Asia and the Pacific: Weekly Regional Humanitarian Snapshot (23 - 29 February 2016)

FIJI

Category 5 Typhoon Winston, which struck Fiji on 20 and 21 February, affected an estimated 350,000 people (170,000 women and 180,000 men). As of 28 February, more than 51,000 people remain in 811 evacuation centres. Food security is a concern with crops destroyed and markets still inaccessible in many of the affected areas. Transitional shelter for people in evacuation centres is also a priority. Relief supplies are being distributed as teams continue to assess needs across the country. Poor road conditions and intermittent communications continue to pose a challenge for emergency responders.

350,000 people affected

INDONESIA

From 26 to 28 February, torrential rains and the overflow of the Kemuning River triggered flooding in Sampang District, East Java province. More than 34,000 people (11,468 households).
There were no reported casualties or major damage.

Flashfloods were also reported in Merangin and Bungo districts in Jambi province on 25 February damaging 45 houses while 2,600 houses in Jakarta, Banten and West Java provinces were temporarily inundated. The flood waters have receded.

In East Kalimantan and Riau provinces, 69 forest fires were identified by authorities. While most of the fires have been extinguished, twelve hectares of land continue to burn in Pelalawan and Bengkalis districts in Riau since 24 February. Local authorities have provided emergency assistance with support from the national government agencies.

PHILIPPINES

Continuing clashes between Government forces and lawless groups in Maguindanao province have displaced 25,000 people since 5 February. About 21,500 people remain in nine evacuation centres in three municipalities.

In Lanao del Sur province, fighting between the military and unidentified armed groups displaced around 20,100 people as of 23 February. Three evacuation centres are hosting 1,600 people. Local authorities are providing food and medical services to the affected people.

TIMOR-LESTE

Joint Government and humanitarian partner assessments have identified some 150,000 people as severely affected by drought in four municipalities (Bacau, Lospalos, Viqueque and Cova Lima). The number of people at risk of food insecurity is projected to increase with the impact becoming more apparent during the harvest season in March. Food, water, health and WASH are priorities, with a special focus on the protection of children and women. Partners are working with authorities to support school feeding, provide food and clean drinking water and distribute seeds.

150,000 people affected