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Latest humanitarian snapshot highlights displacement in Myanmar, Afghanistan and PNG

Countries
Myanmar
+ 4 more
Sources
OCHA
Publication date

MYANMAR

Armed conflict between the Myanmar Military and the Kachin Independence Army since 7 April has displaced up to 2,000 people in Tanai Township, Kachin State from Awng Lawt, Sut Ring Yang and Sut Ra villages. On 22 April, the Myanmar Red Cross Society evacuated 225 people from the area and provided them with support to travel to other parts of the country. Those remaining are reported to be sheltering in the forest and have been unable to leave the conflict affected area since 11 April.
In Hpakan Township, approximately 160 people from Hlaing Naung Hku and Man We villages are similarly reported to be unable to leave the affected area due to fighting. In Moegaung Township, close to 900 people from Kasung and Zup Mai villages have been displaced to Namti Town following fighting in Kasung area on 20 April.

Appr. 3,000 people newly displaced in Kachin State (in addition to IDPs in camps and sites)

VANUATU

The Council of Ministers has declared a State of Emergency on Ambae Island, after its active volcano started spewing ash and gas from its crater, threatening the health of the 11,000 local inhabitants.
Approximately 750 people have lost their homes, 643 as a result of the volcanic ash, and 115 by landslides. The Council of Ministers has ordered the entire population to evacuate the island.
Discussions ongoing regarding the Island’s evacuation between Provincial and National governments and local communities.

INDONESIA

On 18 April 2018, an shallow 4.4 magnitude earthquake struck Central Java, killing two people and injuring 21 people. 316 houses in four villages were also damaged. As of 21 April, 3,506 people have been displaced. The National Agency for Disaster Management (BNPB) has provided Rp.250 million IDR (US$18,000) in emergency relief funds. A joint team, consisting of 641 personal from local and national disaster management agencies, military, police and national Red Cross are providing support to those affected.

An 3.4 magnitude aftershock on 21 April injured a further six people.

AFGHANISTAN

Humanitarian delivery has been hampered in several provinces with partners unable to move personnel and cargo on major roads. In Uruzgan, members of an armed group blocked the road between Tirinkot and Chora district centre, where reportedly 800 families are facing a food shortage.
Due to insecurity following attacks on checkpoints and ongoing clearance operations along roads connecting mayor cities in Balkh, Jawzjan and Faryab provinces, humanitarian partners have suspended their movements of personnel and cargo, including the delivery of food stocks to Maymana City, to where nearly 7,500 people have been displaced this year.

PAPUA NEW GUINEA

As of 20 April, over 42,500 people remain displaced following the 26 February earthquake. An estimated 15,700 students studying in 105 schools have had their education disrupted. Health centres reported over 180 cases of diarrheal diseases due to poor water and sanitation. Ongoing tensions in and around Tari have temporarily suspended all humanitarian operations in the area since 28 March.

UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs: To learn more about OCHA's activities, please visit https://www.unocha.org/.