Overview

41 million people affected in three countries

As a result of torrential monsoon rains, almost 41 million people have been affected by flooding and landslides in Bangladesh, India and Nepal. At least 900 people are known to have died. Tens of thousands of houses, as well as schools and hospitals, have been destroyed leaving people displaced and in urgent need of life-saving support. There is the possibility that the situation could deteriorate further as rains continue in some flood-affected areas and flood waters move south.

The governments in all three countries are leading the response with support from in-country humanitarian agencies, national Red Cross/Red Crescent Societies, private sector and militaries. However, many areas remain inaccessible due to damage to roads, bridges, railways and airports.

BANGLADESH

As of 27 August, an estimated 5,200 people were reported to have crossed the border into Cox’s Bazar, since 24 August, following violence in Myanmar. Thousands more are believed to be gathered on the border, and have been appealing to the Bangladesh authorities to allow them to enter. The Border Guards Bangladesh returned some people and have cordoned some groups in areas inside the Bangladesh border. Other new arrivals reportedly have reached established makeshift settlements, camps or are staying with relatives. Communities are providing food and water to those confined at the border, and agencies are providing emergency food and health services to new arrivals.
There is an urgent need for shelter, as well as food, water and healthcare.

Monsoon floods are affecting 32 districts in the northern, north eastern and central parts of the country, affecting more than eight million people. Almost 700,000 houses are damaged or destroyed, and 106,000 people are in 335 emergency shelters. As of 27 August, 140 people are known to have died. There are concerns of outbreaks of waterborne and communicable diseases, and urgent needs for clean water, health services and food. With further heavy rain expected, there are fears of further flooding.

INDIA

As of 24 August, 32.1 million people have been affected by flooding across Assam, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal. More than 600 people are known to have died. Those affected by the floods have been evacuated to safer places by the army, police and navy with boats and helicopters. Almost 2,000 relief camps have been established where authorities are providing food and shelter.

MYANMAR

On 25 August, fighters associated with the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA) attacked police posts and military checkpoints in Maungdaw, Rathedaung and Buthidaung townships in Rakhine State. Fighting continued on 26 and 27 August. The State Counsellor’s Office Information Committee reports 89 people were killed and confirmed that a number of houses in Maungdaw and Rathedaung have burned down. An unconfirmed number of ethnic-Rakhine, Muslim and other civilians/groups fled areas affected by fighting. The UN and INGOs relocated some staff from Maungdaw due to the security situation.

NEPAL

As a result of torrential monsoon rains, 35 of Nepal’s 75 districts have experienced severe flooding, affecting 1.7 million people. Almost 65,000 houses are destroyed, 460,000 people displaced and an estimated 19,000 people are in informal displacement sites. On 25 August, the Humanitarian Country Team launched Joint Response Plan, seeking US$41.4 million to provide immediate humanitarian assistance including health, WASH, food security, nutrition, shelter, livelihood, protection, education and early recovery support for the coming six months.

PHILIPPINES & CHINA

On 24 August, Tropical Storm Pakhar made landfall bringing high winds and heavy rain. 929 families were affected in Regions I, II, III and CAR, with 123 families assisted in 17 evacuation centres. The Government distributed family food packs and non-food items. TS Pakhar made landfall in China on 27 August. bringing high winds and rain to Hong Kong and Macau just days after one of the strongest typhoons on record, Hato, caused serious flooding and damage in the same areas.

OVERVIEW

• 40m people affected in three countries (millions)

Since the beginning of August severe monsoon rains have caused widespread flooding across South Asia, affecting 40 million people* in Bangladesh, India and Nepal. More than 1,200 people are known to have died. The floods have damaged and destroyed homes, schools, health facilities and many people are currently living in relief camps and temporary shelters. People are in urgent need of food, clean water and sanitation, and shelter. There is also an urgent need for health services to prevent the spread of waterborne diseases.

The floods have destroyed crops, killed livestock and washed away people’s means of making an income. This will have an impact on communities’ immediate food security, and may also exacerbate pre-existing vulnerabilities as people are left without possessions or the means to make a living. With monsoon rains predicted to continue across the region until October, there is the possibility that the situation will deteriorate further and humanitarian needs will continue to increase. UN agencies and humanitarian organizations are on the ground working to support the Government-led response to the floods.

* The estimated number of people affected has dropped slightly since the last update due to the consolidation of figures from flood-affected areas in India.

