PHILIPPINES
On 15 December, a 6.9-magnitude earthquake struck Davao del Sur, Mindanao. This is the fourth quake above magnitude 6 in the last two months to hit this part of Mindanao. Previous earthquakes damaged 47,600 houses.
Ongoing assessments for this new earthquake will likely report additional housing damage. Three people have been reported dead and 23 injured. These numbers are expected to rise. Search and retrieval operations are hampered by heavy monsoon rains and frequent aftershocks. Initial reports by local authorities indicate that some 50,000 people are newly displaced in Matanao and Digos, Davao del Sur. Many people are staying out in the open because there are not yet a sufficient number of evacuation centers established. Initial reports suggest a pressing need for water, since many water sources were damaged in the quakes. Tents and mosquito nets are also urgently needed.
50,000 people displaced
MALAYSIA
Heavy monsoon rains in the north, have led to floods that continue to affect Johor, Melaka, Pahang, Kelantan, Terengganu, Sabah and Sarawak states. In Johor, 9,000 evacuees remain temporarily housed in relief centres.
Cooking fuel has been compromised in remote communities affected by the floods. The Johor government has allocated nearly US$ 266,000 to help those affected, with the federal government providing $120,000 towards humanitarian efforts.
9,000 people evacuated
MYANMAR
In Rakhine State, clashes between the Arakan Army (AA) and the Myanmar Armed Forces between 8 and 15 December displaced more than 5,800 people. Newly displaced people are taking refuge at temporary sites in Myebon and Minbya townships.
Operational partners in the sites have been informed of the potential new influx of internally displaced people. In a separate instance of fighting between AA and Myanmar Armed Forces, three civilians were reportedly killed and six injured in a clash at the Kaladan River in Paletwa, Chin State on 9 December.
5,800 people displaced
PAPUA NEW GUINEA
Conflict-related violence in the Autonomous Region of Bougainville has displaced 479 people from Konnou Constituency. 288 of those displaced are living with host families in Konnou, while the remaining 191 sought refuge at a displacement site at the Buin Skills Training Centre.
On 11 December, the results of a long-awaited referendum were announced, with 98% of valid ballots cast in favor of independence.
479 people displaced
