This report includes:
(A) Middle East, Central Asia and Eastern Europe: (1) Afghanistan, (2) Iran, (3) Pakistan

(B) East and Central Africa: 1) Burundi, (2) DR Congo, (3) Eritrea, (4) Ethiopia, (5) Rwanda, (6) Sudan, (7) Tanzania, (8) Uganda

(C) West Africa: (1) Central African Republic, (2) Côte d'Ivoire, (3) Guinea, (4) Liberia, (5) Sierra Leone

(D) Southern Africa: (1) Regional, (2) Angola , (3) Lesotho, (4) Madagascar, (5) Malawi, (6) Mozambique, (7) Namibia, (8) Swaziland, (9) Zambia, (10) Zimbabwe

(E) Asia: (1) DPR Korea, (2) Myanmar

(F) Latin America and the Caribbean: (1) Colombia, (2) Cuba, (3) Ecuador, (4) Haiti, (5) Peru

From David Morton, Director of the Transport, Preparedness and Response Division (OTP); available on the Internet on the WFP Home Page (www.wfp.org), or by e-mail from Carlo.Scaramella@wfp.org, Chief of the Emergency Preparedness and Response Unit (OEP). For information on resources, donors are requested to contact Valerie.Sequeira@wfp.org at WFP Rome, telephone +39 06 6513 2009. Media queries should be directed to Brenda.Barton@wfp.org, telephone +39 06 6513 2602. The address of WFP is Via Cesare Giulio Viola 68, Parco dei Medici, 00148 Rome, Italy.

A) Middle East, Central Asia and Eastern Europe: (1) Afghanistan, (2) Iran, (3) Pakistan

1) Afghanistan

(a) The security situation remained relatively calm throughout most of the country. However, in the east, vehicle-based improvised explosive devices, attempted suicide attacks on coalition forces and the implementation of the poppy eradication programme have raised security concerns to the UN and other humanitarian agencies, resulting in the suspension of humanitarian missions to the region.

(b) Areas to which UN missions remain suspended include: Kohistanat district of Sari Pul province in the north; Nuristan, Kunar and Nangarhar provinces in the east; Paktika province in the southeast and Uruzgan province in the south.

(c) From 1 to 7 April, over 537,840 beneficiaries received 1,644 tons of food.

(d) As a result of several food-for-work (FFW) projects that recently have been completed, 60 km of roads in Badakhshan province and 20 km of roads, 30km of canals and 11 karezes (i.e. underground irrigation channels) were constructed or rehabilitated in Hirat province. The projects have contributed to easing transport difficulties for the local community and have provided them with access to surrounding areas. With the construction of canals and karezes, it is expected that the irrigation system will be strengthened and consequently lead to an increased productivity.

(e) Humanitarian agencies in Kabul met with WFP's women empowerment unit and discussed ways to enhance collaboration in gender training, capacity building and community level activities, in particular by establishing women's development centers under the Ministry of Women's Affairs.

2) Iran

(a) From April 2002 to 4 April 2004, a total number of some 680,250 Afghan refugees repatriated. From this quantity, about 410,480 returned with UNHCR assistance, while some 269,770 repatriated spontaneously. As of 7 April, a total number of 5890 Iraqi refugees, who were residing in camps, have repatriated with UNHCR convoys.

(b) The WFP Sub-office in Zahedan assisted distribution under PRRO 10213, Food Assistance and Support to Education of Afghan and Iraqi Refugees, was completed for March by Mercy Corps and Global Partners. Some 817 skill trainees and 16 teachers/trainers received their ration of some 3,270 tons of vegetable oil and 8,810 tons of wheat flour.

(c) An expansion of the recovery component to women attending literacy and skills training classes in Khorassan province is foreseen also for May.

(d) According to a Household Food Economy Survey that was carried out, all Afghan refugees residing in camps are eligible to WFP vulnerability criteria. WFP is analyzing possible ways of assistance.

(e) Up to date, received contributions for the PRRO total 51.5 percent, leaving a shortfall of USD 7,216,826.

3) Pakistan

(a) A joint WFP/UNHCR mission visited Chaman camps to review the current provision of non-food items and health services (including the Supplementary Feeding Programme) to the refugee population in these areas. A similar visit had been planned in Mohammed Kheil Camp, however this was cancelled in view of a local election held in Quetta, due to which no adequate security escorts could be provided by the local government authorities to accompany the mission.