BANGLADESH

As of 3 September, an estimated 87,000 people have reportedly crossed from Myanmar into Cox’s Bazar, following violence in Rakhine state. An estimated 14,000 people are believed to have crossed in the preceding 24 hours alone. Existing makeshift settlements and camps for registered refugees are overcrowded, with schools, community centres, religious buildings and local families hosting new arrivals. New clusters of settlements have also been set up and continue to expand. New arrivals seem to be moving between locations once crossing the border, in search of shelter and services. There is an immediate need for land allocation for shelters, emergency shelter kits, WASH facilities, food, and health services including psychosocial support.1 As of 3 September, the Government reports that floods in 32 districts have affected more than eight million people. As water moves down toward the Bay of Bengal, several low-lying central areas have become inundated. An estimated 101,700 houses are reported to have been destroyed and 620,000 are believed to have been damaged by the floods, while 145 people are known to have died. As of 3 September, 172 shelters in flood-affected areas are sheltering more than 46,000 people. On 1 September 2017, the HCTT launched an Emergency Response Plan seeking US$ 12 million to complement the Government response.

INDIA

An estimated 30 million people have been affected by flooding since August. At the height of the emergency, 1.1 million people were hosted in 3,271 camps. Waters are now receding in many areas and people have begun to return to their homes, however, there has been extensive damage to vital infrastructure as well as agricultural land and livestock, with likely impacts on food security and livelihoods.

MYANMAR

Following a series of attacks on police and military posts in Rakhine on 25 August by the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army and subsequent security operations by the military, mass internal displacement has been reported as well as large numbers of people fleeing to Bangladesh. Given the prevailing security situation and the lack of humanitarian access to most of the affected areas, it is not possible for the UN and partners to confirm displacement figures or to independently verify allegations of widespread human rights violations. Many ongoing humanitarian activities across Rakhine remain either suspended or severely interrupted. The UN and humanitarian partners continue to offer support to meet the needs of all affected communities and are in close contact with authorities in an effort to resume all critical humanitarian operations as soon as possible.

NEPAL

1.7 million people have been affected by flooding, with 235,400 houses damaged or destroyed. The majority of those displaced have now returned to their communities, but not all have been able to return to their homes and are living in make-shift shelters or with host families. Affected communities require shelter, WASH facilities and health support to prevent the spread of waterborne diseases. Communities also require assistance to re-start income generating activities, especially families who are reliant on agriculture and whose crops and equipment have been destroyed.

PAKISTAN

As of 1 September, at least 15 people, including four children, have reportedly died in flooding in Karachi, following heavy rainfall. Further rainfall is predicted over Punjab, Kashmir, and Khyper Pakhtunkhwa.

SITUATION OVERVIEW

In August 2017, Nepal experienced a period of sustained, heavy rainfall causing widespread flooding across half of the country's 77 districts. In total 1.7 million people were impacted with 460,000 people displaced. Large scale Government-led search and rescue operations in August helped to avert major loss of life. Almost US$23 million was provided by external actors including US$4.8 million from the UN’s Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF). Such support helped to address immediate needs and promote recovery. The Terai, along Nepal’s southern border with India, was worst affected and the floods exacerbated the region’s pre-crisis vulnerabilities. The Government of Nepal assesses that economic damage and losses total nearly US$585 million with recovery needs at US$705 million.

CURRENT SITUATION

Almost all displaced persons have now returned to their homes although small pockets of displacement persist in provinces two and five where some flood affected families are still residing in temporary settlements. In late 2017 the Government of Nepal, through the National Reconstruction Authority (NRA), finalised a housing reconstruction programme which will target those households whose dwellings were partially damaged (150,00 houses) or destroyed (41,000 houses). The majority of households eligible for the NRA’s grant are yet to have received support. Recovery gaps also remain in the health, education and sanitation sectors with the region’s agricultural sector also facing recovery challenges. Overall, the humanitarian situation across the Terai is now improving although in some sectors, such as food security, it remains below the pre-flood context. Looking forward, the Government of Nepal through its ‘Post Flood Recovery Needs Assessment’ released in late 2017 has made a commitment to the promotion of resilient recovery across the Terai in order that individuals, households, communities and local economies are better able to withstand the impact of future disaster events

