1. Bangladesh - Tropical Storm Mahasen struck southern districts on 16 May. The Joint Needs Assessment (JNA) is ongoing and preliminary findings are due to be presented tomorrow (21 May). 17 people have reportedly lost their lives, JNA results will provide a better understand of the impact of the cyclone on shelter and livelihoods.
   Source: PDC, OCHA Flash Update No. 7

(Extract)

Strong biosecurity measures needed to contain bird flu Implementing strong biosecurity measures coupled with good hygiene are required to contain the spread of the H7N9 strain of avian influenza virus, Hiroyuki Konuma, the UN Food and Agriculture Organization’s Regional Representative for Asia and the Pacific told a press conference in Bangkok on April 11. The virus had infected 82 people and killed 17 in China by April 19.

FOOD SECURITY SNAPSHOT

• Prospects for the 2013 main season paddy and maize crops are favourable

• Domestic prices of rice weakened seasonally in March, after a steady rise since May 2012

• Lower cereal imports in 2012/13 (April/March) marketing year and are expected to remain so during 2013/14

• Overall food security situation satisfactory but localized food insecurity persists

Description

The Japan Fund for Poverty Reduction (JFPR) was established in May 2000 and provides direct grant assistance to the poorest and most vulnerable groups in developing member countries (DMCs) of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) while fostering long-term socioeconomic development. The grants target poverty reduction initiatives with the direct participation of nongovernment organizations, community groups, and civil society.

I. NARRATIVE SUMMARY

DETAILS OF THE EMERGENCY

Rokatenda, an active volcano located on Palue Island in Sikka district in the province of East Nusa Tenggara, erupted again on 23 March 2013 and continued until the next day - 24 March 2013. The ash plume caused considerable impact to the villages of Nitlung and Rokirole as well as other villages on the slope of the volcano causing families to evacuate their homes.

By Kanis Dursin

Last October, at the beginning of Indonesia’s rainy season, a 37-year-old farmer named Herinurdin took a leap of faith. Instead of planting corn in his entire 1.3-hectare rainfed farm in the Sukabumi town of West Java, as his family had done for generations, he sowed 1,600 square metres worth of rice instead.

In November he ploughed another 700 square metres and by December he had seeded the remainder of his land in this densely populated province, some 120 kilometres south of the capital Jakarta.

1. Thailand - On 22 March, a fire sparked by a domestic accident broke out in Ban Mae Surin refugee camp in Mae Hong Son province, northwestern Thailand. 30 refugees from Myanmar were killed and four were seriously injured. Relief efforts are being coordinated by the Government of Thailand, as well as provincial and camp authorities. UNHCR, IRC and other NGOs are providing assistance.
   Source: OCHA

WFP, Papua and East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) Provinces, independent research specialists and community representatives share their experiences and participate in a lessons-learned forum on the Local School Meals programme.

KUPANG – The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) and the government of Nusa Tenggara Timur (NTT) are this week hosting an exchange bringing together key stakeholders to share best practices and lessons learned from the Local School Meals programme.

Rokatenda Mountain eruption

19 February 2013

General Update

Rokatenda mountain in Palue island, East Nusa Tenggara erupted on February 2 and 3, 2013. Until mid February, the mountain was still spewing ashes and lava.

As of February 19, 2013, 2675 people were still evacuating to Sikka and Ende, and were still reluctant to go back to Palue, since the mountain activities was still high.

The main need of the people were clean water and sanitation facilities.

Government response