Asia and the Pacific: Weekly Regional Humanitarian Snapshot (13 - 19 June 2023)

PAKISTAN

High winds and heavy rains brought by Cyclone Biparjoy resulted in 4 fatalities, 5 injuries, 2,460 houses partially damaged, and 190 houses fully damaged. An estimated population of 1.2 million people were exposed to wind speeds of 90-120km/h between 16 to 17 June 2023. Relief camps for evacuees have been closed, and 84,610 people have been repatriated to their villages. Furthermore, the cyclone-related incidents also took the lives of 1,798 livestock in the district of Tharparkar, and rains, flash floods, and winds have impacted six roads, one bridge, and 1,019 acres of crops lands

PHILIPPINES

Around 39,000 people have been affected after Mayon volcano’s Alert Level was raised to 3 on 08 June. Of this, more than 19,000 people from 26 barangays are taking temporary shelter in 26 open evacuation centers. Due to ongoing volcanic activity, the government has extended the danger zone to 7 km. The HCT Clusters are actively engaging with government counterparts and are ready to respond should the need arise. Some clusters, such as Logistics have provided augmented support to the affected areas, while IFRC requested DREF funding. Volcano warnings for Taal and Kanlaon volcanoes due to phreatic or steam driven eruptions remain at Alert Level 1.

MYANMAR

One month on from Cyclone Mocha, the unexpected retraction of initial approval for cyclone distribution and transportation plans and the temporary suspension of existing travel authorizations (TAs) for humanitarian organizations in Rakhine by the de facto authorities, has impacted the humanitarian response across the state. This sudden decision has exacerbated the already dire living conditions of the cyclone-affected population as heavy rains and flooding from the monsoon season continue to impact areas already severely affected by the cyclone. Meanwhile, efforts are underway to engage with the de facto authorities at the Nay Pyi Taw and regional level to expand access to people in need.

Despite the humanitarian access restrictions, humanitarians have reached almost 380,000 people with food in Rakhine alone and more than 144,000 people with shelter support and relief items since the cyclone. Additionally, nearly 12,500 people received healthcare and more than 7,000 children under 5 and more than 1,500 caregivers in 8 priority townships in Rakhine received nutrition assistance. Furthermore, more than 34,000 children and caregivers received psychosocial support and 70 contaminated ponds in three townships were successfully de-watered. Generous funding is vital with only US$24.2m received to date against a total Cyclone Mocha Flash Appeal requirement of US$333 million.