Every year, between June and September, flooding and landslide in the Terai and Hills respectively warrants increased preparedness by the Government and the Humanitarian Country Team (HCT). Beginning in the second week of August 2017, Nepal experienced a period of sustained, heavy rainfall resulting in widespread flooding across 35 of the country’s 75 districts. Several districts recorded the heaviest rainfall in 60 years, and over 80 percent of land in the southern Terai region was inundated by flood waters. An ‘Initial Rapid Assessment’ (IRA) conducted in 28 districts assessed that 1.7 million people have been affected by the flooding. With almost 65,000 houses destroyed, 460,000 people have been displaced and there are an estimated 19,000 persons currently residing in informal displacements sites including in schools. Some 40 communities remain inaccessible.

To optimize the speed and volume of critical assistance in the aftermath of a flood the HCT has developed this document to:

• Reach a common understanding of flood risk and how to monitor potential flooding in the Terai to ensure early action is taken when required;
  
• Establish a minimum level of flood preparedness across eight core Clusters (Protection, Food Security, Nutrition, Health, Shelter, Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH), Education and Early Recovery) noting the inter-Cluster significance of the Logistics Cluster also;
  
• Estabish the parameters for a joint HCT response strategy by eight core Clusters to meet the needs of affected people in the first 30 days of a humanitarian emergency;

Every year, between June and September, flooding and landslide in the Terai and Hills respectively warrants increased preparedness by the Government and the Humanitarian Country Team (HCT). Beginning in the second week of August 2017, Nepal experienced a period of sustained, heavy rainfall resulting in widespread flooding across 35 of the country’s 75 districts. Several districts recorded the heaviest rainfall in 60 years, and over 80 percent of land in the southern Terai region was inundated by flood waters. An ‘Initial Rapid Assessment’ (IRA) conducted in 28 districts assessed that 1.7 million people have been affected by the flooding. With almost 65,000 houses destroyed, 460,000 people have been displaced and there are an estimated 19,000 persons currently residing in informal displacements sites including in schools. Some 40 communities remain inaccessible.

To optimize the speed and volume of critical assistance in the aftermath of a flood the HCT has developed this document to:

• Reach a common understanding of flood risk and how to monitor potential flooding in the Terai to ensure early action is taken when required;
  
• Establish a minimum level of flood preparedness across eight core Clusters (Protection, Food Security, Nutrition, Health, Shelter, Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH), Education and Early Recovery) noting the inter-Cluster significance of the Logistics Cluster also;
  
• Estabish the parameters for a joint HCT response strategy by eight core Clusters to meet the needs of affected people in the first 30 days of a humanitarian emergency;

Every year, between June and September, flooding and landslide in the Terai and Hills respectively warrants increased preparedness by the Government and the Humanitarian Country Team (HCT). Beginning in the second week of August 2017, Nepal experienced a period of sustained, heavy rainfall resulting in widespread flooding across 35 of the country’s 75 districts. Several districts recorded the heaviest rainfall in 60 years, and over 80 percent of land in the southern Terai region was inundated by flood waters. An ‘Initial Rapid Assessment’ (IRA) conducted in 28 districts assessed that 1.7 million people have been affected by the flooding. With almost 65,000 houses destroyed, 460,000 people have been displaced and there are an estimated 19,000 persons currently residing in informal displacements sites including in schools. Some 40 communities remain inaccessible.

To optimize the speed and volume of critical assistance in the aftermath of a flood the HCT has developed this document to:

• Reach a common understanding of flood risk and how to monitor potential flooding in the Terai to ensure early action is taken when required;
  
• Establish a minimum level of flood preparedness across eight core Clusters (Protection, Food Security, Nutrition, Health, Shelter, Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH), Education and Early Recovery) noting the inter-Cluster significance of the Logistics Cluster also;
  
• Estabish the parameters for a joint HCT response strategy by eight core Clusters to meet the needs of affected people in the first 30 days of a humanitarian emergency;

Every year, between June and September, flooding and landslide in the Terai and Hills respectively warrants increased preparedness by the Government and the Humanitarian Country Team (HCT). Beginning in the second week of August 2017, Nepal experienced a period of sustained, heavy rainfall resulting in widespread flooding across 35 of the country’s 75 districts. Several districts recorded the heaviest rainfall in 60 years, and over 80 percent of land in the southern Terai region was inundated by flood waters. An ‘Initial Rapid Assessment’ (IRA) conducted in 28 districts assessed that 1.7 million people have been affected by the flooding. With almost 65,000 houses destroyed, 460,000 people have been displaced and there are an estimated 19,000 persons currently residing in informal displacements sites including in schools. Some 40 communities remain inaccessible.

