Asia and the Pacific: Weekly Regional Humanitarian Snapshot (14 - 20 February 2017)

PHILIPPINES

As of 19 February, over 30,700 people remain displaced in northeastern Mindanao (Caraga region) by flooding triggered by a series of weather systems since 8 January. At least 2,100 people are in 18 shelters, while most are staying with relatives and friends. Local authorities and NGOs, with support from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) are providing food and other relief items.

As of 16 February, eight deaths and 202 injuries were confirmed as a result of the 6.7 magnitude earthquake that struck Surigao City on 10 February. About 7,800 people remain displaced, of which 370 people are in tents on the capitol grounds in Surigao City while the rest are camping on their properties or staying with relatives or friends. Access to potable water has been restored to nearly all of the affected areas. DSWD and the Red Cross have been providing psychosocial services in addition to relief goods. As aftershocks continue, regional disaster management authorities remain on red alert status, due to the heightened risk of landslides. There has been no request for international assistance.

INDONESIA

Over the past week, torrential rains were reported in many major cities on Java Island causing temporary flooding. While BNPB reported no casualties, at least 14,700 people were displaced between 15 and 16 February in Jakarta, Bekasi and Brebes. On 15 February, a localized whirlwind also hit Sidoarjo District (East Java) and damaged 175 houses. Local governments provided basic relief assistance with the support of provincial authorities

BANGLADESH

As of 20 February, an estimated 73,000 people have crossed from Rakhine State (Myanmar) into Bangladesh since October 2016. They are residing in registered camps and makeshift settlements in Cox’s Bazar, and in Teknaf and Ukhiya host villages.
Over the last few weeks, there has been a decrease in the number of the new arrivals, although some cross border movements continue to be observed.
New families have been reported in Balukhali, Teknaf and Ukhiya host villages. From 20 to 23 February, the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Myanmar is on mission to Bangladesh.

NEW ZEALAND

During the past week, bushfires across South Island caused one death and triggered the evacuation of over 1,000 people, according to local media. The fires destroyed at least 11 houses in Christchurch and Selwyn and caused power disruptions. As of 16 February, a state of local emergency has been declared for Christchurch City and Selwyn District. The situation is considered to be within the national capacity to respond.