MONGOLIA
The Government of Mongolia has officially declared the winter dzud over; however rains and unseasonal snow continue to impact vulnerable herders by putting stress on their livelihoods due to additional livestock deaths. Since January, some 1.1 million animals (up to 5.8 per cent) of the national livestock total have perished. Cash grants and cash-for-work interventions have begun as part of early recovery efforts. In March, CERF allocated $2.4 million to jumpstart health and nutrition, agriculture, protection and early recovery activities.
1.1 million animals perished
PHILIPPINES
According to the national weather bureau, large-scale drought will peak in May. The Government estimates most crop and livestock losses between February and April total US$239 million and have affected more than 260,000 farmers particularly in Mindanao and Western Visayas region.
260,000 farmers affected
MYANMAR
On 10 May, an estimated 1,600 people fled their villages in Kyaukme and Hsipaw townships in Shan State following heightened tensions between various armed groups.
In Kyaukme at least 800 people still remain displaced, while in Hsipaw some 600 people are still sheltering in two monasteries. Immediate needs are being met by authorities and local partners.
1,600 people displaced
INDONESIA
Between 10 to 13 May, floods and flash floods occurred in the provinces of South, West and Central Kalimantan, Bengkulu and Gorontalo. The incidents flooded 3,550 houses for several days. In Kotabaru District (South Kalimantan), flash floods killed three people with one still missing.
The monsoon season in Indonesia typically runs from November to March – the amount of rainfall and intensity during the past week is unusual at this time of year.
3,550 houses flooded
On 10 May, cold lava flow from Mount Sinabung, an active volanoe, in Kuta Mbaru Village (Karo District, North Sumatra), caused two deaths, four injuries and damaged three houses. The National Agency for Disaster Management (BNPB) reported an estimated 50 million cubic meters of cold lava remains on the mountain which continues to pose a high risk to communities in the area.
PALAU
Substantial rainfall over the past week has allowed Palau's Public Utilities Corporation to resume 24-hour water services to the states of Koror and Airai after two months of water restrictions due to El Niño-induced drought. The critical Ngerimel Dam is back on line and flow from the Ngerikiil River has also increased. Water levels will continue to be closely monitored and the public is still being advised to conserve water.