Asia and the Pacific: Weekly Regional Humanitarian Snapshot (19 - 25 March 2024)

INDONESIA

On 22 March, a series of earthquakes struck East Java Province, including a 6.5 magnitude tremor with 10-kilometer depth and epicentered 130 kilometers northeast of Tuban District. Over 260 aftershocks were recorded. The Agency for Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics (BMKG) reported that the tremors were felt in Tuban and surrounding areas, including the provincial capital of Surabaya, East Java, Central Java, Yogyakarta and Kalimantan. The initial rapid assessment by Gresik District and the Provincial authorities reported over 4,600 damaged houses at various severity levels. In addition, 91 schools, 5 hospitals, 138 places of worship and 24 office buildings were also reportedly damaged. According to the disaster management agency BNPB, 2,495 families across several areas of East Java Province were affected. A total number of 9,648 internally displaced persons in Tambak Sub-district of Bawean Island, Gresik District, East Java have also been reported. An earthquake emergency response command post has been established at the Sangkapura District Office. BNPB is providing logistical support, equipment, and emergency funds to make urgent infrastructural repairs and respond to immediate needs.

MYANMAR

Civilians continue to bear the brunt of armed conflict in Myanmar, with intense fighting between the Myanmar Armed Forces (MAF) and various armed groups in multiple states and regions. In Rakhine, clashes between the MAF and Arakan Army (AA) continue with aerial bombardment and heavy shelling in residential areas. More than 148,000 people are estimated to have been displaced since the ceasefire broke down in Rakhine last November. With supplies now dwindling, water scarcity is a major concern for vulnerable people in displacement camps. In Kachin, more than 18,000 people have been newly displaced in 10 townships since a new escalation of fighting in early March. In Sagaing, about 25,000 people from Monywa Township and 28,000 people from Kale Township have been displaced due to clashes since late February. Nationwide, the number of displaced people has exceeded 2.8 million, with more than 2.5 million people displaced since the military takeover in early 2021.

MONGOLIA

As of February 2024, the Government of Mongolia has reported that 266 soums (townships) across 21 provinces are currently experiencing severe Dzud or near-Dzud conditions. This encompasses approximately 81% of the nation's territory, directly impacting 119,600 herder households. An estimated 31,740 herder households residing in soums are facing near-dzud conditions. The situation has escalated significantly compared to previous years, with March 2024 witnessing conditions twice as severe as the last dzud event, and the worst since 2010. Livestock serve as the primary source of livelihood for millions of people in Mongolia. Current livestock mortality rates have already soared to 8.1% of 64.7 million livestock, with 2,257 herder households having lost more than 70% of their livestock. The severity of the situation has prompted a revision of the Dzud Response Plan for 2023/2024, which complements the Government of Mongolia’s planned response. The plan revised by the Humanitarian Country Team (HCT) now aims to deliver immediate and life-saving assistance to 76,000 people out of the 200,000 people in need identified by the HCT through a coordinated approach with early warning and early action to respond to needs triggered by the Dzud.

PAPUA NEW GUINEA

On 25 March, a 6.9 magnitude earthquake at a depth of 40km struck 38 kilometers east-north-east of Ambunti, East Sepik Province. According to incoming reports from the remote area, at three people have lost their lives and 5 people have been injured. At least 200 houses have been damaged or destroyed, as well as damage to community facilities and infrastructure such as health centers, schools, and bridges. Asssessments are ongoing, with access to affected locations logistically difficult due to recent floods. The Disaster Management team (DMT) estimates that there are needs including for food items, shelter tools and NFIs, water treatment solutions and hygiene items (WASH). The East Sepik Provincial Disaster Coordinator (PDC) has established an emergency operations center in Wewak to monitor the situation and coordinate response efforts. A national request for international humanitarian support has not been made.