Situation and Needs

1. The OCHA/DHA South Pacific Programme Office (SPPO) located in Suva, Fiji, reports that during the month of January, three tropical cyclones affected a large part of the South Pacific. Miraculously only a few islands were directly affected.

2. On Wednesday morning, 7 January 1998, Tropical Cyclone Ron struck Tonga. Affected were the northern islands of Niuafoou, Niuatoputapu and Tafahi -collectively known as the Niuas. In

The information contained in this report was provided by the Office of the United Nations Humanitarian Coordinator for Operational Activities in Burundi, UN Agencies, International Organisations and NGOs

GENERAL

Bujumbura calmer. The situation in and around Bujumbura was somewhat calmer this week despite continued sporadic bouts of fighting between military and rebels in the surrounding hills. On 18 January, rebels advanced as far as the northern neighbourhood of Mutanga but were repelled by government soldiers. That day clashes

1 January - 31 December 1998

OVERALL SITUATION:

1. The most recent death toll reached 1,980, with approximately 1 million people still at risk. Light to heavy rains are continuing in parts of Somalia, as well as in Ethiopia and Kenya.

2. In general, large areas of southern Somalia remain severely affected by the devastating effects of the floods, with a large number of people still displaced and numerous communities still cut off and reachable only by helicopters. Many roads remain

The Government of India is to contribute US$800,000 to WFP, WHO and UNOCHA for food distribution in Bamiyan.

From the frontline

Reports of intense exchanges of heavy artillery, rocket and mortar fire to the north and northeast of Kabul, have been received. The front line is still 20-30 km to the north of the city. On 8 January, Tameer, near Sarobi, was reportedly held by the Taliban. Massoud's forces were holding positions in theTagab area. The town of Sarobi itself is currently secure, but northern

The United Nations is working closely with the Government of China to determine how best it can help in meeting the urgent humanitarian needs of some 542,000 people, many of whom have been rendered homeless under extreme winter conditions.

I call upon donors to contribute speedily and generously to assist the Government of China in its relief efforts.