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WFP Emergency Report No. 34 of 2004


(A) Middle East, Central Asia and Eastern Europe (ODC): (1) Afghanistan, (2) Russian Federation
(B) East and Central Africa (ODK): (1) Burundi, (2) DR Congo, (3) Eritrea, (4) Ethiopia, (5) Kenya, (6) Rwanda, (7) Somalia, (8) Sudan, (9) Tanzania, (10) Uganda

(C) West Africa (ODD): (1) Sahel, (2) Chad, (3) Cote d'Ivoire, (4) Liberia

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

(E) Asia (ODB): (1) Bangladesh, (2) North Korea (DPRK)

(F) Latin America and the Caribbean (ODPC): (1) Regional, (2) Bolivia, (3) Colombia, (4) Guatemala, (5) Haiti, (6) Nicaragua, (7) Peru

From David Kaatrud, Director of the Analysis, Assessment and Preparedness Service (ODA). 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 (ODC): (1) Afghanistan, (2) Russian Federation

1) Afghanistan

(a) The security situation continued to be fluid during the week, particularly with incidents of improvised explosive devices, rockets, landmines and ambushes targeting the government, coalition forces and aid workers. Factional fighting in the west has deeply impacted the aid work of humanitarian agencies in the region.

(b) In the west, factional fighting erupted in Hirat on 14 August, between forces loyal to Governor Ismail Khan and commander Amanullah resulting in the death of more than 30 people.

(c) In the south, a government security check post in Kandahar was attacked on 14 August, killing six soldiers. On 14 August in Zabul, a vehicle of coalition forces was ambushed injuring one soldier.

(d) During the reporting period, 368,770 beneficiaries received 2,700 MT of food, as indicated below.

(e) Food commodities transported during the week amount to 4,718 MT, from external logistics hubs in Pakistan and Uzbekistan into Afghanistan.

(f) As part of the government capacity building initiative, a two-week training workshop was launched on 15 August, for thirteen staff of the Departments of Rural Rehabilitation and Development of Bamyan and Ghor provinces. The workshop will help trainees in developing skills in monitoring and evaluation of the projects, food security and vulnerability assessments.

2) Russian Federation

(a) Reporting period: 1-15 August.

(b) During the first fortnight of August the security situation in both Ingushetia and Chechnya remained tense, with a number of incidents in various districts of Chechnya resulting in casualties among both federal troops and the fighters.

(c) As of 12 August, according to DRC database, there were 48,246 IDPs from Chechnya in Ingushetia, including 27,006 living in private accommodations and 21,240 in spontaneous settlements. The number of IDPs has decreased over the last fortnight by almost 1,286 people, major part of whom had lived in spontaneous settlements.

(d) During the first fortnight of August, WFP cooperating partners continued the 7th distribution cycle in Chechnya (distribution for Ingushetia was finalized in July). WFP used the new beneficiary lists based on revised targeting criteria for the relief distribution: all beneficiaries receive equal rations as opposed to the previously used approach, where the 'very poor' category was receiving full ration and the 'poor' categories received half ration.

(e) During the reporting period 295 MT was distributed to 25,300 beneficiaries in Grozny city and Grozny Rural. WFP's major partner in Food-for-work (FFW) programme, People In Need (PIN), continued the repairs of schools in Grozny city, Grozny Rural, Achkhoi-Martan, Shali and Gudermes districts. Other types of works carried out included street cleaning, dumps clearing, repairs in hospitals and small-scale social workers project to assist the lonely elderly and disabled people. The total number of FFW participants working in August is about 2,700 representing 13,500 beneficiaries. For the activities carried out in July, PIN distributed 371 MT of food commodities to 2,855 participants (representing 14,275 beneficiaries). WFP's other partner, Center for the prevention of Humanitarian Catastrophes (CPHC) carried out distribution of over 12 MT for 220 workers in Gudermes district.

(f) WFP through its cooperating partners continued the school feeding programme for about 3,600 children in 38 pre-school institutions and for some 2,000 children in 104 summer school camps in various districts of Chechnya.

(g) In the month of August WHO, WFP partner in tuberculosis programme in Ingushetia, provided 224 in and out patients with 3 MT of food. MSF - Holland is implementing the similar programme in Chechnya for about 300 patients and distributed about 4 MT in August.

(h) Caritas International continues to provide hot meals for the most vulnerable population in Grozny city. During August the programme is assisting 1,600 beneficiaries for which WFP provided some 13 MT of food commodities.

