Asia and the Pacific: Weekly Regional Humanitarian Snapshot (1 - 7 August 2023)

AFGHANISTAN

Between 1 and 30 July, heavy rains intensified and flash flooding affected some 6,193 people across eight provinces of Afghanistan – 1,071 people in Kabul; 1,345 people in Kunar; 130 people in Laghman, 1,617 people in Maidan Wardak; 755 people in Nangarhar, 574 people in Nuristan; 581 people in Parwan; and 120 people in Zabul. Some 40 people were reportedly killed and 30 others were injured, while some 551 houses were damaged, and 121 others were destroyed. OCHA and humanitarian partners are conducting assessments alongside providing lifesaving assistance to the affected families. The number of people affected is anticipated to increase based on forecasts of more heavy rains and flooding in August, according to the Afghanistan meteorological department.

LAO PDR, VIET NAM, THAILAND

Continuous rainfall since 31 July has adversely affected the Lao People's Democratic Republic (Lao PDR), impacting 41,500 people (8,300 households) in eight provinces. The Department of Meteorology and Hydrology (DMH) has issued warnings for potential landslides and flooding, leading to the closure of key roads for safety. Northern Viet Nam also encountered severe flooding and landslides due to heavy rainfall on 4 August, resulting in four deaths and three injuries, with 100 homes damaged or destroyed across north-western Viet Nam, according to ASEAN Disaster Information Network (ADINET). In Thailand, Mae Hong Son experienced floods and mudslides, causing one death and damaging 27 homes. The water level of the Moei river, which borders Thailand and Myanmar, has risen to a critical red alert level, displacing hundreds of people.

NEPAL

Following heavy rainfall in Bagmati Province on 8 August, six people were reported missing after their house was struck by a landslide in Makawanpur District, while flooding also affected various areas of Bhaktapur District. The continuous downpour has resulted in the blockage of all routes leading to Kathmandu due to floods and landslides. This includes the Narayangadh-Muglin highway, which serves as the primary entry point to Kathmandu. The water levels in the Bagmati River and its major tributaries are expected to rise above the danger threshold. Residents residing in the along the river areas in Sarlahi, Rautahat, and Sindhuli are advised to stay in secure locations and remain on high alert and to make necessary preparations and take proactive measures to ensure safety.

MYANMAR

Ongoing armed conflict and extreme weather are contining to drive displacement and humanitarian needs across Myanmar, especially in the Northwest, Southeast, Kachin, and Rakhine. In Kachin, around 500 villagers from Bhamo township were displaced after the heavy deployment of Myanmar Armed Forces to the area since 3 August. In Sagaing, more than 9,000 people were displaced and homes were destroyed in Tamu township after intense fighting that took place in late July. Artillery shelling and landmines in northern Shan and Tanintharyi reportedly led to the death of a child and injuries to four civilians, including two children. As of 31 July, more than 1.9 million people are displaced across the country, including nearly 1.6 million people displaced by conflict and insecurity since 1 February 2021. Needs have been further compounded by monsoon rainfall, triggering floods and landslides. There has also been heavy flooding in several villages and urban areas in Mon, Kayin, Tanintharyi and Rakhine. In Rakhine, an estimated 30 homes were destroyed as a result of flooding in Toungup township on 1 August.

PAKISTAN

Heavy rains have caused flash flooding in the northern part of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Upper and Lower Chitral and southern districts of Balochistan in Kharan, Washuk and Panjgur. Whereas overflow of water in riverbeds (kaacha areas) has recently caused flooding in four Union Councils of Khairpur district of Sindh. According to local authorities, around 2,000 mud houses have been washed away causing 25,000 people to relocate with their livestock to elevated locations in Khairpur District. Other affected districts in Sindh include Dadu, Shaikarpur, Larkana, Jacobabad and Ghotki. Since the start of the monsoon period this year, a reported 196 people have lost their lives, 283 people have been injured, 3,586 houses have been damaged and around 550 livestock animals have perished in various monsoon-related incidents throughout the country.

MONGOLIA

After the floods which impacted the capital in the first week of July affecting a total of 128 thousand households, on 5 August, new flash floods affected the district of Bayanzurkh, causing a total of four causalities, damages to 246 buildings and impacting a total of 325 households, and the displacement of 100 people. The Ministry of Labour and Social Protection is leading the response at the request of the State Emergency Commission. The UN and international partners are supporting the response to the most affected households.