(b) The WFP-supported Supplementary Feeding Programme (SFP) being implemented by AMDA International (Association of Medical Doctors) in Chaman Camps and Latif Abad camp (in Panjpai) has been operating smoothly, with a total number of some 735 beneficiaries in Dara 1, Dara 2 and Latif Abad camps. UNHCR has proposed Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) to take over the responsibilities of the previous partner (Project Directorate for Health), including the implementation of health activities in Muhammad Kheil camps. While MSF is already running the SFP in Landi Karez and Roghani camps (with 637 beneficiaries), to date it is still reviewing its position and has not entered into an agreement with WFP concerning the implementation of Supplementary Feeding Programme in Muhammad Kheil camps. Meanwhile food distribution under the SFP is not being carried out in these camps.

(c) In North West Frontier Province, special arrangements are underway for Kurram Agency to deliver 318 tons of food to Asgharo 1 & 2, Bagzai and Bassu camps (for some 18,000 refugees), which remain inaccessible due to the prevailing security situation that recently lead to a hand grenade explosion inside the Norwegian Refugees Council (NRC) building. A food convoy is planned to move next week with extra security provided by the local political administration.

(d) In Bajaur Agency, security clearance was obtained to move 387 tons of food for 17,000 refugees residing in Kotkai and Barkali camps, and consequently the first batch of trucks has already moved. According to an UNHCR report, so far some 23,920 refugees have repatriated, out of which 4,000 belonged to Shalman camp, which was closed down. The rest came from urban and old unassisted camps.

B) East and Central Africa: (1) Burundi, (2) DR Congo, (3) Eritrea, (4) Ethiopia, (5) Rwanda, (6) Sudan, (7) Tanzania, (8) Uganda

1) Burundi

(a) The security situation was relatively calm with no major confrontation reported in the country during the last week.

(b) From 29 March to 4 April 2004, WFP distributed a total of 1,518 tons of food aid to 155,902 beneficiaries through different programmes. The availability of cereals has improved, but due to a major shortage of pulses these could not be included in most distributions.

(c) During the past week, among other activities, WFP distributed 859 tons of emergency and targeted food rations to over 100,000 persons in Karusi, Bujumbura Rural, Muramvya and Mwaro provinces. WFP also provided 172 tons of food to around 3,100 persons working on four FFW projects that are implemented in Gitega, Bujumbura Mairie, Karusi and Ngozi provinces. In its effort to support HIV/AIDS affected persons, WFP released 284 tons of food to 20,890 persons in seven provinces. Under its school-feeding programme, WFP assisted last week some 21,250 school children with almost 30 tons of food. This also included take-home rations for about 10,850 school girls.

(d) Following a request for food assistance from the local administrator of Bugarama commune in Bujumbura Rural province, WFP teams carried out a food security assessment in communes that have been affected by repeated attacks, causing displacements. The same teams also assessed the food security situation in Giheta commune of Gitega province that was hit by a hailstorm in February. The teams reported that around 2,800 households are in need of food aid.

(e) WFP received confirmed contributions from donors amounting to about USD 622,000, as well as in-kind contributions of 350 tons of pulses and 500 tons of CSB.

2) DR Congo

(a) The security situation remained volatile in the North Kivu province, where reported military operations by uncontrolled armed groups continued in Masisi, Lubero, and Beni. On 1 April, a WFP staffmember and his family in Bunia were assaulted in their house by an armed gang.

(b) In Bukavu, WFP distributed one-month food rations, totaling 495 tons, to 55,196 targeted beneficiaries. Half of the food was directed towards the reinstallations of newly returned families.

(c) A training in data collection within the framework of WFP's Vulnerability Analysis and Mapping (VAM) was conducted for WFP staff and implementing partners.

3) Eritrea

(a) Villagers from Foro sub zone in the Northern Red Sea region were seen returning to their homes from neighbouring Buri, where they had migrated in search of fodder and water for their livestock. They reported that the lack of rain in Buri had led to a scarcity in the availability of water for their animals, forcing them to cut short the migration period. They are now considering migration to further outlying areas in hope of better access to water and fodder.

(b) The Special Envoy of the UN Secretary-General for the Humanitarian Crisis in the Horn of Africa, Mr. Martti Ahtisaari, visited Eritrea from 31 March to 2 April 2004 as part of his mandate to raise awareness about the humanitarian situation in the region. The Special Envoy met with senior Government officials, the UN Country Team, NGOs and key members of the donor community.

(c) The first round of the National Nutritional Surveillance System has now concluded in the Maekel and Southern Red Sea regions. Preliminary results indicate that while the nutrition situation in the Maekel region remains at an acceptable level, global acute malnutrition rates in rural areas of the Southern Red Sea region are alarmingly high.

(d) Confirmed pledges for 2004 for the WFP drought Emergency Operation (EMOP) amount to approximately 63,800 tons of food commodities, i.e. 54 percent of this year's requirement. For the Protracted Relief and Recovery Operation (PRRO) 10192.0 a total of 47,577 tons of food, representing approximately 63 percent of the 2004 requirement, has been resourced.

