Asia and the Pacific: Weekly Regional Humanitarian Snapshot (27 January - 2 February 2015)

PHILIPPINES

On 25 Jan, an armed encounter between the Philippine National Police (PNP) - Special Action Force (SAF), field forces of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) erupted in Mamasapano municipality, Maguindanao province in Mindanao. In total, 44 members of the PNP-SAF, 8 MILF fighters and 2 civilians were confirmed dead as a result of this fighting, and 2 others were wounded. The incident displaced around 6,620 people, of which 66 families are in a local madrasah while others are staying with relatives and friends. Classes in nearby schools were suspended. 54people killed 6,620people displaced The municipal and regional authorities provided food packs to the displaced. As of 2 Feb, most IDPs are accessing their homes and livelihoods during daytime.

INDONESIA

On 31 Jan, flooding from five rivers (Laju, Silo, Soa, Raba Baka and Toi Rivers) in West Nusa Tenggara Province inundated approximately 4,000 houses in villages of Dompu Sub District and Woja Sub District following heavy rains. Those temporarily displaced are sheltering in mosques and schools in Poto and Wowondoro Villages. The local disaster management authorities, with support from local military, police, and Ministry of Social Affairs Disaster Response Teams, has established an incident command post to provide assistance. The Indonesian Chapter of the Red Cross, Palang Merah Indonesia, has deployed 25 personnel to undertake assessments and assist with evacuations.

4,000 houses inundated

MYANMAR

On 14 Jan, fighting broke out in the Hpakan area of Kachin State between the Government of Myanmar Army and the Kachin Independence Army. More than 1,000 people were displaced from Aung Bar Lay and surrounding villages to Kan See village, north-east of Hpakan. Some assistance (including food, blankets, mats and other basic items) has been provided to those affected by national NGOs, local authorities and the Myanmar Red Cross, with support from the UN and international NGOs. However, there are still serious concerns for the protection, safety and security of those displaced and other civilians in Kan See, as they remain in close proximity to the conflict area. Access to the area remains severely restricted.

1,000 people displaced

BHUTAN

On 31 Jan a forest fire started near the capital, Thimphu. The fire lasted for over a day despite prompt intervention from the Royal Bhutan Army, the Royal Bhutan Police, dessups (trained volunteers), and local volunteers. There were no human settlements in the vicinity of the fire and no casualties reported. The cause of the fire is not known. The fire is now contained but the extent of damage is not yet known. Based on records (2008-2013), Thimphu district in the western region has the highest number of fire incidents followed by the districts of Mongar, Trashigang, and Samdrup Jongkhar in the eastern region.

SOUTH PACIFIC

On 1 Feb, eight towns in Belep archipelago in northern New Caledonia were placed on alert in anticipation of Tropical Cyclone Ola. According to local authorities sustained winds in excess of 95km per hour and heavy rains caused no significant damage. OCHA continues to monitor the cyclone as it travels in a southerly direction across the South Pacific.