Asia and the Pacific: Weekly Regional Humanitarian Snapshot (11 - 17 April 2023)

MYANMAR

Heavy fighting involving artillery fire and frequent airstrikes has continued in multiple states and regions of Myanmar during the reporting period, particularly in the Northwest and the Southeast, as well as in Kachin. As a result, civilian casualties and displacement continue to rise, further accelerating the already dire humanitarian situation in the country. Of particular concern is the airstrike attack in Kanbalu Township in Sagaing Region on 11 April that resulted in the killing of more than 170 people including civilians, according to media reports.

The UN Secretary-General also strongly condemned the attack. As of 10 April 2023, more than 1.8 million people remained displaced across the country, according to the latest UN figures. This includes close to 1.5 million people displaced since the military takeover in February 2021.

PHILIPPINES

Over 136,000 people in 32 cities and municipalities have been affected by heavy torrential rains brought by Tropical Depression Amang which first made landfall in Catanduanes on 10 April. At the time of reporting, 292 people were taking temporary shelter in three evacuation centres in region 5 (southern portion of Luzon). According to government reports, flooding incidents have caused agricultural damage worth around PHP 12.3M (US $223,000). This storm was the first tropical cyclone to develop in the Philippines in 2023.