Asia and the Pacific: Weekly Regional Humanitarian Snapshot (20 - 26 January 2015)

MALAYSIA

Between mid-Dec and mid-Jan, heavy seasonal rains and strong winds affected large parts of Malaysia causing severe and extensive flooding in Terengganu, Pahang, and Kelantan. In addition to the three most affected states, four other states in Peninsular Malaysia (Perak, Johor,
Selangor and Perlis States) and one state in East Malaysia (Sabah) also experienced floods due to the heavy rainfalls.

At the peak of the flooding, more than 230,000 people were evacuated and at least 17 people were confirmed dead. The Prime Minister of Malaysia put the total number of people affected at 400,000. As of 23 Jan, a few thousand people remain displaced and many more continue to be accommodated by host families or relatives.

8,400 people affected 17 people killed

OCHA continues to monitor flooding in Sabah and Sarawak where over 8,400 people were displaced. Local media reports indicate that while numbers in evacuation centers in Sarawak increased to over 5,700 people, numbers in Sabah dropped to almost 2,700 people.

INDONESIA

Floods have inundated approximately 2,300 houses in eight sub districts in North Kalimantan and East Kalimantan since 21 Jan. Furthermore, floods in Rundeng and Longkip Sub Districts in Aceh Province inundated 300 houses and displaced over 4,230 people since 17 Jan. Also, floods occurred in East Java affecting 214 families in two villages since 19 Jan. Local disaster management authroties and the Indonesian Red Cross are responding to all flooding events.

4,230 people displaced in Aceh

MYANMAR

On 14 Jan, fighting broke out in the Hpakan area of Kachin State between the Government of Myanmar Army and the Kachin Independence Army. More than 1,000 people were displaced from Aung Bar Lay and surrounding villages, north-east of Hpakan. Displaced people and other civilians in the areas are in need of humanitarian assistance but access for humanitarian organisations remains restricted due to the proximity of the conflict area. Local NGOs, with support from UN and international NGOs and the Myanmar Red Cross, have delivered some assistance (food, blankets, mats and other basic items) to nearby areas. Local authorities are reportedly providing some assistance.

1,000 people displaced

PHILIPPINES

Insecurity and armed clashes increased in North Cotabato province, Central Mindanao as well as the province of Maguindanao. On 20 Jan, armed clashes occurred in Tulunan municipality between two groups considered to be Moro and Christian settlers. Over 110 people fled their homes.
Response to the conflict, related to a longstanding clan feud, depleted available resources while insecurity remains a concern, according to local officials.

110 people fled

Tropical Storm Mekkhala, the first typhoon of the year in the western Pacific, hit eastern Philippines on 16 Jan. A fact finding mission was conducted in Eastern Samar province to assess the extent of damage. Local authorities reported that the overall impact was minimal and does not require a humanitarian response. Mekkhala curved back into the sea off eastern Luzon and dissipated on Jan 21.