B) East and Central Africa (ODK): (1) Burundi, (2) DR Congo, (3) Eritrea, (4) Ethiopia, (5) Kenya, (6) Rwanda, (7) Somalia, (8) Sudan, (9) Tanzania, (10) Uganda

1) Burundi

(a) On Friday 13 August, over 160 Congolese refugees hosted at Gatumba refugee camp in Bujumbura Rural province, near the border of DRC and Burundi were massacred and many others injured. Only the Banyamulenge ethnic group was targeted in the attack, while other groups living in the same camp were not affected. Although the Front for National Liberation (FNL) group claimed responsibility for the attack, various sources speculate that other forces may also be involved. The attackers are believed to have crossed the border from DRC. The borders of Burundi and DRC were declared closed. Meanwhile, insecurity continued in Bujumbura Rural province with armed groups launching bombs on the Mutumba displaced persons camp. The shelling killed 2 people and injured many others.

(b) WFP distributed 10 MT of food commodities to the survivors of the Gatumba massacre. The severely injured and caretakers in the hospitals were given 15-day rations. WFP continues to monitor the situation and respond accordingly. Between 9 and 15 August 2004, WFP distributed over 1,000 MT of food commodities to an estimated 109,000 beneficiaries through different programme activities.

(c) Last week, WFP received contributions totalling US$ 1,276,000 (US$ 700,000 from USA and US$ 576,000 from Denmark). Both contributions are already programmed and will be used to purchase maize locally. However, more contributions are needed to cover the pipeline shortfall expected in the last quarter of the year.

2) D.R. Congo

(a) Reports on insecurity incidents continue to be received from the field. Main areas of concern included South Kivu and North Katanga. Some 15 local staff members of a WFP implementing partner have reportedly fled from Walungu to Bukavu. The staff members had spoken out on the radio on abuses and extortions perpetrated by armed soldiers.

(b) The volatile security situation prevailing in eastern DRC reached its pinnacle with the massacre of some 160 Congolese in the Gatumba refugee camp (Burundi) on Friday 13. The camp, located near Uvira, sheltered Banyamulenge Congolese who had escaped the wave of violence in June. According to official reports, a Burundian rebel group operating from its DRC base claimed responsibility for the attack. Both Burundi and Rwanda stated on radio that their armies would cross into DRC and flush out the rebel groups and their allies, since DRC proved incapable of disarming them. As a precautionary measure, the Field Security Officer suspended vehicle movement along the Bukavu-Kamanyola and Bukavu-Uvira axis.

(c) Despite the high insecurity, WFP has distributed some 1,800 MT of food commodities to an estimated 229,000 beneficiaries, including IDPs, malnourished children and returnees though its field offices in Bunia, Bukavu, Kalemie, Goma and Kindu.

3) Eritrea

(a) Although most of Debub region received reasonable rainfall last week, the rains remain erratic and below average in Anseba. The recent rains in Asmara, Debub and Anseba were torrential, resulting in flash floods along riverbeds. Several WFP missions experienced problems in the field when rivers were flooded and impossible to cross, resulting in cancellation of monitoring missions. In Debub and Maekel regions, the recent rainfall has improved the availability of water.

(b) The late and insufficient rains in many parts of the country have resulted in delayed planting of long cycle crops. Short cycle (summer) crops, in parts of the country with recent more regular rains, can be seen germinating. One problem faced throughout the country is availability of labour to plant on all arable land.

(c) Livestock is recovering in Debub following the rains that have resulted in sufficient fodder. In Anseba, herds are reported to be migrating to other parts of the country where the pastures are greener; while in Northern Red Sea, most pastoralists have migrated with their livestock to the highlands in search of pastures.

(d) The availability of a number of basic commodities, including sugar, remains problematic in most markets of the country and prices of food can be seen soaring.

(e) Confirmed pledges for the drought Emergency Operation (EMOP 10261.0) amount to around US$ 48 million or 129,000 tons of food commodities (96% of the total requirement). Approximately US$ 31 million representing 61% of the total requirement has been resourced for the Protracted Relief and Recovery Operation (PRRO 10192.0). The new EMOP 10261.1, which commenced in July 2004, has been resourced by 55,000 tons (representing 51% of the total project needs). This amount includes some 8,000 tons of commodities, which will be carried over from EMOP 10261.0 to EMOP 10261.01.

