JAPAN
Heavy rainfall continued in Japan over the past week with floods and landslides affecting the island of Honshu. The Japan Meteorological Agency issued the maximum "Level 5" flood warning on 11 Sep for the Yoshida River in Miyagi Prefecture and for the Mogamioguni River in Yamagata Prefecture.
As of 14 Sep, the Fire and Disaster Management Agency reported 7 people dead, 15 missing and 15,000 houses and buildings damaged. Search and rescue operations are ongoing. More than 4,000 residents remain in evacuation centres.
7 people dead
14 people missing
Heavy rainfall caused major flooding in Tochigi and Ibaraki Prefectures, north of Tokyo Metropolitan area. Several sections of the Kinugawa river bank collapsed, flooding residential areas. Several landslides were reported in Tochigi Prefecture.
At the request of the affected Prefectures, the Government of Japan deployed emergency response teams from neighbouring Prefectures, including helicopters. Disaster medical teams were also mobilised.
In Tochigi Prefecture, at least one person is missing, houses are damaged and interruptions to power supply. Evacuation orders were in place in Ibaraki Prefecture for 50,000 people and in Tochigi Prefecture for 88,000 people.
138,000 people evacuated
MYANMAR
Rising water levels of Ayeyarwady and Chindwin rivers pose renewed flood risk in Ayeyarwady and Sagaing regions which were also affected by floods in Jul/Aug.
The Government’s Department of Meteorology and Hydrology advised people living near rivers to leave their homes in areas where water levels have risen beyond danger points. The international humanitarian community continues to provide assistance to people affected by the Jul/Aug floods.
VIET NAM, CAMBODIA, LAOS PDR
Tropical Storm Vamco is forecast to make landfall today, 14 Sep in central Viet Nam. Vamco is predicted to continue towards Laos PDR and Cambodia on 15 Sep bringing high wind speed and rainfall of around 15-30 cm.
In Viet Nam, alerts were issued by Government to raise awareness among at-risk communities. Partners remain on stand by to provide support with potential threats of flooding and landslides.
THE PHILIPPINES
An Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) analysis found an estimated 75 per cent of the population in Mindando suffering mild, moderate or severe chronic food insecurity. Chronic food insecurity, limited access to food and poor diversification of the food consumed are major contributing factors which could be exacerbated by El Niño.
FIJI
Many communities are experiencing the effects of an El Niño-induced drought, with farmers losing crops and water supplies drying out and water trucking underway. A drought warning is in place and the Government reports at least 30,000 people are now affected.
30,000 people affected
TONGA
Other El Niño effects include a drought declaration in Tonga after extremely dry weather for nearly a year and further low rainfall expected for the rest of the year. Emergency water supplies were distributed to the outer islands and water desalination services are available if needed.
NEPAL
The continued debate on federalism has become a flashpoint of contention, national disruption and violence. Constituencies accused parties in favour of a six-state model for violating previous agreements and fragmenting regions. Several protesters were killed during protests in the Tarai and mid-western regions.