In Syria, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that an estimated 126,000 people have died during the conflict, more than a third of them civilians. Meanwhile, Turkey and Iran, which support opposing sides within the crisis, jointly called for a ceasefire before the beginning of the peace talks, set for 22 January in Geneva.
In the Philippines, an estimated 14.9 million people have been affected by Typhoon Haiyan to date, according to OCHA. The number of displaced currently stands at 4.13 million, but people continue to move from the worst affected areas in search of aid, and humanitarian partners in regions VI and VIII indicated that assistance is not sufficiently reaching remote areas. The death toll currently stands at 5,632 people, with another 1,759 still reported as missing.
Seasonal rains in Somalia caused flooding in the plain of Middle Shabelle, where a major frontline between African Union troops and the armed group Al Shabaab is limiting the provision of assistance. To date, rising water levels and violence have displaced 90,000 people in the area.
Last Updated: 03/12/2013 Next Update: 10/12/2013
