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Asia and the Pacific: Weekly Regional Humanitarian Snapshot (23 - 29 October 2018)

Countries
Indonesia
+ 3 more
Sources
OCHA
Publication date

INDONESIA

Following the 28 September earthquake in Central Sulawesi, and the resulting tsunami, liquefaction and landslides, nearly 2,100 people are known to have died, with over 1,000 still missing. According to the first round of the Displacement Tracking Matrix (DTM), more than 211,000 displaced people are staying in 980 sites across the three districts of Palu, Donggala and Sigi. Distribution of shelter items is underway, with TNI and IOM assisting with setting up tents for the displaced in all districts. Thousands of people are also believed to have left Sulawesi or found refuge with host families.The government-led response continues, with NGOs, the Red Cross and the UN supporting efforts in line with Government priorities. The emergency response phase in Central Sulawesi ended on 26 October, nevertheless the reception of relief items continues to be coordinated through BNPB. As of 29 October, The HCT’s Response Plan, requesting US$ 50.5 million to provide humanitarian assistance to 191,000 people, over three months, is 26 per cent funded.

211,000 people displaced

NORTHERN MARIANA ISLANDS

Super Typhoon Yutu passed over the Northern Mariana Islands on 25 October with sustained winds of 180 mph, resulting in one fatality and causing massive damage across the US territory. According to the American Red Cross, estimates show as many as 6,000 homes destroyed and another 12,000 impacted by the storm. The airport in Saipan sustained significant damage and has only partially re-opened with flights restricted to returning residents and humanitarian aid. Water and power are still extremely limited, and officials estimate that it may be months before they will be fully restored. A major disaster has been declared by the US Federal Government and relief operations are underway.

MYANMAR

Armed clashes between ethnic armed groups in Shan State have temporarily displaced more than 1,100 people since 24 October. Fighting broke out in Namtu and Lashio townships between the Restoration Council of Shan State/Shan State Army (RCSS/SSA) and allied troops of the Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) and the Shan State Progressive Party/Shan State Army (SSPP/SSA). About 630 people from at least eight villages were displaced in Namtu Township and approximately 500 people were displaced to three sites in Lashio Town. Displaced people have sheltered in religious sites and school buildings where they have received assistance including food, cash and relief items from local authorities and local civil society organizations. As of 29 October, most of the 630 displaced people in Namtu Township had returned home, while the 500 people remain displaced in Lashio Town.

1,100 people newly displaced

PHILIPPINES

Typhoon Yutu (locally known as Rosita) is located 410 km east northeast of Casiguran, Aurora.
The typhoon is expected to make landfall over the Isabela-Aurora area by early morning of 30 October, with moderate to heavy rains directly over Northern and Central Luzon is expected on the evening of 29 October. Residents in these regions, especially those living in low-lying areas, near river channels and mountainous areas, are advised to take appropriate actions against possible flooding and landslides. The typhoon comes just over a month after Typhoon Mangkhut, which passed a similar path in the Luzon islands and affected more than 3 million people.

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