Asia and the Pacific: Weekly Regional Humanitarian Snapshot (12 - 18 November 2024)

PHILIPPINES

On 16 November, Super Typhoon Man-yi (local name Pepito) made two landfalls at peak strength of over 185km/h in Panganiban, Catanduanes and Dipaculao, Aurora Province. Days prior to landfall, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) and local governments urged residents, especially to those along the coast, to evacuate and seek shelter in higher elevations. Close to 700,000 people pre-emptively evacuated, and as of 18 November there have been no reported deaths. The last three tropical cyclones combined have affected more than 1 million people (295,576 families) mainly in Region 1, 2, 3, and 5. More than 685,000 people have been displaced, with around 446,000 people are currently in 2,717 evacuation centres. Most of the areas affected were still recovering from the previous tropical cyclones. The national government is taking the lead responding to the needs of affected communities. UN agencies, and partners are working closely with government counterparts on the ground are currently conducting assessments with the support of OCHA. Key identified needs at this time include food, non-food items, and shelter support. Man-yi is the 6th tropical cyclone to have passed the Philippine landmass in the span of one month. The storm has since dissipated into a Severe Tropical Storm and will no longer affect the country.

MYANMAR

The borders with China and Bangladesh remain highly impacted by ongoing conflict, restricting essential supply flows and exacerbating the humanitarian crisis. The borders with Thailand are fully operational except for Myawaddy, which has limited movement along the Asia Highway affected by conflicts. Rising prices for essential commodities and fuel are straining local communities. The closure of crucial border gates between Myanmar and China is worsening conditions in conflict-affected regions and disrupting essential trade and supply routes. This has stranded over 500 transport trucks in northern Shan State, hindering the delivery of vital goods. In Kachin State, the reduced flow of supplies is driving up fuel prices and affecting local procurement, making it harder for communities to meet essential needs. This situation underscores the critical need for coordinated efforts to restore trade routes and ensure humanitarian support reaches vulnerable people before conditions worsen further.