Asia and the Pacific: Weekly Regional Humanitarian Snapshot (1 - 7 March 2016)

FIJI

On 4 March, the Government of Fiji and humanitarian partners jointly launched a Flash Appeal seeking US$38.6 million to respond to the life-saving and protection needs of 350,000 people affected by Tropical Cyclone Winston. To enable partners to provide urgent humanitarian assistance, US$8 million from the UN Central Emergency Response Fund was allocated for the Fiji response. Nearly 18,500 houses have been damaged or destroyed by the cyclone and more than 18,000 people remain in evacuation centres.

US$ 38.6 M needed to provide life-saving assistance

MYANMAR

In early February, fighting erupted between the Restoration Council for Shan State /Shan State Army South and the Ta’ang National Liberation Army in Kyaukme town, northern Shan State. Over 4,200 people were displaced in Kyaukme and surrounding villages. As of 7 March, over 1,300 people remain displaced. Food, NFIs and medical services are being provided by local authorities and partners. Livelihood support is needed for some returnees.

MARSHALL ISLANDS

A State of Emergency remains in effect in the Republic of the Marshall Islands as a result of El Niño-induced drought. A total of 27 portable reverse osmosis machines have been deployed to affected areas and eight drinking water distribution points have been installed in Majuro. In addition to a shortage of drinking water, rapid assessments have now revealed a decline in food crop production.

PHILIPPINES

In Zamboanga City, local authorities have further tightened citywide water rationing schedule from eight to seven hours a day as a result of persisting water shortage due to drought. The shortage is also affecting some 16,100 people in 12 sites who remain displaced since the September 2013 fighting between government forces and a faction of the Moro National Liberation Front.

As of 3 March, an estimated 66,500 people are displaced due to recent fighting between government forces and armed groups in the provinces of Maguindanao and Lanao del Sur. Authorities continue to validate the number of displaced people.

66,500 people displaced

INDONESIA

On 2 March, a 7.9 magnitude earthquake struck 800 km off the west coast of West Sumatra province causing spontaneous self-evacuations from coastal areas in the Mentawai Islands and the city of Padang. There were no reported casualties or damage caused by the earthquake. The National Agency for Disaster Management (Badan Nasional Penanggulangan Bencana) mobilized teams to assess the situation and review the tsunami early warning system.

Between 1 and 6 March, nine districts in seven provinces (Lampung, Jambi, South Sumatra,
West Kalimantan, South Kalimantan, South Sulawesi and West Java) experienced flooding as a result of torrential rains. More than 1,620 houses were inundated for several days. As of 7 March, the floodwaters have receded. Local authorities and partners provided basic relief.