To optimize the speed and volume of critical assistance in the aftermath of a flood the HCT has developed this document to:

• Reach a common understanding of flood risk and how to monitor potential flooding in the Terai to ensure early action is taken when required;

• Establish a minimum level of flood preparedness across eight core Clusters (Protection, Food Security, Nutrition, Health, Shelter, Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH), Education and Early Recovery) noting the inter-Cluster significance of the Logistics Cluster also;

• Estabish the parameters for a joint HCT response strategy by eight core Clusters to meet the needs of affected people in the first 30 days of a humanitarian emergency;

Every year, between June and September, flooding and landslide in the Terai and Hills respectively warrants increased preparedness by the Government and the Humanitarian Country Team (HCT). Beginning in the second week of August 2017, Nepal experienced a period of sustained, heavy rainfall resulting in widespread flooding across 35 of the country’s 75 districts. Several districts recorded the heaviest rainfall in 60 years, and over 80 percent of land in the southern Terai region was inundated by flood waters. An ‘Initial Rapid Assessment’ (IRA) conducted in 28 districts assessed that 1.7 million people have been affected by the flooding. With almost 65,000 houses destroyed, 460,000 people have been displaced and there are an estimated 19,000 persons currently residing in informal displacements sites including in schools. Some 40 communities remain inaccessible.

To optimize the speed and volume of critical assistance in the aftermath of a flood the HCT has developed this document to:

• Reach a common understanding of flood risk and how to monitor potential flooding in the Terai to ensure early action is taken when required;
  
• Establish a minimum level of flood preparedness across eight core Clusters (Protection, Food Security, Nutrition, Health, Shelter, Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH), Education and Early Recovery) noting the inter-Cluster significance of the Logistics Cluster also;
  
• Estabish the parameters for a joint HCT response strategy by eight core Clusters to meet the needs of affected people in the first 30 days of a humanitarian emergency;

Every year, between June and September, flooding and landslide in the Terai and Hills respectively warrants increased preparedness by the Government and the Humanitarian Country Team (HCT). Beginning in the second week of August 2017, Nepal experienced a period of sustained, heavy rainfall resulting in widespread flooding across 35 of the country’s 75 districts. Several districts recorded the heaviest rainfall in 60 years, and over 80 percent of land in the southern Terai region was inundated by flood waters. An ‘Initial Rapid Assessment’ (IRA) conducted in 28 districts assessed that 1.7 million people have been affected by the flooding. With almost 65,000 houses destroyed, 460,000 people have been displaced and there are an estimated 19,000 persons currently residing in informal displacements sites including in schools. Some 40 communities remain inaccessible.

To optimize the speed and volume of critical assistance in the aftermath of a flood the HCT has developed this document to:

Reach a common understanding of flood risk and how to monitor potential flooding in the Terai to ensure early action is taken when required;
Establish a minimum level of flood preparedness across eight core Clusters (Protection, Food Security, Nutrition, Health, Shelter, Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH), Education and Early Recovery) noting the inter-Cluster significance of the Logistics Cluster also;
Estabish the parameters for a joint HCT response strategy by eight core Clusters to meet the needs of affected people in the first 30 days of a humanitarian emergency;

Total funding: € 656 million

MYANMAR

The ongoing conflict between the Arakan Army and the Myanmar Military has displaced more than 26,000 civilians in Rakhine and Chin states as of 4 April, and a curfew was imposed in an additional five townships in Rakhine State on 2 April. The violence has had a significant impact on civilians including reports of indiscriminate attacks and the use of landmines. Humanitarian partners have estimated that some 95,000 people have been affected by new access restrictions for humanitarian and development organizations imposed on 10 January in rural areas in five townships of Rakhine State.

26,000 civilians displaced

NEPAL

Severe storms struck Bara and Parsa districts last week. 28 people died, nearly 280 people were injured, over 2,400 families were affected and their houses completely or partially destroyed. Humanitarian relief in the form of shelter, NFIs, WASH, health and food were distributed by the Nepalese Red Cross Society, local governments and civil society.

