Red Cross food distributions got underway today to assist some of the most vulnerable Mongolian herder families hit by a fourth consecutive winter disaster. The dzud, as it is called in Mongolia, has followed severe summer droughts. Since 2000, it has killed more than six million livestock upon which herders depend for existence.
This winter has again left impoverished herders on the edge of starvation. More than 665,000 people in 17 of Mongolia's 21 provinces are affected by the dzud but Bulgan and Khuvsgul provinces

IN BRIEF
THIS APPEAL SEEKS CHF 3,906,000 (USD 2.85m / EUR 2.67m) IN CASH, KIND AND SERVICES TO ASSIST 115,000 BENEFICIARIES FOR 10 MONTHS

Situation

Mongolia is facing another devastating winter which will greatly exacerbate the effects of the three previous drought/dzud1 cycles (2000, 2001, 2002) which have already caused extreme poverty amongst a proportion of the population.

Based on the latest information collected by the Mongolian Red Cross Society and the State Emergency Commission, 665,000 people or 133,000 families2

CROP AND FOOD SUPPLY SITUATION
OVERVIEW

As of November 2002, the number of countries facing serious food difficulties throughout the world stands at 39, with 25 in Africa, 6 in Asia, 6 in Latin America and 2 in Europe.

In southern Africa, the difficult food supply situation, as a result of two poor harvests in a row, continues to tighten with dwindling food stocks and slow imports. The food situation is particularly critical in Zimbabwe where serious food shortages are affecting half of the population. Food assistance to the neediest is inadequate and

CROP AND FOOD SUPPLY SITUATION
OVERVIEW

As of September 2002, the number of countries facing serious food difficulties throughout the world stands at 32, with 21 in Africa, 6 in Asia, 3 in Latin America and 2 in Europe.

In southern Africa, the food crisis following two consecutive years of poor cereal harvests is worsening due to insufficient and slow food imports, both commercial and emergency relief. Prices of cereals are rising throughout the sub-region further curtailing access to food for large sections of the population. A series of FAO/WFP

This Bulletin is being issued based on the needs described below reflecting the information available at this time. Based on further updates and details from assessment reports, or should the situation deteriorate, the Federation may consider a request for further international support.
The Situation

Approximately 70 per cent of Mongolia has been strained with a severe drought over the summer. Extreme heat, with record temperatures of up to 60 degrees Celsius at ground level, has affected hay and crop production and caused 100 serious forest fires. This

This Ops Update is intended for reporting on emergency appeals.
The Federation's mission is to improve the lives of vulnerable people by mobilizing the power of humanity. It is the world's largest humanitarian organization and its millions of volunteers are active in 178 countries. For more information: www.ifrc.org

CROP AND FOOD SUPPLY SITUATION
OVERVIEW

As of June 2002, the number of countries facing serious food difficulties throughout the world stands at 32, of which 21 are in Africa.

In southern Africa, the 2002 cereal production decreased sharply for the second consecutive year in most countries. The largest falls were in Zimbabwe, Zambia and Malawi. Only South Africa and Mozambique recorded increases. A prolonged dry spell from January and excessive rains in parts, coupled with reduced plantings in Zimbabwe due to land acquisitions activities, severely reduced plantings and yields.

SILVER SPRING, MARYLAND--The Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) office in Mongolia has issued the final report on its water system project that is aiding 12,000 people in Tossensingle, a town located in the province of Zavkhan.
More than six million cattle died as a result of three consecutive years of drought in the summers of 1999, 2000, and 2001, and followed by extremely cold winters. The death of livestock (known as dzud) has affected the lives of 500,000 people in 13 of the 21 provinces of Mongolia where a majority of households depend on cattle for their livelihoods.

News Release No: 02/0518/WBOUB
ULAANBAATAR, May 18, 2002 - World Bank President James D. Wolfensohn welcomed the strong ongoing partnership between Mongolia and the World Bank and looked forward to its further strengthening in the years ahead.

"I am pleased that the World Bank has such a productive partnership with Mongolia," Mr. Wolfensohn said at the end of his two-day visit. "This constructive working relationship is critical for the Bank to assist Mongolia in tackling the medium-term reform issues, which, in addition to maintaining economic stability, are