Asia and the Pacific: Weekly Regional Humanitarian Snapshot (28 August - 3 September 2018)

DPR KOREA

On 24 August, Tropical Storm Soulik caused extremely heavy rainfall, resulting in heavy flooding in Kangwon and South Hamgyong provinces. Munchon city was worst affected with 10 reported deaths, 60 persons missing and ongoing search and rescue activities. Over 58,000 people were reportedly displaced from both Munchon city and Kowon city. Many schools and health facilities were destroyed or damaged. The water supply system of Munchon city was destroyed leaving tens of thousands of people without access to safe drinking water.

Agricultural land has been damaged or washed away. The government is providing assistance in terms of search and rescue, temporary shelter, and health care.

As of 2 September, heavy flooding is reported in North and South Hwanghae provinces. In both provinces there are 76 reported deaths, and 75 people missing.

Over 9,000 people are displaced and nearly 1,800 residential buildings destroyed or damaged. A humanitarian assessment is planned for 4 September and will inform the international humanitarian response.

58,000 people displaced

INDIA

In Kerala, although people have started returning to their homes, nearly 540,000 people remain in relief camps so far. The immediate priorities for relief measures are health, hygiene, drinking water access and shelter. It has been reported that some water sources are contaminated and outbreaks of disease have been increasing in some areas. According to the Chief Minister of Kerala, the estimated loss to the state is US$ 3.5billion. An initial amount of US$ 85.5 million has been released to the state by the central government.

540,000 people in relief camps

MYANMAR

On 29 August, a spillway of the Swar Chaung Dam broke and caused sudden flooding in Yedashe Township, Bago Region. More than 54,000 people from 18 village tracts have been affected and some 16,600 people were evacuated. At least four people were reportedly killed and two people are missing. Paddy fields in affected areas were reportedly severely damaged. The Myanmar authorities, the Myanmar Red Cross Society, and local civil society organizations coordinated search and rescue efforts and provided assistance including food, cash, drinking water, temporary shelters, medical assistance, and other relief items to affected people.

AFGHANISTAN

Nearly 209,000 people have been verified as having been displaced by conflict in 2018. This number includes more than 30,000 people temporarily displaced during the fighting in Ghazni City. Humanitarian assistance continued during the past week in the city and nearly 14,000 people have received food out of the nearly 33,000 people identified for food assistance. More than 350 families whose houses were damaged or destroyed received emergency household items (NFI). Mine action teams have found and destroyed 94 unexploded items provided mine risk education to 4,200 residents. There is a gap of partners providing psychosocial assistance to residents.

INDONESIA

The Agency for Meteorological, Geophysics and Climatology (BMKG) reported on 2 September 2018 that there were 2,146 hotspots detected throughout Indonesia. Of these, 557 were in West Kalimantan.