4) Ethiopia

(a) UN special Envoy, Mr. Ahtisaari, also traveled to Ethiopia from 2 to 6 April to review the overall humanitarian situation in Ethiopia and to focus on reducing food insecurity and vulnerability to future droughts. This trip was Mr Ahtisaari's third visit to the country since his designation as Special Envoy in June 2003. Mr. Ahtisaari noted that the generous response of donors in 2003, and the partnership developed between the Government, donors, UN, NGOs and other international organizations had helped avert a major humanitarian disaster in Ethiopia during the drought and subsequent emergency last year. In 2004, seven million people are still in need of humanitarian assistance, for which donor support continues to be required. This is a 45 percent reduction from 2003, which is due to much better rains and crop production. While about 57 percent of total food aid requirements, amounting to some 490,000 tons, have been met by confirmed contributions so far, only 20 percent of required non-food aid has been made available by donors, mainly for health, water and sanitation, seeds, and capacity strengthening.

(b) In meetings with Government, UN and donor representatives, Mr. Ahtisaari discussed in detail the Government's new food security initiatives, including the voluntary resettlement program, which aims to provide access to land for 2.2 million food insecure people during the next three to five years. He also discussed the New Coalition for Food and Livelihood Security, the program to eliminate food insecurity among five million chronically food insecure people in the next three to five years. He emphasized the necessity of Government, donors, and UN agencies to join forces to meet humanitarian needs while finding long-term development solutions.

(c) In western Ethiopia, a meeting was held recently with refugee representatives, both women and men, from the Sudanese refugee camps of Bonga, Fugnido and Dimma. The objective of the meeting, which included WFP, UNHCR, IOM, OCHA and the Government of Ethiopia's Administration for Refugee and Returnee Affairs (ARRA) was to find a way to break the current impasse. Due to security concerns, UN staff have not been present in the western camps for some months. Food supplied by WFP, although at a reduced ration due to resource constraints, had been provided as usual for March/April, with sporadic delays in delivery due to security conditions on the roads. The refugee representatives confirmed that food has been arriving in the camps. A resumption of the full ration for the period May to August was announced at the meeting.

(d) Health facilities, water/sanitation and school conditions in the camps have deteriorated since the UN relocated its staff from the camps. Security conditions, particularly in and around Fugnido camp, remain critical. Efforts are to be intensified to find a way to ensure peaceful coexistence among the different refugee groups within Fugnido camp. To address this issue it was agreed to conduct a further meeting with the elders of conflicting tribes, whose influential power and cooperation is important for peace within the camp. A fact-finding mission by UN Agencies security officials to Dimma camp took place after the meeting.

(e) The resourcing situation for the refugee programme has recently improved, with further pledges announced by several donors in response to a recent appeal for urgently needed support. The donor alert has so far raised more than 50 percent of the tonnage required up to the end of 2004. In-kind contributions will allow WFP to resume 2,100 Kcal rations starting May through August. It will also guarantee a repatriation package for the voluntary return programme of refugees from Ayisha camp to northern Somalia, and assistance to the small caseload in Hartisheik camp, also in the east of the country. Despite ration cuts in February and March, WFP still managed to support supplementary and therapeutic feeding programmes in the eastern and western camps. This programme provides extra calorie intake to malnourished children, nursing and expectant mothers, and the sick.

(f) The unresourced balance to cover the needs of the refugee programme until the end 2004 is 8,000 tons of cereals (pipeline break in September), 650 tons of vegetable oil (breaks in August), 70 tons of salt (breaks in September), 600 tons of pulses (breaks in October) and 150 tons of CSB (breaks in October).

5) Rwanda

(a) On Sunday, 4 April, the country began a week of commemoration of the 1994 genocide. Weeklong activities to commemorate the genocide include events to honour and dignify the victims of the killings and seek universal acknowledgement that the world must never allow genocides to occur again. On 8 April, UN staff in Rwanda held a silent march, organized in consultation with the Government of Rwanda and the association of survivors IBUKA.

6) Sudan

(a) The overall security situation in all the three Darfur states continued to be tense throughout the week with the current allegations of atrocities being committed by the Government of Sudan (GoS) pro-militia Janjaweed. Banditry and tribal disputes are ongoing in all three states. As small pockets of Sudan Liberation Army (SLA) remain in locations east of Nyala, South Darfur, joint GoS/Janjaweed skirmishes continued to occur in the area.

(b) Some 25 commercial trucks, carrying approximately 625 tons of food, are currently caught in Ed-Daien due to the ongoing fighting. North and West Darfur states, in particular, remained very tense with several reported incidents during the past week. A new attack by the Janjaweed was reported in Thur village on the main road between Kass and Nyala. WFP staff were monitoring food distributions in Nertiti area, which is only 12 kilometres away from where the incident occurred.

