Asia and the Pacific: Weekly Regional Humanitarian Snapshot (18 - 24 March 2025)

INDONESIA

On 21 March, Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki: Located in East Nusa Tenggara, the volcanic eruption resulted in 2 injured people and temporally displacing 1,350 households or approximately 5,000 people. Nearby airports in East Flores, Lembata, and Sikka remain operational. The volcanic alert status was raised to Level IV, the highest alert level, on 20 March. The government issued an advisory for visitors and local communities to refrain from activities within the 7-kilometre radius southwest and 8-kilometre radius northeast of the mountain’s peak. The East Flores District Government has provided immediate relief assistance. Correspondingly, the District Government has declared a 14-day emergency response phase covering 20 March- 2 April. Following the eruption, the Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture convened a coordination meeting to expedite the construction of temporary and permanent shelters, as well as other supporting facilities for the displaced populations. The National Agency for Disaster Management (BNPB) has constructed 450 temporary shelters and plans to develop an additional 250. Displaced households with alternative housing arrangements outside evacuation centres will receive a monthly housing subsidy of IDR 600,000 for a planned duration of six months.

MYANMAR

The security situation in Myanmar remains highly volatile, with increased airstrikes reported in the Northwest between 18 and 23 March. Civilian areas in Magway and Mandalay were reportedly hit by airstrikes on 22 March, allegedly resulting in the deaths of several civilians. An airstrike on 20 March in Tilin Township in Magway reportedly killed and injured civilians and destroyed several houses and livestock. Similarly in Mandalay, airstrikes in Natogyi, Myingyan and Singu townships between 20 and 23 March reportedly killed civilians and destroyed dozens of homes. Frequent airstrikes have been reported in Chin State´s Kanpetlet Township since 19 March, although no casualties have been confirmed. These airstrikes follow deadly airstrikes that allegedly took place between 14 and 16 March in Signu Township in Mandalay and Nawnghkio Township in northern Shan in northeastern Myanmar, which reportedly killed dozens of civilians and injured many others. The continued use of airstrikes poses a serious threat to civilians, further exacerbating humanitarian needs and raising concerns about the protection of civilians in conflict-affected areas.