PHILIPPINES
The number of displaced families in North Cotabato province temporarily increased from 186 families to about 600 families (2,800 people) following armed conflict over land between two clans associated with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) on 7 Jan. About 60 per cent of the internally displaced persons (IDPs) returned home by 12 Jan. Remaining IDPs are staying with friends or relatives. Initial assistance was provided by municipal authorities.
2,800 people displaced
Zamboanga City declared a state of calamity amid water shortage due to the persisting dry spell. Local authorities reported that some 600 hectares of rice and corn fields in the city were declared unusable by farmers. Insufficient water supply is reportedly escalating the tension between the displaced and the host communities.
600 acres unusable
THAILAND
The Government announced that nine provinces throughout the country are affected by drought.
Emergency procedures are in place to ensure adequate water supply during the dry season.
Nine drought-affected provinces
LAO PDR
Six circulating Vaccine-Derived Poliovirus (cVDPV1) cases have been confirmed in Bolikhamxay and Xaisomboun Provinces as of 11 Jan, including two confirmed deaths. On 13 Jan, the Prime Minister declared the current Vaccine Derived Polio Virus (VDPV) outbreak a National Public Health Emergency. The Department of Hygiene and Health Promotion of Ministry of Health and National Immunization Programme have put in place measures to ensure vaccines are available in all health facilities in the country.
JAPAN
A 6.7M earthquake struck off the coast of Hokkaido on 14 Jan. No tsunami was generated nor were there reports of casualties or damage.