(c) From January 2004 to date WFP has distributed 6,864 tons of assorted food commodities to 481,688 war-affected beneficiaries in Darfur region as follows: 2,488 tons to 206,061 beneficiaries in West Darfur; 3,789 tons to 243,661 beneficiaries in North Darfur; and 587 tons to 31,966 beneficiaries in South Darfur.

7) Tanzania

(a) Distributions have now also begun in Kilimanjaro region, where already more than half of the total quantities received, i.e. 389 out of 721 tons, have been released. Distributions are continuing in Bunda district of Mara region, as well as in Kiteto and Simanjiro districts of Manyara region. Out of the received pledges of 29,068 tons, WFP has so far distributed 27,348 tons (94 percent).

(b) A delegation comprised of WFP, UNHCR, refugee representatives, and government, carried out a two-day assessment of the new border crossing point via Kasulu. This is prior to the commencement of the repatriation via Kasulu that should be effective as of 20 April.

8) Uganda

(a) The security situation in the northern Lango sub-region remained fluid. During last week, an estimated 20 people were killed in three separate attacks. In a gruesome attack on Aloi IDP camp, the rebels cut off the ears and lips of a woman before she was set free "as a sign to tell people not to go to the villages for food; they must wait for food in the camp".

(b) As a result of renewed Lord's Resistance Army (LRA) rebel attacks and abductions in the northwestern West Nile region, the security situation in Adjumani remained volatile during the last two weeks. The latest incident occurred on 30 March 2004, when the rebels attacked Ofua Sub County; five people were abducted and 14 households lost property and food. Following these attacks, some nationals and refugees from the most affected areas have started migrating to Adjumani town and Pakelle trading centre. Given the implications of an IDP scenario emerging, the Adjumani District Disaster Management Committee (DDMC) met on 30 March 2004 and decided to formally request NGOs and agencies operating in Adjumani District to assist the displaced and stranded populations with food and non-food items.

(c) A total of 120 households comprising of 573 IDPs, who fled heightened insecurity in Pader district (280 male, 293 female), are currently settled in Unyama IDP camp. The DDMC has appealed to WFP to provide relief food aid to this group of people on a monthly basis. Verification is yet to be conducted by the DDMC, WFP and WFP's implementing partner, the Norwegian Refugee Council.

(d) Between 29 March and 03 April, the second repatriation movement of Rwandan refugees from Nakivale, Oruchinga and Kyaka II refugee settlements was completed. Under the tripartite agreement signed by the Government of Uganda, Government of Rwanda and UNHCR, 409 families with 974 individuals were repatriated. WFP distributed 45 kilograms of high energy biscuits (HEB) to the refugees. The next repatriation convoy is expected to leave in May or June.

(e) From 26 March to 02 April 2004, WFP distributed 1,620 tons of food to over 92,095 persons including IDPs sheltering in camps in Gulu, Kitgum, Pader and Lira districts in the northern Acholi and Lango sub-regions; eastern Teso region; refugees in settlements in Arua and Moyo, school children and vulnerable persons at feeding centres. Distribution of food commodities in Kitgum district was delayed by lack of armored escort vehicles, and poor road conditions following heavy rains.

(f) WFP food distribution continues to reach over 1.5 million displaced persons, 160,000 refugees and other vulnerable persons. However, WFP faces a shortfall of more than 137,027 tons of various food commodities (98,953 tons of cereals; 8,119 tons of pulses; 27,348 tons of CSB; 2,369 tons of vegetable oil and 238 tons of sugar) from March through December 2004. Hence, WFP requires contributions of around USD 68.5 million to continue providing relief assistance through December 2004.

C) West Africa Region: (1) Central African Republic, (2) Côte d'Ivoire, (3) Guinea, (4) Liberia, (5) Sierra Leone

1) Central African Republic

(a) In the provinces insecurity, due to incidents involving highwaymen, continues to be reported.

(b) Food insecurity is reported around Boubou site, a former site for Chadian refugees. This situation is due to general insecurity, which prevents the populations around this site from having access to their fields for cultivation, growing and harvesting activities.

(c) In March, under PRRO 10189.0, Food Assistance to the Populations affected by Armed Conflict, over 155.370 tons of commodities were distributed to some 8849 beneficiaries among whom abandoned children/elderly, returnees through school feeding, women and children attending health and nutritional centers, and those receiving food for work. Through March, the PRRO has been facing a severe shortfall of maize meal, causing the suspension of distributions to HIV/AIDS affected people.

(d) A VAM mission arrived in Bangui on 14 March 2004. A local team was trained and sent to the field. Data are being collected.

