Asean region experienced 47 disasters during the previous week, says AHA Centre

JAKARTA (Bernama) : The South-East Asia region experienced 47 disasters including floods, landslides, storms, and wind-related incidents from April 29 to May 5 this year, according to the Asean Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance on Disaster Management (AHA Centre).

AHA Centre in its weekly disaster update for the 18th week of 2024 said Indonesia, Thailand, and Vietnam were reportedly affected by these disasters.

According to the Indonesia’s National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB), floods and landslides occurred in Central Sulawesi, South Sulawesi, Central Kalimantan, North Sulawesi, Banten, East Kalimantan, Southeast Sulawesi, Gorontalo, Central Java, North Maluku, West Sumatra, and Riau.

The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) in Thailand reported storms and wind-related incidents across several provinces in the northern, northeastern, central, and southern regions.

Meanwhile, Vietnam Disaster and the Dyke Management Authority (VDDMA) documented storms and winds in Lao Cai, Yen Bai, Ha Giang, Cao Bang, Bac Kan, Tuyen Quang, Phu Tho, Thai Nguyen and Quang Ninh provinces.

According to the AHA Centre report, Indonesia’s BNPB reported flood and landslide impacts that caused 13 deaths, 551 displacements, and affected a total of 14,800 families or 56,500 persons.

"Most of these disasters were reported in Sulawesi where high average rainfall was also observed,” the report said.

Data from the Indonesia’s disaster agency also revealed that about 12,400 houses were damaged, with 261 completely destroyed, along with 40 schools, 14 health facilities, five government offices, and 20 places of worship.

"The disasters also affected 7,000 hectares of paddy fields and 2,700 hectares of other crops,” the report said.

Meanwhile, the AHA Centre report said Thailand’s DDPM reported one death due to a fallen tree in Buri Ram, while Vietnam's Vietnam Disaster Management Authority (VDDMA) reported one death due to a lightning strike. - Bernama