4) Ethiopia

(a) WFP is supporting UNHCR in the repatriation of Somali refugees and the dispersal of Somali Ethiopians in Aysha and Kebribeyah camps, located in Somali Region. As of May 2004, a total of 5,018 refugees/dispersal cases were provided with 830 tons of food commodities to assist them once they reach their areas of origin in either Somalia or Ethiopia. The process will continue, with 4,750 refugees expected to be repatriated from August to October 2004. Repatriation activities should result in the closure of Aysha camp, possibly by the end of 2004. This will consolidate operations in the Somali Region in the Kebribeyah camp, where it is expected that the residual beneficiaries will be around 10,000. It is noteworthy that since 2000, six out of the original eight Somali refugee camps in Ethiopia have been closed with the voluntary repatriation of around 100,000 refugees, mainly to north-western Somalia.

(b) Due to security constraints, the annual nutritional surveys in the refugee camps could be carried out in four out of eight camps. The results of the surveys showed a satisfactory nutritional status of refugee children under five years of age. This can be attributed to the continuous supply of blanket supplementary rations to expectant and nursing mothers and their infants as well as targeted supplementary food for malnourished individuals in the camps. It is important that the current level of food assistance is maintained in the camps so that nutrition levels remain acceptable.

(c) In spite of the relocation of its staff from Gambella in the western part of the country, WFP continues providing assistance to some 60,000 Sudanese refugees located in this area of restricted UN travel, through Government counterparts. Food is playing an important role in this area as movement of refugees outside of the camps in search of additional income/activities is restricted due to the security situation and some crops have failed due to a reported dry spell in parts of Gambella region.

(d) The refugee operation food pipeline is expected to break in October and urgent contributions are needed from donors. The total shortfall amounts to 5,500 tons of cereals for the remainder of 2004. As this commodity represents the bulk of the ration (providing 80 percent of the caloric intake), its shortage could have catastrophic effects on the nutritional status of refugees; it would also bring repatriation activities to a halt as WFP would not be able to provide repatriation packages to the Somali refugees. The effects of food shortages in volatile areas, such as Gambella, could also give rise to tensions that could result in further violence against the Government and the humanitarian organizations operating there.

5) Kenya

(a) The food security situation in the marginal agricultural areas of Coast and Eastern Provinces and in pastoral areas of Rift Valley and North Eastern Provinces has reached a critical stage due to three consecutive poor rainy seasons. The food security situation is causing destructive coping mechanisms such as massive charcoal burning and tree cutting especially in Coast and Eastern (Ukambani) areas.

(b) The Emergency Operation, which was approved on 4 August 2004, has confirmed contributions from USA (US$ 16 million) and Government of Kenya (GoK) (US$ 9 million). WFP is seeking associated costs for the GoK's donation. However, there are indications of support from other donors. WFP urgently requires additional pledges to ensure a timely response to the drought-affected people. EMOP systems and structures are currently being put in place; this includes opening of field offices, recruitment and deployment of staff, selection and training of cooperating partners among others.

6) Rwanda

(a) The security situation remained calm in Cyangugu during the reporting period. Refugees continued to move from Cyangugu town to the refugee camp. This week 39 persons were received in the camp and assisted by different organizations. This brought the total number of refugees in the camp to 1,745.

(b) Since the beginning of the conflict in Bukavu in late May 2004, the total food distributed to all refugees who passed through the camp amounts to around 90 tons.

(c) Regarding the repatriation, a total of 114 persons have registered with UNHCR to be assisted in returning to DRC. This may materialize in the comings weeks.

7) Somalia

(a) On 5 August 2004, at least six people were killed and 17 others wounded in inter-clan fighting in the Somali capital, Mogadishu. Four of those killed were militiamen, and two were civilians who died as a result of being caught in the crossfire. Residents in the vicinity said the fighting stopped after clan elders intervened.

(b) The inauguration of Somalia's transitional parliament has been postponed to 19 August, after disagreements arose again between the nominees from various clans. Ministries from member states of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), which are mediating the talks in Nairobi, Kenya have urged the Somali National Arbitration Committee to deal with the outstanding issues regarding the selection process. Somalia has been without an effective government since 1991 when the country plunged into chaos and factional violence. A new central Somali government is expected to be able to generate foreign development aid necessary for the rehabilitation of the country.

