DEMOCRATIC PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF KOREA DPR
Korea faces further food shortages as production in the country’s main growing region is impacted by drought due to eighteen months of abnormally dry weather. This has led to severe water shortages, particularly affecting Hwanghae and Phyongan Provinces, the main rice producing areas.
In a meeting on 9 June between the Government and international community it was agreed to conduct a joint field observation mission. The mission reported impact to agricultural production, decreased quality and drying of water resources and increase incidence of waterborne disease.
INDONESIA
Many lava and avalanche incidents were recently reported on Mt. Sinubang. There are over 10,300 people in 10 IDP centers from 12 villages. Local authorities have developed a post disaster action plan for rehabilitation and reconstruction of 2,053 households.
10,300 displaced people
The Indonesian Government has provided Rp.1.49 trillion (US$ 111 million) for the response. There is no request for international assistance, however, assistance provided by partners in-country is welcomed. Tents, blankets, WASH facilities, food, mats, clothing and psychologist for trauma healing are identified as immediate needs.
CHINA
China's National Meteorological Center issued an alert on 21 Jun for Typhoon Kujira. Typhoon Kujira, the first one to hit China in 2015, formed in the South China Sea on 21 Jun and is moving northward at 10kmph. Kujira will sweep waters around Xisha Islands and Hainan Island before landing near south-eastern Hainan Province and southern Guangdong Province on the evening on 22 Jun. The rainfall will ease the most severe drought in Hainan since 1959.
REPUBLIC OF KOREA
On 21 Jun, three new cases of Middle Eastern Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) were diagnosed, bringing the total number of people infected to 169 in the largest outbreak outside of Saudi Arabia. Two of the newly diagnosed cases involved medical workers.
169 people infected
The Health Ministry also reported its 25th fatality on 21 June, after the death of a patient. Almost all patients were infected in hospitals and the World Health Organization (WHO) said it had found no evidence of transmission of the virus within communities. The outbreak sparked alarm elsewhere in Asia, with Thailand confirming its first MERS patient on 18 Jun.
THAILAND
On 18 Jun the WHO confirmed the first case of MERS in a traveller from the Middle-East. The previous week WHO wrote to Health Ministers in 11 countries in the South-East Asia region to review and strengthen preparedness against MERS in view of the recent spread.
This includes enhanced surveillance, early diagnosis and infection prevention.
NEPAL
Heavy rains in Dolakha District caused landslides in several areas. In Sindhupalchowk District, heavy rains have made it difficult to access some villages with roads often closed due to (risks of) landslides.The monsoon oficially commenced on 13 Jun.
PHILIPPINES
Bulusan volcano, located in Sorsogon Province in Bicol Region, erupted twice on 16 Jun, spewing ash with a height of up to 500 m. The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) is assessing the situation with no confirmed casualties or damages. The OCD advised local Government units to prohibit entry into the 4 km-radius permanent danger zone around the volcano.
