Asia and the Pacific: Weekly Regional Humanitarian Snapshot (29 October - 4 November 2024)

PHILIPPINES

The combined effect of Severe Tropical Storm Trami and Super Typhoon Kong-Rey has now affected 8.8 million people (2.25 million families) across the Philippines. The National Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) has reported 151 deaths, 134 injuries and 21 missing. Since the flooding incidents began on 22 October, more than 700k people remain displaced with the number of open evacuation centres going down to 1,133. The majority of those displaced, 500k people, are residing outside evacuation centres.
One of the most affected sectors is agriculture with around 111,000 farmers and fisherfolks affected.
Recent assessments from humanitarian partners indicate the possible need for long term support due to still flooded agricultural land.
Water, sanitation, and health remains a top priority due to damaged water sources. The national government has provided more than US $20.5 (PHP 1.2B) worth of assistance to affected families and is continuing to support in relief and recovery efforts.
On 05 November, state weather bureau PAGASA reported the development of Typhoon Yinxing east of the Philippines. This will be the third tropical cyclone in the span of 3 weeks that has developed in the Philippines and is expected to make landfall in extreme northern Luzon by 07 November as a strong typhoon.

MYANMAR

In Rakhine State, civilians continue to bear the brunt of the ongoing conflict between the Myanmar Armed Forces and Arakan Army. Prices of food and supplies have been sharply increasing across all townships, with Maungdaw,
Pauktaw and Ramree experiencing the worst since the resumption of conflict in November 2023. Since early October, rice shortages in Ann and Gwa townships have intensified due to limited importation amidst the escalation in southern Rakhine. Tens of thousands of people, including displaced individuals and host communities, are reportedly at risk of severe food shortages as market supplies dwindle. Movement restrictions since September have further isolated these populations, leaving them with limited access to essential food supplies. Humanitarian partners continue to assist vulnerable people with various response modalities wherever possible.
However, access restrictions, ongoing conflict, and severely limited funding pose significant challenges.