(e) A deworming mission took place from 6 to 11 March in the prefectures of Kémo, Nana Gribizi and Ombella Mpoko. During this mission, deworming medicines were distributed to 18355 school children in 55 schools assisted by WFP.

(f) A joint monitoring mission WFP/Ministry of Education was organized from 18 to 25 March in the prefecture of Ouham and included a visit to 85 primary schools and 10 kindergartens. The objective of the mission was to assess the management of school canteens in collaboration with Associations for parents of school children (APE), and to update beneficiary numbers.

2) Côte d'Ivoire

(a) The situation is calm throughout the country and vehicles can cross the buffer zone between the north and south although check points have been strengthened, resulting in increased delays.

(b) During last week, 265 tons of various food commodities were distributed to about 61,125 people. Distributions were made to 199 primary schools in the Bouake area. FFW rations are provided for the cooks in the school feeding canteens.

(c) Food basket monitoring and post-distribution monitoring activities were conducted at the IDP transit camps in Guiglo.

(d) WFP has closed its office in Daloa and the area will now fall under the Guiglo sub-office.

3) Guinea

(a) The latest UNHCR statistical report released on 4 March indicated that over 107,815 refugees resided in Guinean camps . A total of about 7,970 refugees have been repatriated this year. Five convoys transported some 1,615 refugees from the camps in Kissidougou to Sierra Leone. Registration for voluntary repatriation of Sierra Leonean refugees ended on March 31. According to UNHCR, a total of 3,200 refugees will leave Kissidougou for Sierra Leone in April. 2,000 refugees will be repatriated via Kailahun, while the others will go by road via Kono. Repatriation will go on until June 30.

(b) Despite recent violence in Côte d'Ivoire last month, the situation remains calm at the borders. The BCR (Bureau de Coordination des Réfugiés) in N'zerekore, reported only a few families of Ivorian refugees and Guinean returnees.

(c) From 22 March to 4 April, 462 tons of various food commodities were distributed to 34,759 people.

(d) As part of the preparation for the 2005 PRRO, WFP is conducting a survey on household food security in seven refugee camps in cooperation with UNHCR, which will conclude on 14 April.

4) Liberia

(a) Food distribution to over 756,565 beneficiaries under the various components of WFP programmes in Liberia started on 1 April. A total of about 10,550 tons of assorted food items have been planned for the distribution.

(b) IDPs in camps have begun to receive food rations for the month of April 2004. Last week, distributions were completed for three camps: Newland, VOA 1 and Fendell, in Montserrado and Bong Counties. Some 24,025 IDPs and returnees from Sierra Leone were served their full monthly food rations. The total quantity distributed amounted to almost 395 metric tons.

(c) From 1 to 7 April, several schools in Montserrado and Bong Counties were assessed by joint missions of WFP, Ministry of Education and Implementing Partners. Some 250 schools meet the criteria to be included in the programme and an additional 29,624 (16,656 male and 13,025 female) beneficiaries will be added to the current caseload of 353,298 school children, thus making a total of 382,922 beneficiaries.

5) Sierra Leone

(a) The security situation in the country remained calm during the past two weeks.

(b) Since the resumption of the ongoing repatriation from Guinea on 20 January, a total of more than 6,275 individuals have been repatriated via the Belu River crossing point on the Kailahun axis.

(c) From 21 March to 4 April, WFP distributed a total of over 800 tons of assorted food commodities to 106,275 beneficiaries.

(d) Post Distribution Monitoring (PDM) was conducted in all camps to get feedback from implementing partners, UNHCR and camp management on the food distribution in March.

D) Southern Africa: (1) Regional, (2) Angola, (3) Lesotho, (4) Madagascar, (5) Malawi, (6) Mozambique, (7) Namibia, (8) Swaziland, (9) Zambia, (10) Zimbabwe

1) Regional

(a) WFP Southern Africa Bureau is continuing to give high priority to local purchases of food in 2004. In the first three months of 2004, a total of almost 120,000 tons of food have been purchased by the bureau at a cost of USD 28 million. The source of the regional procurement has, however, changed. To date, in 2004, the largest purchases (49,000 tons at a cost of USD 10 million) have been in Zambia. South African purchases to date are 37,000 tons at a cost of USD 8 million. WFP continues to work to strengthen its procurement capacity especially in Zambia and northern Mozambique. Donors are encouraged to provide additional cash contributions to support WFP's regional procurement activities.

2) Angola

(a) Due to the severe funding shortfall, WFP will only be able to provide 50 percent rations to returnees (both IDP's and refugees) and FFW beneficiaries in April and May. These groups make up the vast majority of the 1.9 million beneficiaries.