2,400 families affected

AFGHANISTAN

On 22 March, fighting between Islamic State Khorasan and the Taliban erupted and displaced nearly 19,700 people (more than 50% of the population) in Chapa Dara district in Kunar province, Eastern Afghanistan.
IDPs have relocated to nearby safer villages, closer to the district center and Dara e Pech area, or to the provincial capital, Asadabad. An estimated 3,000 children have been prevented from going to school. To date nearly 900 people have received food and NFIs from humanitarian organizations.

19,700 people displaced

INDONESIA

Heavy rains triggered floods in Bandung District, West Java province. These floods displaced some 101 households in Dayeuhkolot sub-district.

Mt. Agung on Bali erupted and the Centre for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation maintained the alert level of the volcano at Level III. Level IV is the most serious alert. No activity is permitted 4 km from the crater. Communities who are living and moving around the rivers flowing from Mt. Agung have been reminded to be vigilant of secondary hazards, such as potential lava flows and ash rain which can occur during the rainy season.

NEPAL

Heavy rainfall on 11-12 July caused flooding and landslides in the south-east of the country, affecting Provinces 1, 2 and 3. As of 13 July, 64 people were reported to have been killed, 31 people are missing, and more than 16,500 households have been temporarily displaced. Search and rescue efforts have been stepped up, with multiple federal agencies, the Nepalese Army, and paramilitary forces mobilized. Local communities and security forces have responded by evacuating people from their homes with most people sheltering with other community members. The Government issued warnings for the Kankai, Koshi, Tamor, Bagmati, Kamala, East Rapti watersheds. Key needs are reported to be for water, tarpaulins and food.

16,500 households displaced

AFGHANISTAN

According to initial reports, more than 10,000 people were displaced, following a military operation launched on 9 July by the Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF) against Non-State Armed Group (NSAG) fighters in Emamsahib District, in Kunduz Province.
The majority of displaced people are from the Qurghan Tepa and Aqibai areas and fled to the district center and nearby villages such as Majar and Shirkhan Border. On 10 July, OCHA deployed four assessment teams to the area, to conduct needs assessments. As of 15 July, around 900 people were assessed as in need of urgent humanitarian assistance.

INDONESIA

A 7.2M earthquake caused two deaths and left more than 2,000 people temporarily displaced at 14 sites in South Halmahera District of North Maluku Province. While an assessment is underway, BNPB identified 58 damaged houses and two damaged bridges. The amount of reported damages may increase, although a situation that would require a major emergency response is not expected.
The Head of South Halmahera District has declared an emergency response phase until 21 July 2019, while BNPB and provincial BPBD, together with other government institutions and PMI (Indonesian Red Cross), are mobilizing relief assistance.

PHLIPPINES

On 13 July, a 5.5M earthquake occurred in northeastern Mindanao, with the epicenter located near Carrascal, Surigao del Sur. The earthquake caused damage to buildings, churches, public markets, houses and roads. As of 14 July, more than 800 people are affected in the Caraga region and more than 50 people are injured. According to the government, over 50 houses are damaged in Surigao del Sur. The Department of Social Welfare and Development distributed over 400 food packs to affected families.

MYANMAR

Torrential monsoon rains and rising river levels have caused flooding. In Kachin State, according to the State Government, more than 6,200 people have been evacuated to 39 sites in Myitkyina, Bhamo and Shwegu townships as of 13 July. Rakhine, Chin and Mon states are also being hit by floods. The number of affected people is expected to rise significantly as more reports are received and verified.

Heavy rainfall on 11-12 July caused landslides and flooding in 32 Districts across Nepal. Flooding was most severe in 11 Terai districts of Provinces 1 and 2. A large loss of life and damages to assets, housing, water and sanitation infrastructure, food stocks, crop and livestock all have a significant impact on food security in the region.

An estimated 212,000 people’s food security is significantly affected as a result of the flooding, of which 101,600 people, or 17,400 households, are deemed to be the most in need of assistance.

Contents may change based on updated information

Heavy rainfall on 11-12 July caused landslides and flooding in 32 Districts across Nepal. Flooding was most severe in 11 Terai districts of Provinces 1 and 2. Extensive damages to assets, housing, water and sanitation infrastructure, food stocks, crop and livestock all have a significant impact on food security in the region.

An estimated 176,800 people’s food security is currently significantly affected as a result of the flooding, of which 79,900 people, or 13,800 households, are deemed to be the most in need of assistance.