1. The UNDP/DHA Resident Representative in Brazil, indicates that, following reports from the State Civil Defence Secretariat, floods, strong winds and hail, caused by the El Nino phenomenon, have affected the State of Rio Grande do Sul since the end of November 1997. This emergency covers 173 municipalities in the West Border Region. The authorities have declared the state of public calamity in three of these municipalities:Itaqui, Sao Borja and Uruguaiana. The regions of Missoes, Planalto and Centre were also hit by hail and strong winds.