Asia and the Pacific: Weekly Regional Humanitarian Snapshot (20 - 26 August 2024)

BANGLADESH AND INDIA

Eleven districts in northeastern and southeastern Bangladesh have been severely impacted by floods triggered by prolonged and intense monsoon rains in the area since 20 August, exacerbated by an active monsoon and a low-pressure system.

Across the border in India, heavy rains and flooding in the state of Tripura have killed over 26 people and affected the homes of more than 117,000 people, according to authorities. A Government-led response is ongoing, with floodwater levels reportedly receding.

In Bangladesh, according to the National Disaster Response Coordination Center (NDRCC), an estimated 4.94 million people have been affected in the northeastern and southeastern regions, with most affected districts include Noakhali, Cumilla, Lakshmipur, Feni, Chattogram, and Moulvibazar. The floods resulted in the loss of 18 lives and a total of 311,419 hectares of land has been reportedly flooded. The flooding has submerged rural roads, agricultural fields, and fishponds, severely disrupting access to essential services and significantly impacting livelihoods. This is the fourth emergency Bangladesh has dealt with in 2024. Since May 2024, nearly 13 million people across 30 per cent of Bangladesh have been affected by Cyclone Remal, Northeastern and Northern Floods. On 14 July, the Humanitarian Coordination Task Team (HCTT) launched its first-ever multi-hazard humanitarian response plan (HRP) for cyclone and monsoon floods, targeting a total of 1.2 million people.

INDONESIA

On 25 August 2024, flash flood struck Rua Village in Ternate City, located on the volcanic island of North Maluku. The disaster resulted in 16 fatalities, 9 injuries, and 3 people reported missing. Additionally, 130 residents have been displaced due to significant damages including to at least 25 homes and one mosque. The local government has declared a two-week emergency response phase, initiating search and rescue operations, as well as debris clearance. Efforts to provide clean water and food assistance are also underway. Approximately 400 personnel from local institutions are actively contributed to the response efforts. Provincial and national authorities complemented the response, including contributions from the National Disaster Management Authority (BNPB) providing tents for internally displaced persons (IDPs), water pumps, food, hygiene kits and non-food items.

PAKISTAN

Humanitarian assessments and response activities are ongoing in areas affected by the severe flooding that has hit communities in Sindh, Balochistan, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) provinces. A multi-agency assessment mission on 22-24 August across affected areas found evidence of ongoing humanitarian needs in a number of areas, including in Sindh’s Sanghar and Khairpur districts, where over 9,500 people are displaced, with 2,627 staying in a relief camp. The displaced population faces challenges and observed needs include food, WASH facilities, fodder for the livestock, repairs and renovation of partially damaged schools and health facilities, cash assistance, seed and fertilizer for the rabbi crop, and winterization kits. In Balochistan, floods have displaced 2,500 households in Sohbat Pur and damaged infrastructure in Kalat, necessitating shelter, food, and public health support. In KP’s Upper Chitral, Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs) and landslides have struck a number of communities who require food, water, shelter, and infrastructure repair. Local authorities and agencies have responded with relief efforts, including food, medical supplies, and hygiene kits, while coordination efforts continue to ensure timely assistance to the most affected and vulnerable people.

LAO PDR AND THAILAND

Heavy rainfall has led to widespread flooding in several provinces in the regions along the border of Lao PDR and Thailand. According to Lao PDR National Disaster Management Office (NDMO), 400 people across 6 districts in Xayaburi Province were affected.

In Thailand, the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation reports that (as of 25 August) flooding continues to impact 37 districts across 5 northern provinces -Chiang Rai, Payao, Nan, Prae, and Petchabun, affecting approximately 80,000 people. Since 16 August, accumulated rainfall has resulted in floodings across 64 districts in 12 provinces in Thailand. As the runoff moves southwards and more rainfall is expected next week, flood warnings have been issued for several provinces and authorities are closely monitoring the situation. The situation in both Lao PDR and Thailand remains within the national capacity and the ongoing relief activities are being led by the provincial governors with support from the central authorities.