In Syria, large-scale fighting between opposition and Government forces has been reported across Al-Hassakeh, Ar-Raqqa, Homs, Aleppo, and especially Lattakia and Damascus governorates. Increasing strife between combatants of the FSA and al-Qaeda affiliated Islamic fighters continue to also be reported, especially around Aleppo and its countryside. In addition, as clashes increased between Kurdish armed groups and fighters of the ISIS, the President of Iraqi Kurdistan openly floated the idea of staging an intervention in Syria to support fellow Kurds. The mass influx of Syrian refugees to neighbouring countries is ongoing. As of 12 August, over 1.9 million Syrians had fled the country.
In Sudan, heavy rains and floods have been registered across the country, particularly in North and South Darfur, Khartoum, Northern and Red Sea, River Nile and Blue Nile states since the 1 August. As of 12 August, the floods have affected over 150,000 people with the number likely to rise in the coming days as more heavy rains are forecasted for the coming week. Khartoum state is the worst affected area with some 84,000 people in need. According to OCHA, immediate needs include emergency shelter, health and water and sanitation services.
Typhoon Utor, locally known as Labuyo, struck the Philippines in the mountainous north of Luzon, affecting the northern province of Nueva Vizcaya, on 11 August. While information to date remains limited, some 22 people are reportedly missing and an estimated 935 are affected. It is expected that the number of people affected will rise in the coming days.
Last Updated: 12/08/2013 Next Update: 19/08/2013