(c) Preliminary results from the annual post-Gu food security assessment indicate that the Gu harvest of maize and sorghum was estimated at 24% below the post war average and 20% below that of 2003 and is therefore one of the worst harvests since 1995. Near crop failure is reported in Bakol and Middle and Lower Juba Valley. There have been pockets of above normal rainfall in some parts in the north, which has led to a concentration of herds and livestock increasing the existing resource pressure in these areas. In most districts of the central regions of Galgadud and Mudug, and the northern regions of Togdher, Sool, Sanag and south Bari the 2004 Gu rains were inadequate for pasture regeneration, especially in areas where rains have been below normal or completely disappointing for the last four years. High rates of malnutrition were reported in parts of these regions and in Gedo.

(d) The total number of people that require assistance is over 600,000 especially vulnerable groups including pregnant and lactating women, children and the elderly. High livestock loss up to 80% and high levels of indebtedness were noted among pastoralists in Sool and Sanag regions.

(e) WFP Somalia's appeal at the end June 2004 for 20,000 metric tons of food aid received a generous response from USAID, although due to the increased needs another 13,000 tons is still urgently needed till the end of January 2005.

8) Sudan

(a) WFP is stepping up efforts to move food to West Darfur, the state most affected by the conflict. Rains in West Darfur have hampered WFP deliveries into the region as drivers are forced to make alternative arrangements to avoid clogged roads. According to the delivery plan, some 2,000 tons of food will be airdropped, 2,500 tons will be transported by road and another 2,400 tons will be airlifted to West Darfur. WFP will contract three Antonov 12 planes to perform three rotations into El Geneina on a daily basis. In addition, any available gaps in the schedule of the Ilyushin 76 aircrafts currently assigned to airdrop operations in West Darfur will be used for airdrops into El Geneina. Food assistance to West Darfur will be airdropped if road conditions continue to deteriorate as a result of torrential rains. WFP has requested for two more Ilyushin 76 planes to assist with airdrops.

(b) The second batch of 35 trucks, which left Antwerp on 3 August, arrived in Port Sudan on 14 August. The trucks will be loaded with commodities before driving directly to El Geneina. The next batch of 40 trucks allocated to South Darfur will arrive in Port Sudan by 29 August. A donor country has indicated that the last batch of 25 trucks may be airlifted to Sudan. A local Sudanese company has been contracted to manage the entire fleet.

(c) WFP has increased the planned number of field offices from ten to thirteen to increase its presence on the ground. The field office in Ed Daein is already operational and the offices in Kass, Zalingei, Morni and Habila are now in various stages of becoming operational. Five more field offices, Mershing, Mukjar, Kulbus, Kebkabiyah and Kutum are also expected to go operational soon.

(d) The nutritional situation remained precarious at Kalma camp during the week under review. At Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF)-Holland's nutritional centre, 570 cases of severe malnutrition in therapeutic feeding programmes (TFP) (20 admissions/day) and 2,000 case of moderate malnutrition in supplementary feeding programmes (SFP) (60 admissions/day) were reported. According to MSF-Holland, causes include the following: (i) new arrivals (40%) who were admitted have only been in the camp for one month and therefore missed the last food distribution in July; (ii) relief food may not be reaching all targeted beneficiaries as result of exclusion error; (iii) health care is not adequate; (iv) sanitation is poor due to the limited number of latrines; (v) only one third of the children in the camp were vaccinated, and (vi) lack of hygiene in camp, characterised by lack of washing water and soap.

9) Tanzania

(a) During the month of July, the security situation was relatively calm in Ngara. There were two attacks, one in Nduta camp and another in Lugufu camp in which bandits stole some properties and shot one refugee in the leg at Lugufu camp.

(b) In July, WFP fed over 427,000 beneficiaries. Repatriation figures totaled to over 10,000 Burundians (approximately 4,000 from Kagera and 6,000 from Kigoma). The special feeding programmes (Supplementary and Therapeutic Feeding Programmes) reached an estimated 23,000 beneficiaries. A total of 6,400 tons of food commodities were distributed to refugees. A further 150 tons were distributed under the Supplementary Feeding Programme. The Tanzanian host population, totalling some 5,500 people received 30 tons of food commodities.

10) Uganda

(a) The conflict-affected northern Acholi and Lango sub-regions (Gulu, Kitgum, Pader and Lira) are faced with massive displacement and loss of livelihoods. The prolonged Lord's Resistance Army (LRA) internal conflict continues to seriously constrain the coping ability of 1.5 million internally displaced persons. Physical displacement, coupled with limited access to agricultural land and income, has resulted in considerably diminished availability of and access to food. As a result, the displaced population in the most affected districts continues to depend on WFP food assistance for survival.

