Asia and the Pacific: Weekly Regional Humanitarian Snapshot (1 - 7 October 2024)

NEPAL

Nepal continues to deal with the impacts of landslides and flooding that affected communities across 21 districts, leading over 236 deaths since 28 September. Infrastructure damage including to bridges and roads has been extensive, with NPR 4.35 billion lost in energy, NPR 2.5 billion in roads and bridges, and over NPR 6 billion in agriculture. Over 17,000 people have been rescued, while humanitarian efforts are underway. The Government of Nepal expedited the construction of temporary shelters, providing NPR 50,000 per affected household. On 29 September, the Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) triggered US$3.4 million from the for Anticipatory Action (AA) in Sunsari and Saptari districts, targeting Koshi and Madhesh Provinces. This anticipatory approach, piloted and implemented by FAO, UNFPA, UNICEF, and WFP, is a vital effort to safeguard lives and livelihoods following in these areas.

PHILIPPINES

Typhoon Krathon (local name Julian) has affected more than 317,000 people (91,871 families) in the Philippines with the National Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) confirming 5 deaths, 8 injuries and 1 missing. The storm which affected Region 1, 2 and CAR damaged more than 2,540 houses the majority of which were in Region 2. The estimated damaged to agriculture has rose to US$7.28M (PHP414M) with more than 13,000 farmers and fisherfolks affected. Some of the affected lifelines (water, power, telecommunications) have yet to be restored at the time of reporting. The government is concluding Rapid Damage Assessment and Needs Analysis team in Batanes to determine the humanitarian needs of the affected areas and the extent of damages. The national government has provided more than US$1.19 M (PHP 68M) worth of assistance. The government, both at the national and local level, have requested for support from logistics and shelter clusters to for the key immediate needs of the affected population. The private sector and their affiliated foundations have deployed bottled water, and engineering personnel to restore downed communication services to Batanes. The Philippine Red Cross, through its local chapters and volunteers, have provided hot meals, medicines, and first aid to affected communities.

THAILAND

As of October 7, 2024, extensive flooding caused by a moderate monsoon trough and the southwest monsoon has affected 44 provinces in Thailand, with severe impact in Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Phayao and Phitsanulok provinces. The floodwaters have inundated 5,973 villages in 267 districts, directly impacting nearly 800,000 people. To date, 28 people were injured and 52 deaths were reported including those due to flash floods and landslides. The military has deployed helicopters to monitor rising water levels, assess damage, and coordinate relief efforts. Response efforts are ongoing including clean water and relief kits by the authorities, Thai Red Cross and national aid organizations. UNICEF Thailand has provided 1,000 hygiene, baby, and learning kits. ASEAN AHA Centre has delivered 1,500 family kits. Additionally, public health teams have been mobilized to provide essential medical care to over 211,000 people.

MYANMAR

Myanmar continues to deal with the impacts of flooding that affected more than 1 million people since 9 September. In the first week of October, recurrent flooding impacted a number of townships in Mandalay Region and eastern and southern Shan. In addition, conflict between the Myanmar Armed Forces and various armed groups persists in many parts of the country, with escalation in Rakhine State, the Northwest and the Southeast, resulting in civilian casualties. Landmine contamination remains deeply concerning, with elevated risks for explosive ordnance in areas where landmines may have been shifted during the floods. In late September, landmine explosions resulted in the deaths of two civilians, including an internally displaced person, in eastern Bago Region and Rakhine State. Humanitarian response efforts are underway to ensure assistance is delivered to vulnerable populations affected by the conflict and climate disasters.