(b) Without additional donations, WFP will have no cereal to distribute in June, July, August and only 50 percent of other commodities. WFP will continue with a full ration for school feeding but numbers will be limited to 45,000 in two provinces rather than 200,000 allowed for under the PRRO for 2004.

3) Lesotho

(a) Following consecutive seasons of bad harvests, food aid requirements for Lesotho from February to June 2004 have increased from 3634 to 6915 tons per month, with an increase in beneficiaries from 362,000 to 600,000.

(b) WFP Lesotho faces a maize shortfall of 41 percent in May, with a complete break for vegetable oil and maize in June. Additional donations are required in order to avoid disruption to the pipeline.

4) Madagascar

(a) The government has made a request to FAO to undertake an assessment in the regions affected by cyclone Gafilo in order to estimate the level of agricultural damages and food needs. WFP is working in collaboration with FAO to prepare the assessment.

(b) The four helicopters and cargo plane despatched by the South African Government, which aided the distribution of WFP food, have completed their missions. WFP relief assistance to the affected population continues through use of trucks and boats. WFP, alongside implementing partners (Catholic Relief Services and CARE), is assisting approximately 35,000 people in Antsalaha and Maroentsetra, northeastern Madagascar, and approximately 67,500 people in the southern regions of Majunga, Antsohiyi, Mampikoni, Ambato Boeni, Morondava and Morombe.

5) Malawi

(a) From 30 March to 5 April, WFP and implementing partners distributed about 1,000 tons of food.

(b) Due to erratic rainfall in some parts of the country, food aid requirements for Malawi have been increased from 2843 to 5417 tons in May and from 2257 to 5193 tons in June. As a result of these additional requirements, WFP Malawi faces a pulses shortfall of 73 percent in May with a complete break in June, and a vegetable oil shortfall of 21 percent in May with a complete break in June. Additional donations are required in order to avoid disruption to the pipeline.

6) Mozambique

(a) Due to the recent flooding of the Pungue River, WFP provided 15 days of emergency food assistance to 175 affected families in the Mutua resettlement centre in Sofala province.

(b) In March, WFP and implementing partners distributed 7,340 tons of food to 464,000 beneficiaries. Of the total quantity of food distributed, approximately 85 percent was provided through FFW activities, while other commodities were distributed through Vulnerable Group Feeding and School Feeding.

7) Namibia

(a) On 5 April, the water level in Zambezi River dropped from 7.04 (the highest level) to 6.96 meter. This is 2.4 meters higher than last year when WFP Namibia provided three months food rations (June - August 2003) to 12,000 affected people in the Caprivi region.

(b) As a result of the recent floods in the Caprivi region, a rapid assessment team from WFP, UNICEF, NGOs and Government officials investigated the situation, and the report is currently being finalized. Preliminary findings indicate that between 10,000 to 20,000 people have been affected by the flooding and are in urgent need of assistance. It is estimated that 99% of the Kabbe constituency and 45% of Katima Rural are under water. Livestock grazing areas of livestock are completely covered by water in the affected areas. Field crops in affected areas are submerged and most crops have been washed away. Agricultural projects such as the Kalimbeza rice project are entirely submerged.

(c) Following the tripartite commission meeting (governments of Angola, Namibia and UNHCR) in Luanda on 01 April, UNHCR Namibia has confirmed that the repatriation of Angolan refugees will resume on 17 May.

8) Swaziland

(a) Following consecutive seasons of bad harvests, in February WFP increased food aid requirements for Swaziland (April to June 2004) from 1907 to 2863 tons per month, with an increase in beneficiaries from 141,450 to 191,450.

(b) WFP and WHO met with medical staff from the Good Shepherd Hospital in Lowveld (Siteki) to discuss the implementation of WFP assistance to the chronically ill who are receiving treatment alongside antiretroviral (ARV) treatment. The ARV roll-out marks the beginning of ARV availability in rural Swaziland. WFP assistance will commence in April, with an estimated caseload of approximately 3,500 people.

(c) Due to the increased food requirements, there are shortfalls for vegetable oil and CSB for April distributions, with a complete break for CSB in May and June. In addition, there will be a shortfall for pulses in June. CSB is a key commodity for Swaziland given the number of adult HIV- oriented activities that depend on it. Swaziland now has the world's highest rate of HIV infection, at 38,6 percent. Additional donations are required in order to avoid disruption to the pipeline.

9) Zambia

(a) From assessments carried out during the last two weeks of March, the Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit (DMMU) of the Government, UNICEF, FAO and the Humanitarian Coordination Unit of the UN Resident Coordinator

in Zambia, report that approximately 56,000 households have been affected by the recent flooding of the Zambezi River. The number is likely to increase as floods usually peak in April. The Government, UN agencies and the international community are in consultation and will shortly provide a jointly planned response to the situation.

