Asia and the Pacific: Weekly Regional Humanitarian Snapshot (5 - 11 August 2014)

CHINA

Rescue efforts are ongoing in the southwestern province of Yunnan, where a 6.1-magnitude earthquake struck on 3 Aug. At least 617 people are confirmed dead and more than 3,000 people are injured. Another 112 people are still missing.

According to the Civil Affairs Department of Yunnan Province, the earthquake has affected approximately 1,088,400 people in the city of Shaotong and the city of Qujing, with about 229,700 being evacuated. Around 80,900 homes collapsed, 129,100 homes were seriously damaged, and 466,100 homes were moderately damaged. National, provincial, city, and county medical rescue teams have deployed personnel and relief supplies to the affected areas and the People’s Armed Police forces, provincial firefightersand Civil Society Organisations including Red Cross China are participating in the response.

NEPAL

On 2 Aug, a landslide, triggered by continuous monsoon rains, caused 33 deaths. 123 remain missing and displaced 476 displaced. The landslide keeps blocking the Sunkoshi river, 120km from Kathmandu, forming a lake which is threatening to cause flash floods downstream. The Government of Nepal is leading the response, including the distribution of food, shelter and medicines, with support from India and the Humanitarian Country Team.

Authorities have conducted controlled breaches of the lake and released water to avoid further damage. Models indicate increased risk of heavy rains on 12-13 Aug causing flash flooding and mudslides.

INDONESIA

On 2 Aug, clashes arose between groups from two villages in the Leihitu sub-district of Maluku Tenga, resulting in five people dead and 10 injured, with 27 houses burned down. On 4 Aug, further clashes arose between two different groups from villages in the Huamual sub-district of Seram Bagian Barat, resulting in 8 people dead and 45 others injured.

Approximately 500 TNI personnel (from Yon Armed Kostrad) were mobilized by the local government in Maluku on 8 Aug to avoid larger conflict, as was experienced during 1999 - 2000.3

JAPAN

On 9 Aug, Tropical Cyclone Halong made landfall near Aki, Kochi Prefecture on Shikoku Island in south western Japan. As of 10 Aug, there are media reports that two people have died and 79 people have been injured.

Around 220 houses have been partially damaged; 920 buildings are partially inundated; 6,270 households are out of power.

Evacuation advisories were issued for 30,000 people across the country. The Japan Meteorological Agency has warned of major landslides and floods from western to central and north-eastern Japan.

MYANMAR

Continuous rains has caused flooding in Bago Region. As of 8 Aug, the Department of Relief and Resettlement reports around 15,850 people from Bago, Kawao, Thanatpin and Wah townships are in temporary shelters.

Authorities have provided emergency assistance to populations such as food rations and some non-food items and WFP is sending an assessment team.