Myanmar opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi visits flood-hit area as death toll climbs to 46

Myanmar opposition leader Aung San Suu Ky is greeted by flood victims upon arrival at an indoor stadium turned into a temporary shelter, in Bago, 80 kilometers (50 miles) northeast of Yangon, Myanmar, Monday, Aug. 3, 2015. A report issued Saturday by the U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs cited Myanmar disaster officials estimating that more than 156,000 people had been affected by flooding. (AP Photo/Khin Maung Win) (The Associated Press)

Myanmar opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi, center, rides a boat on her way to a monastery where flood victims are sheltered, Monday, Aug. 3, 2015, in Bago, 80 kilometers (50 miles) northeast of Yangon, Myanmar. A report issued Saturday by the U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs cited Myanmar disaster officials estimating that more than 156,000 people had been affected by flooding. (AP Photo/Khin Maung Win) (The Associated Press)

Myanmar opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi, center, receives flowers on a boat on her way to a monastery where flood victims are sheltered, Monday, Aug. 3, 2015, in Bago, 80 kilometers (50 miles) northeast of Yangon, Myanmar. A report issued Saturday by the U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs cited Myanmar disaster officials estimating that more than 156,000 people had been affected by flooding. (AP Photo/Khin Maung Win) (The Associated Press)

Myanmar opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi has visited one of the country's many flood-afflicted areas, raising her profile amid a national disaster that could have consequences in this November's general election.

Over the weekend, President Thein visited the areas in central Myanmar hit hardest by flooding from almost continuous rains since mid-July. On Friday, he declared four areas of the country disaster zones, but only after he had come under a barrage of criticism in the press and on social media for failing to quickly mobilize relief.

The Ministry of Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement announced Monday that the death toll from flooding has climbed to 46, with more than 200,000 people affected in 11 out of the country's 14 states and divisions.