Asia-Pacific Region: Natural Disasters and Other Events being monitored by the OCHA Regional Office for the Asia-Pacific (6 Jan - 12 Jan 2010)

India/Nepal/Bangladesh - Media reports say at least 100 people have died in the most recent Cold Wave to hit northern India. Another 25 people have died during the cold spell in parts of eastern and southern Nepal. In Bangladesh, 39 have died in northern and southwestern districts of the country. The Gov has ordered nearly 100,000 blankets for the poor. UNDP is considering the procurement of 25,000 for the most vulnerable.
Source: Xinhua, UNDP

Solomon Islands - A 7.2 M earthquake struck near the New Georgia Islands on 4 Jan. Damage due to a tsunami was reported on Rendova Island. 267 households were damaged. Landslides are hampering the return of some households. The Gov, UN, and NGOs are providing assistance. Source: OCHA, Gov.

Nepal - The International Crisis Group identified the situation in Nepal as "deteriorating". This results from a series of strikes held by the Maoists in Dec. which are threatening the peace process. On a more positive note thousands of former Maoist child soldiers have been freed from camps on 7 Jan, a key part of the peace agreement.
Source: OCHA, ICG, BBC

Papua New Guinea - As of 15 Dec nearly 1,500 cases of cholera have been reported. These cases have resulted in 35 deaths. Updates on these figures are expected by the end of January. Source: OCHA

Philippines/Indonesia - There is a high chance of below normal rainfall in the Philippines, Borneo and Sulawesi (IDN) as well as in Palau and Micronesia. Source: IRI

Philippines - A landslide occured in Valencia, Negros Oriental province. 925 people were affected, many of them evacuated from their homes. Source: Media

Sri Lanka - Presidential Elections are scheduled for 26 Jan. Source: IFES