INDONESIA
Frequent earthquakes in North Maluku Province from 16 Nov – 4 Dec have damaged nearly 1,600 houses and buildings across 19 villages and displaced over 10,000 people. The Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) stated the frequent earthquakes were due to increased tectonic activity and was unlikely to trigger a major earthquake. Local authorities, supported by the National Agency for Disaster Management (BNPB) have provided basic assistance to those affected.
10,000 people displaced
Landslides in Bengkulu Province on 3 Dec have killed 18 people. A further two people were killed in landslides in North Sumatra Province on 1 Dec. The landslides also damaged at least 19 houses. Local authorities have provided assistance.
20 people killed
INDIA
Six districts of Tamil Nadu including Cuddalore, Chennai, Kancheepuram, Nagapattinam, Thiruvannamalai, Thiruvallur and Union Territory of Puducherry continue to be affected by flooding. Media reports indicate at least 280 people have died. The NDRF and Indian armed forces have rescued more than 28,000 people as of 7 Dec. The situation in Chennai city and affected districts is improving, and as the need to carry out rescue operations has reduced, 50 NDRF teams and 13 army columns are now conducting relief efforts. As at 8 Dec the NDRF and army have distributed food and water to over 20,000 people.
280 people killed
MYANMAR
Up to 4,000 people remain displaced following fighting that broke out in early Oct in southern Shan State. The situation remains fluid and exact figures remain difficult to confirm. On 3 Dec an inter-agency mission conducted an assessment and provided assistance, including blended foods and aqua tabs. Further assistance has been provided by national and international partners, including non-food items, hygiene kits and sanitation support. Needs identified in temporary displacement sites during the assessments include shelter and water and sanitation assistance, non-food items and healthcare.
4,000 people displaced
VANUATU
90,000 people are being targeted with food distributions in areas recovering from TC Pam. The worst affected areas include Tanna province, the Shepherds islands in Efate province and parts of Malampa province. 18% of Vanuatu households are spending more than 30 minutes collecting drinking water up from 5.1% in 2013.
FIJI
17 million litres of water have been distributed by the government to 67,000 drought impacted people in the Western, Eastern and Northern Divisions.
67,000 people affected
SOLOMON ISLANDS
The once critical drought situation in Bellona has eased due to recent rain and the arrival of emergency supplies including 872 cartons of bottled water and 9 tons of rice. However 13 communities in Makira are affected by invading caterpillars that have destroyed root crops. This phenomenon is associated with the extended dry season, adding to food insecurity.