Asia and the Pacific: Weekly Regional Humanitarian Snapshot (23 - 29 April 2024)

PHILIPPINES

The impacts of El Niño continue in the Philippines with hotter and drier conditions expected to remain until May 2024, causing above-average sea temperature, below normal rainfall, and drought. Many schools nationwide have suspended classes due to extreme heat conditions, with the highest heat index of 53 degrees Celsius recorded in Iba, Zambales on 28 April. State weather bureau PAGASA reported that by the end of April 2024, almost 90% of provinces in the country have been affected, with 41 provinces (50%) under drought conditions, 23 provinces under dry spell, and 8 provinces with dry conditions.

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council reports that 118 cities and municipalities have declared a state of calamity and that an estimated worth of US $9.2M assistance was already provided to them. El Nino is adversely affecting climate-sensitive sectors, including for more than 45K farmers and fisherfolks and 44K hectares of crops that have been affected (totalling $29M in damages to agriculture.

PAGASA estimates that there is a 62% chance for La Niña to develop during the June-July-August 2024 season.

MYANMAR

Conflict between the Myanmar Armed Forces (MAF) and various armed groups continues in the Southeast, particularly in southern Shan and Kayin, resulting in civilian casualties and increasing protection concerns. The security situation in Kayin remains volatile, with fluid population movement amid ongoing fighting in Kawkareik and Myawaddy townships. The important border town of Myawaddy was returned to MAF control last week, after briefly being taken by the Karen National Liberation Army. About 4,000 people from Myawaddy Town and neighboring villages reportedly remain displaced, fearing the resumption of fighting. In southern Shan, local sources and partners reported that five civilians were killed during clashes in Pekon Township between 20 and 23 April. The situation in Rakhine State remains tense, especially in the State’s north, with 166,000 people now estimated to have been newly displaced by renewed fighting between the MAF and Arakan Army since last November.

INDONESIA

On 27 April, a 6.2 magnitude earthquake at the depth of 70 kilometers struck West Java Province at 23:29 local time, causing injuries to at least 11 people and damaging 267 houses across 18 districts and municipalities. While no fatalities were reported, local government agencies, with support from provincial and national institutions, conducted damage assessments and provided emergency medical services, food, and shelter to affected communities. In a separate incident on 26 April, a landslide in Tallang Sura village, North Toraja, South Sulawesi resulted in three fatalities, while six people sustaining injuries. Search and Rescue operations ceased as all local villagers are accounted for, and no further humanitarian impact was reported.

PAKISTAN

Pakistan experienced continued floods due to heavy rainfall from April 12-28, primarily affecting Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Balochistan provinces.

The toll has risen to 117 fatalities and 139 injuries, with extensive damage reported including 464 schools, over 5,800 houses and more than 700 livestock nationwide. UN Satellite imagery reveals that approximately 9,000 km² of land was affected by flood waters between April 20-24, 2024, with an estimated 1.5 million people potentially exposed or residing close to flooded areas in Pakistan. Relief efforts led by national agencies are ongoing to address the urgent needs of affected communities.

CHINA

On 27 April, a strong tornado struck Zhongluotan Town in Guangzhou's Baiyun District, Guangdong Province, resulting in five fatalities and 33 people injured, according to local authorities. The level 3 tornado swept through the area at approximately 3 p.m., with a maximum wind gust of 20.6 meters per second recorded at the Liangtian Village weather station, located about 2.8 kilometers away. The tornado traveled approximately one kilometer before dissipating.

Rescuers from the city’s emergency management, weather, fire, waterworks and health departments including local residents went to the site immediately for rescue operations.

According to reports, 141 factory buildings were damaged, with no reported damages to residential structures and homes.