Asia and the Pacific: Weekly Regional Humanitarian Snapshot (16 - 22 July 2024)

PHILIPPINES

The combined effects of the southwest monsoon and two tropical cyclones within the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) have impacted over 1,120,000 people and displaced nearly 65,000 people in regions III, MIMAROPA VII, IX, X, XI, XII, CARAGA, and Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). Almost all of the displaced population are from Mindanao. The national government has reported eight deaths, with 23 people injured or missing since the rains began on 09 July. Heavy rain continues to affect the entire country as the interactions between the tropical cyclones enhance the southwest monsoon (Habagat). Typhoon Gaemi (local name Carina) has intensified further as it moves north-northwest and is expected to exit PAR by 25 July. The national government is on Red Alert and convened a national response cluster meeting on 23 July. The government has taken the lead in assessment and response efforts, identifying temporary shelter materials, shelter repair kits, food and non-food items as the immediate needs of the affected people. The Mindanao Humanitarian Team continues to support the government response clusters in assessments, response planning and provision of essential items and services.

AFGHANISTAN

On 15 and 16 July, severe windstorms, rains and flash floods impacted at least 29 districts in the Badakhshan, Baghlan, Kunar, Laghman, Nangarhar and Nuristan provinces of Afghanistan, resulting in 58 fatalities and 380 injuries. The floods extensive damaged to Omari camp, located near the reception centre at the Torkham border crossing, which is a primary entry point for Afghan returnees. Over 500 tents and essential water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) facilities were destroyed. Households across the affected provinces are in urgent need of food, shelter, and WASH services, including clean drinking water. Humanitarian partners are coordinating with de-facto authorities, including the Afghanistan National Disaster Management Authority and its sub-national departments, to deliver a timely humanitarian response.

MYANMAR

In northern Shan, the ceasefire agreement reached in early 2024 has been breached, leading to a second wave of escalations between the Myanmar Armed Forces and two members of the Three Brotherhood Alliance – the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army and the Ta’ang National Liberation Army. Since 25 June, intense clashes have taken place in Hsipaw, Kyaukme, Lashio and Nawnghkio townships. The conflict has involved artillery shelling and airstrikes, resulting in displacement, civilian casualties and destruction of many homes and other structures. The fighting in Lashio, the capital of northern Shan, has intensified since early July, causing thousands of people to flee. The resumption of conflict has forced around 41,000 people to flee to safer locations, primarily seeking refuge in southern Shan and Mandalay. Local partners are providing essential relief items to affected people, but significant gaps remain in food, drinking water, medicines and non-food items.