Daily Noon Briefing Highlights – 8 February 2021
India
The Secretary-General issued a statement yesterday expressing his deep sadness and condolences to the families of the victims and the people and the Government of India following the reported loss of life in Uttarakhand state due to floods after part of a Himalayan glacier broke off.
OCHA reports that at least 170 people are missing and 14 people have reportedly died.
A torrent of water, mud and rocks swept down River Dhauliganga in Uttarakhand, destroying or damaging two hydroelectric power projects, several bridges and dozens of houses.
Many of those missing are believed to be workers from the hydroelectric power plants and residents of nearby villages.
Fiji
Tropical Cyclone Ana made landfall in the island nation of Fiji two days ago.
Some 480,000 people have been affected, including more than 10,000 people who sought shelter in evacuation centres.
The cyclone caused widespread flooding and damage to infrastructure.
In support of the Government-led response efforts, 39 assessment teams supported by OCHA have been deployed to affected areas to start collecting more information on the impact of the cyclone.
No request for international assistance has been made at this stage. The UN stands by to support further with the humanitarian response.