Asia and the Pacific: Weekly Regional Humanitarian Snapshot (7 March - 13 March 2023)

VANUATU

Two successive Category 4 cyclones ("Judy and "Kevin") passed over Vanuatu, causing extensive damage to the northwest and northeastern islands, with up to 30,000 households in areas most affected by high wind speeds. As of 13 March, there were 5,156 people (947 families) in 106 evacuation centers in Shefa and Tafaa. The distribution of shelter kits and non-food items in these centres is ongoing. According to the Vanuatu National Disaster Management Office (NDMO), 74% of the Arterial Road Network is currently accessible throughout the country. Rapid assessments teams are finalizing the assessments for Malampa and Penama, while assessments in other areas are still ongoing. The Pacific Humanitarian Team has deployed additional 22 staff to Vanuatu to support the NDMO in coordination and technical assistance on the response to affected people.

INDONESIA

On 11 and 12 March 2023, the Merapi volcano in Yogyakarta Province erupted and emitted hot clouds at least 60 times, with the longest ash plume reaching 4 kilometers to the southwest. The Center for Research and Development of Geological Disaster Technology (BPPTKG Merapi) has cautioned against any entry or activity within five kilometers of the Merapi crater, and seven kilometers in the south-southwest direction. While no damage nor fatalities were reported and the neighboring airports remained operating, the local government and the Indonesia Red Cross (PMI) mobilized personnel to conduct assessments and coordination efforts, as well as distribute masks. The BPPTKG maintains Alert Level III for Mount Merapi (level IV being the highest alert).

PHILIPPINES

More than 138,000 people have been affected after an oil tanker containing 800,000 litres of Industrial Fuel Oil sank off the coast of Oriental Mindoro on 1 March.
The subsequent oil slick has spread and traces of oil have been reported in Palawan, more than 300 kms away.
More than 120 injuries/health impacts have been reported and more than 14,000 fisherfolk families have been affected in two regions. The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council has deployed more than PHP 30M ($556,000 USD) worth of assistance to affected communities, mainly in the form of basic goods. The Philippine Coast Guard is the main government agency leading the response as per the National Oil Spill Contingency Plan (NOSCOP). The full extent of the spill's impact is still to be determined but it threatens over 36,000 hectares of marine habitats, including protected areas, as well as the livelihoods of coastal communities.