Asia and the Pacific: Weekly Regional Humanitarian Snapshot (14 - 20 May 2024)

INDONESIA

On 16 May 2024, the status of Mount Ibu in West Halmahera District, North Maluku Province, was elevated to Level IV due to heightened volcanic earthquake intensity and ash ejections. Subsequently, significant eruptions on 19 May resulted in volcanic ash clouds ascending up to four kilometers in the west and northwest directions, accompanied by lightning at the mountain top. Despite no reported casualties, approximately 1,000 residents across seven neighboring villages were evacuated to safer areas by local authorities. A precautionary radius of four kilometers and seven kilometers in the northwest direction has been established, urging the community to refrain from outdoor activities. People who conduct activities outside are advised to utilize masks and eye protection. The local government, supported by the National Agency for Disaster Countermeasure (BNPB), has provided shelter, non-food items, healthcare, and food assistance.

MYANMAR

Ongoing fighting between the Myanmar Armed Forces (MAF) and various armed groups continues to drive displacement and raise protection concerns across vast swathes of Myanmar. In Rakhine, the conflict in Buthidaung involving the MAF, the Arakan Army (AA) and other armed actors including the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA) has escalated in recent days with an unverified number of homes burnt down in the downtown area, further fuelling inter-communal tensions. Aerial bombardment is being reported in various parts of the state. More than 185,000 people have now been forced to flee their homes in Rakhine and southern Chin since the conflict reignited in November 2023. Meanwhile, in the Northwest, approximately 10,000 people from 10 villages along the Ayeyarwady River in Myingyan Township in Mandalay have been displaced since 14 May amid widespread military operations. In the Southeast, more than 4,000 people in Bilin and Thaton townships fled their homes due to shelling on 15 May. In the Northeast, in Kachin, more than 800 people from two villages in Puta-O Township have been displaced since 11 May, amid intense fighting.

AFGHANISTAN

Heavy rainfall triggered flash floods in northern and western Afghanistan on 17 and 18 May, affecting 10 districts in Ghor Province (Charsada, Dawlatyar, Dolayna, Ferozkoh, Lal Wa Sarjangal, Murghab, Pasaband, Saghar, Shahrak, and Tolak) and eight districts in Faryab Province (Almar, Bilcheragh, Chehlgazi, Dawlatabad, Khaibar, Maimana, Pashtun Kot, and Qaysar). Initial reports indicate at least 120 fatalities, with hundreds more missing and extensive damage to private properties and infrastructure. The initial flooding in Faryab Province on 17 May affected around 560 households, followed by a second wave on 18 May impacting approximately 1,300 households. Villages in Bilcheragh and Khaibar remain inaccessible due to challenging terrain and road blockages. In Ghor Province, early unconfirmed reports indicate substantial damage to over 6,000 houses, more than 1,200 shops, as well as other critical civilian infrastructure. Murghab District is at high risk due to debris blocking the flow of the Murghab River, potentially causing further flooding in nearby villages. As of 20 May, humanitarian partners have not been able to access Murghab District with humanitarian assistance. In Ferozkoh District, health facilities and markets are inaccessible. Efforts are ongoing to mobilize additional resources from Kabul via accessible routes.