(b) Preliminary results from the nutrition survey conducted jointly by WFP and the Ministry of Health in all 33 IDP camps in Kitgum and Pader districts document global acute malnutrition (GAM) levels of children under five years as above the 10 percent GAM threshold in nearly 50 percent of the camps. Overall averages are 7.6 and 12.2 percent GAM in Pader and Kitgum districts respectively. Though this is an improved nutritional situation from 11.6 and 15.9 percent in Pader and Kitgum respectively in October 2003, the rates remain perturbing. With an improved pipeline, WFP has re-introduced fortified blended food for young children with the general family ration. Ration levels for the displaced population in the four most affected northern districts of Gulu, Kitgum, Pader and Lira will provide 74 percent of 2,100 Kcal RDA (Recommended Daily Allowance) for IDPs receiving the general food ration; 100 percent of 2,100 Kcal RDA for extremely vulnerable individuals and 50 percent RDA for IDPs in rural camps in Lira district.

(c) WFP is conducting an Emergency Food Security Assessment (EFSA) in all three districts of the Teso region (Katakwi, Kaberamaido and Soroti) from 18 August. The EFSA mission will examine and establish the extent of access to agricultural land, coping strategies and determine whether gaps still exist as a basis for review of the continued need for relief food distribution.

(d) In the Karamoja region, WFP together with the Ministry of Health and UNICEF is conducting a nutrition survey from 10 to 24 August in all three districts (Moroto, Kotido and Nakapiripirit) to establish the Global Acute Malnutrition rate in the drought-prone region.

(e) UNHCR, with WFP participation conducted a pilot-registration exercise of refugees in Southwestern Uganda from 10 to 17 August 2004. The exercise involves electronic registration of refugees in Oruchinga and Nakivale refugee settlements (Somali, Eritrean and Sudanese).

(f) WFP food distribution continues to reach over 1.5 million displaced persons, 145,000 refugees and other vulnerable persons. During the period 9 to 14 August 2004, around 3,800 tons of relief food assistance was distributed to approximately 325,000 persons including IDPs, refugees and vulnerable persons.

(g) WFP faces a shortfall of some 50,000 MT of food commodities from August 2004 through March 2005, required to maintain a normal food pipeline necessary to continue providing relief assistance to over 1.5 million people through March 2005.

C) West Africa Region (ODD): (1) Sahel, (2) Chad, (3) Cote d'Ivoire, (4) Liberia

1) Sahel - Locust Invasion

(a) Reporting period: 12-19 August. Compared to the statement at the end of the first ten days of August, Locust infestation worsens in Mauritania, Mali and Senegal. In Mauritania, identified by FAO Director-General Jacques Diouf as the front line of the Sahelian invasion, almost all the territory is infested. Damage is noted on the crops in Guidimakha and the south of the two Hodh. In Senegal, the central regions (Thiès and Diourbel) are affected. For Mali, this is all the area around the 14e parallel from West to East which is infested now, with serious threats on the Delta of Niger and the zone of Mopti. The Northern Sahel of Burkina Faso received its first swarms from Mali.

(b) Swarms, hopper and mature adults ready for the laying are observed in all these zones. Summer generations of locust are expected during the next weeks if the current actions to control the infestation fail.

2) Chad

(a) Reporting period: 11-18 August for EMOP 10327 'Emergency Assistance to Sudanese Refugees in Eastern Chad."

(b) UNHCR reported new arrivals into Birak and surrounding areas from the area of Saleiha in Sudan. During the period 6-15 August attacks by the Djanjawed, coupled with bombings by Sudanese aircraft have been reported by refugees and local authorities. It appears that many of the displaced Sudanese are hiding in the Djabarmoun mountains, one of the areas attacked by aerial bombardments last week. Refugee testimonies indicate a large numbers of displaced in the area that now urgently want to leave Sudan. Among the new arrivals there are indications that promises of peace from the Sudanese government appears to be losing ground in the face of continued attacks. At present the situation at the border remains difficult to analyse.

(c) In the last week overflowing wadis have made it impossible for WFP hired trucks to access Bredjing and Farchana camps. In August, transport has become increasingly difficult as expected as this month is considered to be the worst of the rainy season. Fortunately, Farchana camp has enough food to last through the month of September.

(d) The first shipment via Libya of 440 MT of wheat flour has arrived in Benghazi. The convoy is expected to arrive at the northern camp of Oure-Cassoni/ Bahai on 2 or 3 September.

(e) The Government of Chad has deployed 5,000 soldiers along the border of Sudan from from Adre to Guereda. French military are deployed between Adre and Birak.

