FIJI
Beginning on 4 April, heavy rain from two tropical disturbances continues to fall on communities affected by Tropical Cyclone Winston where thousands of people are still reliant on transitional shelter. Low-lying villages were evacuated. In the north and west of the country, roads were cut and schools closed. The Cyclone Winston response is moving into the early recovery phase. Priorities include providing permanent shelter and water and sanitation for 350,000 people. Some 800,000 planting materials were distributed
PAPUA NEW GUINEA
According to a recent WFP assessment, drought and frost has impacted the food security of nearly 1.5 million people. About 200,000 people are facing extreme food shortages in Western, Southern Highland, Enga, Chimbu and Milne provinces. Key needs include food and nutrition. Logistics remain a key challenge. The Disaster Management Team has submitted a request for funding to the UN Central Emergency Response Fund.
TIMOR-LESTE
On 1 April, WFP and FAO presented the results of the Government-led assessments on the impact of El Nino. Water shortage, food insecurity, health and livelihood are key concerns. According to WFP, the most severely-affected areas are Lautem, Viqueque, Covalima, Oecusse. About 400,000 people are affected by El Niño across the country. The Humanitarian Country Team is developing a comprehensive response plan to mitigate the negative impact of El Niño.
VANUATU
On 3 April, a 7.2 magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Vanuatu generating a tsunami alert for Vanuatu as well as Fiji. No damages were reported and the tsunami alert was lifted.
MARSHALL ISLANDS
An estimated 12,000 to 50,000 people (nearly the entire population of the country) are severely affected by drought. A revised nine-month Drought Response Plan was developed seeking US$9 million to provide assistance to the affected communities - to date 14 per cent of needs under the plan was met. In addition, 32 portable reverse osmosis water purification units were deployed to 19 islands and atolls.
INDONESIA
On 31 March, a 4.7 magnitude earthquake struck with a depth of 13 kilometres in West Lombok (West Nusa Tenggara province). While there were no casualties, a community health centre and 44 houses were damaged.
Between 30 March and 1 April, five localized whirlwinds were reported across Java Island. The whirlwinds caused two casualties and damaged 146 houses in Yogyakarta. Whirlwinds typically occur during the transition period between the rainy and dry season. Local authorities provided relief assistance.6
MYANMAR
Following fighting around Kutkai Township (Shan State) on 6 March, more than 1,400 people remain displaced. As of 1 April, 955 people remain displaced in Namhkan Township due to fighting between various armed groups in February. Local civil society organizations, national and international NGOs and the UN continue to closely liaise with authorities on the provision of humanitarian assistance.
On 28 March, the President’s Office issued an ordinance ending the state of emergency in Rakhine State imposed in 2012. According to the Rakhine State Government, the state of emergency was lifted as there were no longer immediate threats to the lives and property of communities.