PHILIPPINES
Clashes between Government forces and lawless elements displaced more than 17,000 people in Maguindanao province. Two separate incidents occurred on 5 and 10 Feb, leaving five civilians injured (three men, one boy and one girl).
17,000 people displaced
PAPUA NEW GUINEA
Between 10 and 15 Feb, heavy rain caused flooding and landslides across the country. The drought-stricken terrain in most areas was not able to absorb the sudden rain. In both Western Highlands and Chimbu provinces, landslides killed at least 3 people and displaced hundreds of households. In West New Britain Province, several bridges collapsed interrupting main access routes. The Disaster Management Team is responding to the situation.
Three people dead
CHINA
On 14 Feb, authorities ended the search-and-rescue phase of operations in response to the 6.4 Magnitude earthquake that hit Taiwan Province of China eight days before, shifting the focus of efforts to recovery and restoration of transport and other services.
In total, 116 people (62 male, 54 female) were killed by the 6 February earthquake, with all but two of the deaths occurring as a result of the collapse of a 16-story residential complex in Tainan City
MYANMAR
On 7 Feb, fighting in northern Shan State displaced 2,590 people from Tawt San and nearby villages to Kyaukme Town. Initial assistance is being provided by community leaders, the Government and humanitarian partners.
Armed conflict also erupted in Namhkam Township, displacing 800 people. Local civil society organisations and private donors have provided initial assistance.
REPUBLIC OF THE MARSHALL ISLANDS (RMI)
The Government is considering offers of international drought support after declaring a State of Emergency at the start of the month. The US$ 8.25 million Drought Response Plan was developed aimed at mitigating the impacts of extremely low rainfall which is forecast to continue through until July 2016. The priority response action is ensuring consistent supply of safe drinking water. A total of 12,231 people or 23 per cent of the RMI population are already estimated to be experiencing severe drought conditions on the outer islands; 45 additional reverse osmosis units are needed to meet demand on the outer islands. USAID, IOM, UNICEF, SPC, IFRC, UNDP and OCHA are all engaged and offering/providing support to the response
12,000 people affected
INDONESIA
Major flooding in the provinces of Bangka Belitung, Riau and West Sumatra provinces left at least 20,000 houses and buildings inundated between 8 and 13 Feb. Flash floods in South Solok, West Sumatra claimed six lives, while flooding killed two people in Riau and one person in Bangka Belitung.
Local authorities reported 56 destroyed houses and dozens of damaged bridges.
FIJI / TONGA
People in Fiji's Southern Lau Group of islands are on alert for a possible severe tropical cyclone with winds gusting to 180 kmph. Category 3 Tropical Cyclone Winston started moving northeastward and is forecast to pass close to Fiji's Ono-i-Lau before moving over the islands of the Vava’u and Ha’apai groups in central Tonga. It will be the second time the Lau Group has been impacted by a cyclone this year. Fijian authorities are issuing regular warnings and OCHA has been in touch with the NDMO in Tonga where early preparations are also underway.