(b) The cholera outbreak that has been affecting WFP operations continues to ease. From an assessment carried out in March, and based on recommendations from local health clinics, the suspension has been lifted on 12 out of the 83 of the Urban Intervention sites in Lusaka.

10) Zimbabwe

(a) While food availability continues to improve in most parts of the country, severe shortages persist in areas that did not receive adequate rains. Worst affected are large parts of six districts in the Zambezi Valley region in the north and parts of Matabeleland in the south.

(b) In Harare, post distribution monitoring carried out by WFP staff indicates a worsening food security situation in urban areas due to the high cost of available staple foods such as maize meal. This situation is forcing vulnerable WFP beneficiaries, such as tuberculosis patients, to share their rations with their relations.

(c) The shortage of farming inputs such as fertiliser and seed, compounded by high charges for electricity and water, is undermining preparations for this year's winter wheat crop. Winter planting traditionally begins in May.

(d) During March, WFP reached more than 3.9 million people with 52,675 tons of food through general food distributions. Consolidation of targeted activities is ongoing.

(e) Distribution Monitoring Reports indicate there was a 91 percent attendance in schools covered by the school feeding project compared to 76 percent in January. More than 230,000 school children are benefiting from the programme countrywide.

(f) The governmental Grain Marketing Board (GMB) has reported that it purchased 250,000 tons of maize and 52,000 tons of wheat from local farmers in the 2003-04 cropping season. The cereal purchases are less than a quarter of the country's annual cereal requirements of 1.8 million tons. This season's harvest and food aid requirements will be ascertained when the ZimVAC and WFP/FAO Crop and Food Supply assessments are conducted. The dates for the two assessments have been rescheduled for late April and May. Both reports are expected to be ready in the last week of May.

E) Asia: (1) DPR Korea, (2) Myanmar

1) DPR Korea

(a) With the arrival of 38,000 tons of maize and 27,500 tons of wheat under EMOP 10141.02 last week, all but 600,000 core beneficiaries will receive their WFP cereal rations in April. However, unless additional contributions are pledged immediately, distribution cuts will again affect more than one million core beneficiaries from May to September. By October, the number would rise to 3.8 million. Moreover, loans received to help repair the cereals pipeline break still need to be reimbursed from future contributions.

(b) New pledges of about 123,000 tons of mixed commodities (mostly cereals) are urgently required to cover needs over the next six months.

2) Myanmar

(a) On 30 March the first food distribution under the EMOP 10345.0 was undertaken in Parsinkyaw village of Kokang region in the Northern Shan State. About 2,000 beneficiaries (333 households) received rice through ADRA, one of the seven WFP implementing partners for this operation. Food distribution in Parsinkyaw coincided with the visit of a Japanese media mission.

(b) In addition, this week, World Vision and ADRA carried out assessment missions in the far Northern and Southern parts of Kokang respectively for the implementation of the EMOP. World Vision, upon negotiation by WFP, was allowed to travel through the Chinese territory which is much faster (2 hours instead of 3 days) as compared to the Myanmar road. WFP also organized a training programme for implementing partners in Lashio, capital of Northern Shan State, on the implementation strategy of the EMOP. The UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), seven NGOs and local government authorities participated at the training.

(c) Food distribution for HIV/AIDs affected and chronically ill people started last week in Pauk and Pakkoku districts of Magway Division (dry zone area) in central Myanmar. Some 55 tons of rice were distributed among 427 households (about 2,135 beneficiaries).

(d) The identification of vulnerable families in the Northern Rakhine State (NRS) started on 1 April. The two-month survey to identify about 40,000 vulnerable individuals will cover more than 200 village tracts in the region.

(e) PRRO 10066.1 is currently facing food shortages due to delivery problem from Yangon to NRS. The Myanmar Agricultural Services had difficulty to obtain permission from the Divisional Military Commanders to transport rice from Yangon. However, the permission was obtained very recently after WFP intervened with the government.

F) Latin America and the Caribbean: (1) Colombia, (2) Cuba, (3) Ecuador, (4) Haiti, (5) Peru

1) Colombia

(a) WFP food aid projects at Montes de Maria are highly affected by the armed conflict. Different humanitarian organizations including the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) have been threatened by illegal armed groups.

(b) A person who was developing a preschool project for 52 infants with the support of the WFP school feeding initiative was murdered in Valledupar.

(c) WFP recently opened a new sub office in Cucuta and has several implementation projects in nearby areas. Cucuta at 400 km northeast of Bogotá, close to one of the biggest cocaine-producing regions, is affected by violence as illegal armed groups fight between them for the control of the city.

