Asia and the Pacific: Weekly Regional Humanitarian Snapshot (14 - 20 April 2015)

VANUATU

The Second Phase Harmonized Assessment Report for Tropical Cyclone Pam was released on 17 Apr. Revised Government figures estimate 188,000 people in 23 islands are affected by the cyclone, up from the initial figure of 166,000 people in 22 islands. Key priorities outlined in the report include addressing health risks by immediately providing access to safe water supply and restoring sanitation structures.

188,000 people affected

19,500 children vaccinated

This time of the year is the peak transmission season for vector-borne diseases. As of 13 Apr, more than 22,000 bed nets had been distributed to protect some 29,000 people in Port Vila. As of 15 Apr, 47,000 people had received emergency water, sanitation and hygiene supplies and 19,500 children had been vaccinated against measles.

PHILIPPINES

At the height of the conflict in Maguindanao about 123,000 people were displaced. Recently, around 70,000 people returned to their places of origin. As of 15 Apr, about 53,200 people remain displaced in 41 evacuation centres in nine municipalities, according to the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao Humanitarian Emergency Action Response Team.

53,200 people displaced

41 evacuation centres

The security situation in parts of Maguindanao remains volatile. At the joint Provincial Peace and Order Council and Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council meeting on 14 Apr, the military reported that substantial military presence remained in the affected areas and they would continue to conduct operations against lawless groups despite the end of the joint law-enforcement operations declared on 30 Mar.

FEDERATED STATES OF MICRONESIA

A preliminary damage assessment in Chuuk and Yap states on 13 Apr to evaluate the impact of Typhoon Maysak indicate public infrastructure damage in excess of $US 8 million. An estimated 1,100 people were affected in Yap State and 28,600 people in Chuuk State.

29,700 people affected

A five-member United Nations Disaster Assessment and Coordination (UNDAC) team was deployed from 8 - 20 Apr at the request of the Government to support the response. The team worked alongside Government and partners such as IOM and the Micronesia Red Cross Society.

Assessments and relief supply distribution faced significant logistical constraints due to the geographical spread of communities affected by Maysak with available sea and air transport used to reach communities with supplies, including those to support shelter, water and food needs.

INDONESIA

Monsoon rains caused floods in parts of Indonesia last week. In West Java, 1,200 people were affected and 305 homes flooded, while in South Sulawesi, 1,200 families were affected, 39 families displaced and about 4,000 homes flooded. In East Java, 95 families were affected, 390 homes flooded and 122 homes damaged. In Central Java damage was not as severe.
The local disaster management authorities conducted evacuations and assessments, provided logistical support in the form of food/water, blankets and mats and arranged temporary shelter for those in need.