Selangor Journal
Children play in the floodwaters after heavy rains in Bekasi, near Jakarta, Indonesia, on February 25, 2020. — Picture by REUTERS via ANTARA FOTO

Asean region faces 22 disasters; Indonesia, Philippines hit hard

JAKARTA, Jan 23 — The Asean region experienced 22 disasters in the third week of the year, with floods, landslides, and wind-related incidents wreaking havoc, especially in Indonesia and the Philippines.

According to the Asean Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance on Disaster Management (AHA Centre), Indonesia’s BNPB documented floods and wind-related disasters in various regions.

The impact was substantial, affecting 44,400 families and displacing 44 individuals, as noted by the AHA Centre in its weekly update.

“Central Kalimantan faced heavy rainfall, leading to widespread flooding and structural damage,” it said.

Across the seas in the Philippines, the NDRRMC reported flooding and landslides in Southern Mindanao, known as Region XI, and Caraga, northeast Mindanao.

The impact was severe, with 16 deaths, five injuries, and 32,000 displaced, prompting authorities to allocate US$964,000 (RM4.55 million) in assistance.

Both countries also grappled with seismic activities, with five earthquakes of over 5.0 magnitude and eight volcanic activities reported.

— Bernama

Typhoon Haiyan survivors stand at the entrance of a toppled house made into a makeshift shelter in Tacloban city, central Philippines, on December 15, 2013. — Picture by REUTERS

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