(f) The estimated caseload for the refugee population by UNHCR is 176,198 comprised of the camp population, spontaneous arrivals and those registered for transfer at the border. 167,005 refugees are registered in the camps. 9,193 refugees are located at border sites. UNHCR is in the planning phases to construct Treguine camp to relocate refugee from Bredjing currently with a population of 37,000.

(g) Over 80 percent of the general ration distribution for the month of August has been completed

(h) Airlifts: The French forces continue to fly humanitarian cargo to Abéché. WFP is averaging approximately 8 Mt/day. Priority appears to be given to non-food items from other UN agencies and NGOs, however, as more food is expected to be transported in the coming days as there are less NFIs to be airlifted. WFP maintains a stock of food at the airport at all times. Priority is given to lifting sugar over other commodities. A total of 14mt of CSB and 12mt of sugar must be delivered for the September distributions. These commodities are available in country. The CO plans to contact the French Forces to request assistance in transporting these commodities. Other than the CSB and sugar, there are stocks available in these two camps varying from 2 months for salt and vegetable oil, 3 months for pulses and 4 months for cereal

(i) A joint WFP/UNHCR mission is to start 23 August, to assess the needs of the Central African refugees in the south of the country. Vulnerability and Analysis Mapping exercise to start 20 August.

(j) The Government of Chad has put forth an appeal amounting to USD 9 million to the humanitarian community for assistance to safeguard agricultural land against a potential locust attack. WFP has agreed to assist with a vehicle for the prevention programme.

3) Cote d'Ivoire

(a) During the reporting period (11 - 17 August), 718 metric tons of various food commodities were distributed to 75,447 beneficiaries including 1,102 displaced persons targeted through lean season distributions in Gagnoa.

(b) During a visit to Korhogo the Prime Minister & several Ministers of the government of national reconciliation were briefed by residents regarding about the impact of lack of access to basic services & impediments to the free circulation of persons & goods in the area. Also during this period, WFP air service transported a delegation led by the UN Humanitarian Coordinator including several UN heads of agencies & donor representatives to Korhogo. The mission continued by road to other areas in the north [Man] & west [Guiglo] to assess the humanitarian situation & inaugurate the new UNDP/OCHA sub-office in Korhogo. Until now WFP had been the only UN agency with field presence in this remote location.

(c) On 19 August, the SRSG led a ceremony to commemorate the first anniversary of the attacks on the UN headquarters in Iraq.

(d) The security situation remains tense particularly in the west [Blolequin, Guiglo] including a curfew still in vigor in Guiglo.

(e) WFP & the Ministry of Education held a training sessions for MOE officials & school canteen managers focusing on monitoring & evaluation as well as commodity storage.

(f) With incoming contributions from USDA & Belgium, 78% of the operation is now funded leaving a shortfall of US$ 9.5 million.

4) Liberia

(a) The food pipeline continues to face critical shortages, and since June, WFP has been forced to distribute reduced rations. Due to pipeline constraints, food distribution to Food in Support of Local Initiative (Food for Work) activities will only resume in September if resources are available. New contributions & the accelerated arrival of confirmed contributions continue to be urgently needed for WFP to be able to provide full rations in the coming months. Of particular importance is the need to ensure appropriate food stocks in October during the resettlement of displaced populations [refugees & IDPs].

(b) During this reporting period (11 - 17 August), a total of 1603 MT were distributed to 151,324 beneficiaries including, 3,547 returnees, 131,381 IDPs, 5,555 ex-combatants & dependents as well as 10,841 school children.

(c) WFP held a consultative meeting with partners in Perry Camp in Montserrado County to discuss its plan to begin HIV/AIDS sensitization during general food distributions. More than 15,000 IDPs live in this camp.

(d) WFP is finalizing its preparedness plan outlining its support to the resettlement of refugees & IDPs expected to begin in October this year.

(e) The security situation in general remains volatile particularly in Monrovia & its environs as a result of a continued increased in criminality.

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

1) Regional Highlights

(a) The regional EMOP 10290, "Targeted Relief to Vulnerable Households in Southern Africa", for Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Swaziland, Zambia and Zimbabwe continues to experience a food shortfall of 67,500 tons from August to December. Additional contributions to the EMOP are urgently required. In Zambia, food distributions are affected by pipeline shortfalls and breaks from August through December. Cereal stocks and expected arrivals are sufficient to meet needs only through mid October in four of the EMOP countries (Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Swaziland).

