Asia and the Pacific: Weekly Regional Humanitarian Snapshot (10 - 16 September 2024)

BANGLADESH

As of 15 September 2024, according to the National Disaster Risk Reduction Control (NDRRC), heavy rainfall has caused landslides and flooding in the low-lying areas of 5 upazilas and 3 pourashavas in Cox’s Bazar district with approximately 1 million people affected. Water levels are receding as rainfall subsides in Cox’s Bazar and rivers in the district are now flowing below the danger level. Those who took shelter have returned to their homes.

LAO PDR

Heavy rainfall combined with Typhoon Yagi have caused flash floods across 14 provinces in the lower Mekong Basin. An estimated 51,440 people have been affected, damaging critical infrastructure such as homes, roads, agricultural land, health centers, schools, and electricity services. As of 11 September, 33,060 people have been displaced in Luang Namtha Province, with 1,500 sheltered in the Provincial Upper Secondary School and Badminton Stadium, 1,630 in Phonesavang Village and the Police Hospital, while 29,930 are staying with relatives and host families.

CHINA

Typhoon Bebinca made landfall in Shanghai at approximately on 16 September, as reported by the Shanghai Central Meteorological Observatory. The typhoon, with maximum wind force near its center reaching 42 meters per second, struck the Lingang area in the Pudong district. Typhoon Bebinca is the strongest typhoon to make landfall in Shanghai in the past 75 years, causing flight cancellations over Shanghai and the suspension of passenger ferry operations in the city. An estimated 43,600 people had been relocated across Jiangsu Province according to the provincial flood control and drought relief headquarters

PHILIPPINES

The combined effects of two tropical cycles and the enhanced southwest monsoon since 12 September has affected over 357,000 people in 10 regions, displacing over 36,300 people in the country. According to the National Risk Reduction and Management Council, there are 6 reported casualties and 11 injuries. The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) was the hardest-hit region, with over 25,063 families affected in five provinces. More than 570 families are in evacuation centers at the time of reporting. On 16 September, state weather bureau PAGASA announced the development of Tropical Depression Gener over the northeast coast of the Philippines. The 7th tropical cyclone of 2024, it is expected to bring heavy rains and flash floods, especially in northern Luzon. National and relevant local government agencies are taking the lead in response and early recovery efforts.

MYANMAR

Since 9 September, heavy rains caused by the monsoon season and remnants of Typhoon Yagi have led to severe flooding across Myanmar. Central Myanmar is currently the hardest hit. The flood impacted 59 townships in nine regions and states, including the state’s capital, Nay Pyi Taw, Bago, Kayah, Kayin, Magway, Mandalay, Mon, and eastern and southern Shan. There has been significant damage to road networks, transportation, telecommunications, and electricity in affected areas. Most areas remain flooded, although some townships have started to see receding water levels. While data verification is challenging, an estimated 631,000 people might have been affected by flooding across the country. Multiple sources indicate that hundreds of people have died, with many more missing. Food, drinking water, medicine, clothes, dignity kits, and shelters have been reported as urgent needs. Despite challenges, humanitarian partners have started reporting on the impact and planning for response wherever possible. More resources are urgently needed to sustain the delivery of emergency assistance.