ReliefWeb

JAPAN

An earthquake measuring 6.5 on the Richter scale hit east off Japan at 9:19a.m. local time Wednesday, with strong tremors felt in Tokyo. The epicenter was near Chiba prefecture. No tsunami warnings have been issued by the diaster agency and nor immediate injuries and damage reported. Sources: USGS, Xinhua

INDIA

At least 190 people have died in heavy floods due to incessant rains in India's eastern state of Bihar. Fear looms large of more rain in the coming days as a result of which the death toll is likely to rise. Some 6 million people have been affected by the flooding. After conducting an aerial survey of the flood-affected areas, as many as 20 districts of the state have been badly affected. Most of the flood-affected areas are located near the Nepalese border, with water gushing down from the hills in Nepal causing most of the destruction. The govt says relief has been distributed and relief camps have been set up to the affected. Source: Kyodo News

VIETNAM

Landslides and floods in Vietnam have killed at least 29 people as heavy rain soaked northern and central areas. More rain was forecast to strike the flood-hit Nghe An province and authorities were getting people out of dangerous areas. About 37 houses have been destroyed along with more than 1,700 hectares (4,200 acres) of crops. Source: Reuters

INDONESIA

One month after the Haze Emergency ended, hot spots have re-appeared and haze has engulfed Palalawan and Indragiri Hulu of Riau Province. Pekanbaru City, the Provincial Capital, is free from hot spots but the heavy smoke is affecting visibility and has caused flight delays from Sultan Syarif Kasim II International Airport. Despite the quickly rising number of hotspots, no regional issues were reported, particularly from Indonesia's neighbors as in the recent past. This is attributed to the wind flowing in the direction away from the neighboring countries.Also, no humanitarian issues are reported arising due to the haze situation in Riau by the local authorities. Source: OCHA

PAPUA NEW GUINEA

Volcanic activities at Mount Tavurvur have increased over the past three weeks. According to the Provincial Disaster Coordinator, on 2 September ash blowing from Mt.Tavurvur forced the suspension of outpatient services at Nonga base hospital in Rabaul and affected about 3,000 people who are in need of clean drinking water. OCHA is monitoring the situation. Source: OCHA

SOLOMON ISLANDS

Unexpected heavy rain from 29 Aug to 2 Sep caused flash flooding on Solomon Islands' largest island, Guadalcanal. Thee large rivers overflowed affecting 10,227 people or 1,640 households. Road access along Berande River to Komukama village is inaccessible and the Balasuna Bridge remains under water isolating communities. Water sources are contaminated and 10 people from the worst affected areas have cold, flu and malarial symptoms. Source: OCHA