2) Angola

(a) Protracted Relief and Recovery Operation, PRRO 10054.2, "Support to Return and Resettlement" cereals pipeline remains critical. WFP continues to approach donors to secure sufficient contributions to allow distributions to continue until next year's harvest. The most recent cash contribution will allow the purchase of over 9,000 tons of cereals.

(b) This week, WFP started distributing food to returning refugees from Zambia arriving at Lumbala N'guimbo in the eastern Moxico province. WFP forecasts it will need to assist up to 40,000 returning refugees in Moxico. Further donor contributions are urgently required to ensure optimal resettlement.

3) Lesotho

(a) From 11-17 August, WFP and implementing partners distributed about 1,900 tons of food to some 164,000 beneficiaries. The supplementary feeding programme provided food to about 17,700 children under five years of age; 13,000 people suffering from the effects of HIV/AIDS and Tuberculosis; 5,300 pregnant and nursing mothers with food through health centres; 97,000 beneficiaries under Vulnerable Group Feeding; 28,800 orphans and 2,000 beneficiaries under Food For Work (FFW).

4) Madagascar

(a) The price of rice in the local market is 3500FMG (USD 0.33) per kilogram compared to about 1250 FMG (USD 0.21) per kilogram at the same time in 2003. The drastic increase in the price of domestic rice has started to affect food security, especially in urban areas. The price increase is mainly due to a combination of the reduction in the volume of imported rice, the high price in the international market and the depreciation of the Madagascar currency.

(b) According to the Ministry of Agriculture, 2003/2004 season production is estimated at 2 millions tons of rice, enough to cover the national consumption until October. There is an estimated uncovered deficit of 200,000 tons from October 2004 to the next harvest in April 2005. The gap will be covered through imports and/or food aid. The deficit will be more critical in the eastern, southeastern, and southern regions that were affected by cyclone Gafilo in March 2004.

5) Malawi

(a) Although the short-term household food situation has generally improved after the harvest season, some households, especially in the southern region, have already started running out of food as was predicted in the Malawi Vulnerability Assessment Committee (VAC) report. It is expected that households in the worst affected areas south of the country will not be able to buy enough food to fill the production gap this year.

6) Mozambique

(a) According to the WFP July vulnerability assessment, southern Inhambane province and parts of the central province of Sofala are experiencing high levels of food insecurity in several districts. In southwestern Gaza province, there is a lack of food in the towns of Chibuto and Petula.

7) Namibia

(a) Some 5,000 children in Caprivi and 4,400 orphaned and vulnerable Children (OVC) in Kavango have received WFP food assistance in July 2004. It is estimated that these figures will double during the August food distribution. Ohangwena and Oshikoto regions will be added to the food distributions to OVC under EMOP 10334.0, "Targeted Food Assistance Orphans and Vulnerable Children Affected by Food Insecurity and Impact of HIV/AIDS". It is expected that food distributions in these two regions will begin at the end of August.

(b) About 1,500 Angolan refugees have been repatriated to Angola since May 2004. From 26 August, the repatriation is expected to scale up after the UNHCR/IOM arrangement to airlift refugees, in addition to the weekly repatriation by road to Angola.

8) Zambia

(a) WFP is providing food assistance to refugees in the six camps/settlements in Zambia. The refugees are mainly from the Democratic Republic of Congo and Angola as well as Rwanda, Burundi and Somalia. Slightly over 100,000 refugees are receiving full rations composed of cereals, pulses, vegetable oil and iodised salt under general food distribution. 1,500 of these refugees receive High Energy Protein Supplements (HEPS) under selective supplementary feeding programme. Beneficiaries under supplementary feeding include malnourished children under five years of age, at risk pregnant and lactating women as well as Tuberculosis and chronically ill patients. HEPS is distributed through health centres in the camps/settlements.

9) Zimbabawe

(a) WFP food security monitoring indicates declining availability of cereals in many rural areas. Grain Marketing Board (GMB) depots visited in Manicaland and Masvingo provinces had no maize grain in stock during the week under review. In Matabeleland, GMB food stocks were available in only two of the seven districts. Where subsidised GMB maize is available, such as in the three northern Mashonaland provinces, prices are prohibitive, ranging from the equivalent of USD 5 to USD 8 for a 50 kg of maize. Prices are higher on the open market, at the equivalent of USD 10 for 50 kg of maize. In general, maize prices are too high for many households considering that the average daily on-farm wage is about USD 0.60.

