BANGLADESH
Political instability in Bangladesh has led to incidents of violence and vandalism in several areas of the country including the capital. On 5 Feb, a truck was firebombed in the northern city of Bogra, killing the driver and a passenger, as activists enforced a month-long nationwide blockade of roads, railways and waterways ordered by former premier Khaleda Zia in pursuit of a general election. The fresh wave of violence has resulted in the deaths of at least 42 people. This instability is currently disrupting working modalities for UN staff.
42 people killed
6,620 people displaced
THAILAND
The drought crisis has expanded to more areas in the central, north-eastern and southern regions. In Chainat province, the declining water levels have prompted fish breeders to abandon their aquaculture and search for alternative livelihood opportunities. In Kalasin province, fish farmers have resorted to relocating their breeding pools to deeper waters. In Trang province, authorities are preparing to dispatch rescue teams and deliver water to residents living in higher altitudes and who depend on unreliable rain water. The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation has declared 12 districts as disaster zones in Nakhon Ratchasima province, where at least 63,000 families have been affected by the crisis.
63,000 families affected
PAPUA NEW GUINEA
Heavy rainfall on 3 Feb caused floods and landslides in West New Britain province. Media report two people killed and several roads and bridges damaged.
2 people killed
MYANMAR
More than 1,000 people remain displaced from Aung Bar Lay and surrounding villages from fighting that broke out between the Government of Myanmar Army and the Kachin Independence Army on 14 Jan. Immediate needs have been met by national NGOs, local authorities and the Myanmar Red Cross, with support from the UN and INGOs. However, there are still serious concerns for the protection, safety and security of those displaced and other civilians who remain in close proximity tothe conflict area.
1,000 people displaced
PHILIPPINES
On 3 Feb, the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao-Humanitarian Emergency Action Response Team met with partners in support of the national Commission on Human Rights (CHR), which conducted a fact-finding mission on the armed clash between the Philippine National Police - Special Action Force, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front and the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters in Mamasapano municipality. It was recommended that a joint investigation be conducted by the national CHR and the Regional Human Rights Commission, in full respect of international humanitarian law and human rights.
NORTH-WEST PACIFIC
As of 9 Feb, Typhoon Higos is located around 620 km north-east of Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia. No islands are currently threatened. The typhoon is expected to intensify until 10 Feb and then decrease in intensity over the following four days. Higos is predicted