(d) Fighting between illegal armed groups displaced indigenous families from western Colombia, and from Unión Cuití and Hoja Blanca to Loma de Bojaya. In Antioquia, clashes between Colombian army and illegal armed groups have forced the displacement of more than 100 families from rural areas of San Francisco into the village of Aquitania.

(e) WFP and other organizations provided humanitarian assistance to more than 1,200 displaced indigenous people.

2) Cuba

(a) The consequences of the prolonged drought, the strongest in the last 10 years, are felt throughout the territory and are most critical at Las Tunas Province which was declared state of emergency. Las Tunas main dam only stores 3 million cubic meters of water for a stable demand of 17; therefore, the pumping has been reduced to 75% affecting more than 100,000 inhabitants. Significant losses have also been reported in bovine cattle, affecting milk production, as well as a decline in yields of root vegetables, green vegetables, and grains.

(b) While waiting for rainfall, Government authorities, the Institute of Hydraulic Resources and the Aqueduct and Sewer System Enterprise are taking measures to ease damages. Furthermore, the Government distributed water to more than 50,000 people in water tank trucks. The same system was used to provide water to the cattle.

3) Ecuador

(a) Last week the Tungurahua Volcano registered permanent vapour and gas emissions. Additionally, increased lava intensity suggests new magma ascended to the crater.

(b) A new quake of 4.0 in the Ritcher scale was felt near the city of Latacunga, Cotopaxi Province. No damages have been reported.

(c) Floods and river overflows due to intense rainfall affected the communities of El Oro, Guayas and Los Ríos. The start of the school year on 12 April may be postponed in this area.

(d) WFP in conjunction with other UN agencies, Civil Defense, and the local governments will carry out prevention activities in the affected cantons.

4) Haiti

(a) The level of insecurity remains high and most areas continue in security phase III (except for the South). The North East Department is still under the control of the rebels. In spite of this situation, all WFP partners have returned to project areas and resumed their activities in the country.

(b) The food security vulnerability of poor people in the North West continues to be a serious concern to WFP. Prices of food, fuel, and transport are still higher than before the crisis. Without access to animal protein and limited food, families in the cities of Port du Paix and Saint-Louis-du-Nord are coping with one meal a day of basically rice and pulses. Many families are selling household goods and are begging in the streets to obtain food.

(c) Many school and health centers are functioning again, allowing WFP to restart distributions. Health centers in the North West continue to receive a high number of children with diarrhea and respiratory problems primarily caused by drinking contaminated water. WFP receives many requests for assistance.

(d) Despite difficulties accessing different parts of the country, WFP distributed 600 tons of food during the month of March to 128 schools, 30 health centers and 7 orphanages in Port-au-Prince and the North Departments. The port discharge operation of some 1,525 tons in Cap-Haitian was completed on 31 March as planned.

(e) WFP visited health centers and orphanages in isolated rural areas of the North Department, as part of the targeting exercise for EMOP 10347.0. Outcome of the visit is expected next week.

(f) An agreement is near conclusion with the Adventist Development and Relief Agency in the North West Department to implement the PRRO. Through PRRO community work and vulnerable feeding, 71,940 persons will receive a one-month food ration. Beneficiaries will be HIV/AIDs orphans, poorest female headed households and malnourished children of ages from 6 to 11. Tools for the construction of roads, latrines and water storage facilities were delivered to PRRO partner German Agro Action. FFW activities in Jean-Rabel will start this month. The project will require 60 tons of food per month.

(g) Post distribution monitoring of the families receiving food aid in Mole Saint-Nicolas has shown a 50% level of sharing due to the limited and critical access to food, causing one-month rations to last for only 17 days.

(h) From February to March, WFP has deployed 13 international consultants and staff to strengthen and support logistics and telecommunications, as well as public information, programme, and food needs assessment activities in the country. A fleet of 32 trucks and four 4-wheel drive vehicles expected to arrive on the third week of April is essential to scale-up WFP's delivery capacity.

(i) Several contributions were confirmed for WFP's Special and Emergency Operations. From 29 March to 2 April, WFP project sites were visited by a USAID mission.

5) Peru

(a) Frost and drought in the departments of Piura, Lambayeque and Cajamarca have caused serious damages in water infrastructure, consequently affecting the production of 15,000 hectares of rice and other crops. The provision of water for rice producers will be seriously diminished affecting another 2,800 hectares. More than 13,000 families will face serious problems of food security and husbandry will decrease in 24%.

(b) A state of emergency for sixty days was decreed in the Departments of Lambayeque, Piura, and Cajamarca. The Ministry of Women and Social Development will generate the necessary projects to assist the affected population.

Note: All tonnage figures in this report refer to metric tons

(END WFP Emergency report No. 15, 2004)