MARSHALL ISLANDS
Over the past several weeks, extreme drought was reported in eight atolls across the Marshall Islands including Wotje and Utirik. As of 20 April, the drought has affected an estimated 6,400 people. On 24 April, the Government declared a State of Emergency for 31 days in the affected areas. The Emergency Operations Centre was activated and is coordinating the response with local governments and national clusters. Authorities are liaising with bilateral partners to support the in-country response.
6,400 people affected
PHILIPPINES
On 29 April (04:23, UTC+8), a 7.3 magnitude earthquake was recorded off the coast of Sarangani province. The strong tremor was felt across major cities in Mindanao. Authorities issued a tsunami alert following the quake but was shortly lifted. No major damage or fatalities was reported. Earlier in April, a 6.0 magnitude earthquake also struck around Wao municipality, Lanao del Sur province which affected over 5,000 people.
MYANMAR
In the north of Rakhine State, an estimated 16,000 internally displaced people have returned to their villages but lack shelter due to the destruction of houses following the 9 October 2016 attacks. It is estimated that some 4,000 people remain internally displaced. The Rakhine State Government plans to establish ‘model villages’ to accommodate people whose homes were destroyed. However, return to their places of origin remain the most desirable option to ensure rapid re-integration and access to livelihoods opportunities. For the first time in more than six months, the Government has announced that international staff will be allowed to access affected villages in Maungdaw north but under the condition that they are accompanied by government officials. Since October, more than 70,000 people have fled to Bangladesh.
4,000 people remain displaced
INDONESIA
Following torrential rainfall on 29 April, flash floods in Magelang District of Central Java Province caused 10 deaths and triggered the evacuation of 170 people. The local government has declared an emergency response for one week. Authorities initiated search and rescue operations involving 1,500 and provided basic relief assistance to the displaced people.