bamboo bridge near his home on the outskirts of Yangon. (AFP)
People wait to receive bags of rice from the World Food Program. More than 26 percent of Myanmar's population lives below the poverty line. (AFP)
People wait to receive bags of rice from the World Food Program. More than 26 percent of Myanmar’s population lives below the poverty line. (AFP)
Children sleep in their home on the outskirts of Yangon. (AFP)
Children sleep in their home on the outskirts of Yangon. (AFP)
Street food vendors say price increases have meant many would-be customers cannot afford even simple meals. (AFP)
Street food vendors say price increases have meant many would-be customers cannot afford even simple meals. (AFP)
Men transport bags of rice distributed by the World Food Programme. (AFP)
Men transport bags of rice distributed by the World Food Programme. (AFP)
A girl plays in front of her home. (AFP)
A girl plays in front of her home. (AFP)
A woman smiles after receiving a bag of rice from the World Food Programme. WFP says it is increasing the number of people it assists in Myanmar from 1.3 million to 3.3 million. (AFP)
A woman smiles after receiving a bag of rice from the World Food Programme. WFP says it is increasing the number of people it assists in Myanmar from 1.3 million to 3.3 million. (AFP)
A mother and child eat in front of their home on the outskirts of Yangon. (AFP)
A mother and child eat in front of their home on the outskirts of Yangon. (AFP)