(b) In Manicaland province, some households are selling their livestock, though prices have declined sharply due to low demand and lack of purchasing power. Cattle were sold at Zim$1.5 million (USD 268) per head a few months ago are now selling for Zim$0.5 million (USD 89). In many places in the province, vulnerable and food insecure households are dependent on unsustainable coping strategies, such as eating wild fruit and gold panning.

(c) Recent WFP food security monitoring in Umzingwane district of Matabeleland South province indicates that only 7 out of 125 households interviewed (5.6%) have food reserves to last up to the next harvest. Focus Group Discussions revealed increasing migration to other areas, including illegal border jumping into South Africa, in search of jobs.

(d) According to the latest FEWS NET Food Security Monthly Update, the availability of basic foodstuffs has remained stable in most urban markets, but low-income household purchasing power continues to limit food access. Very high unemployment levels and inflation rates compound this situation.

(e) "The suspension of general feeding in April by international food agencies, in response to Government's announcement that the country has enough food from the 2003/04 agricultural season's harvest, has left the majority of highly vulnerable food insecure households dependent on ineffective coping strategies, with poor prospects for employment income", says the update.

E) Asia (ODB): (1) Bangladesh, (2) North Korea (DPRK)

1) Bangladesh

(a) General Situation: Flood recovery and rehabilitation activities are now being assisted in affected districts by government, NGO and donors. Despite river flows below danger levels and ongoing recession of floodwaters, Government, NGO and donors alike have been conscious to retain contingency plans for any efforts further flood events before the end of the monsoon. The UN Flash Appeal continues to solicit contributions to meet relief and early recovery needs of the ultra-poor.

(b) Flood Forecast: The Brahmaputra-Jamuna is continuing to fall at all points and most rivers in the Meghna basin receded further. However, the Ganges-Padma observed rise at upstream points and water level in the Betna at Kalaroa in the Southwest remains above danger level. Monitoring stations at three points were flowing above their danger level on 17th August

(c) Acute shortages of seeds and seedlings seriously threaten the aman rice harvest in flood-affected areas. Despite Agriculture Ministry efforts to distribute seeds among the flood-affected small and marginal farmers, shortages are limiting distribution and pushing prices above the reach of many.

(d) The UN Flash Appeal continues to act as the focus for soliciting international assistance to meet rehabilitation and recovery needs over the next six months in key sectoral areas. At the same time, UN agencies are active in the ongoing relief and rehabilitation effort with governmental and NGO partners. Some of these responses are summarised in the table below.

(e) The US has announced a further USD 5.5million worth of wheat through the World Food Programme (WFP), having already provided funds for the rehabilitation and emergency relief currently being carried out by the WFP and CARE-Bangladesh.

(f) As part of the immediate UN response, UNDP and WFP are facilitating the distribution of food and non-food items, through international and national NGOs under a 10-million pound grant from the Department for International Development (DFID) of Britain. WFP has committed 168,000 tonnes of wheat or rice, 11,460 tonnes of biscuits, 3,615 tonnes of blended food, 4,000 tonnes of pulses, 3,000 tonnes of vegetable oils and 500 tonnes of salt as food assistance to Bangladesh for the next six months.

2) North Korea (DPRK)

(a) Reporting Period: 12-20 August for EMOP 10141.2

(b) With the arrival of several wheat contributions, all but 900,000 beneficiaries will receive their cereal rations in August-September. The confirmation of two major contributions (total of 175,000mt) will allow WFP to feed all its 6.5 million beneficiaries with planned rations from October-November into the first months of 2005 and pay back outstanding loans. However, unless procurement and shipment of these commodities are expedited, by October cereal distributions to all beneficiaries will be suspended, as well as distribution of oil and pulses to young children and pregnant/nursing women on the west coast.

(c) 16 out of 18 local food production factories operated during the reporting week. Production for the second week of August was 1,370mt which corresponds to the weekly EMOP requirement.

F) Latin America and the Caribbean (ODPC): (1) Regional , (2) Bolivia, (3) Colombia, (4) Guatemala, (5) Haiti, (6) Nicaragua, (7) Peru

1) Regional Highlights

(a) Reporting Period: 9-15 August

(b) CUBA: The Cuban Civil Defense reported 4 deaths and 30, 154 buildings destroyed or severely damaged in the provinces of Havana and the City of Havana including all buildings in the fishing villages of Cajio and Guanimar as a result of the passing of hurricane Charley. Close to two million persons are without electricity and many without running water and piped cooking gas. Water is being distributed by truck tankers. The health system has been alerted for the prevention of disease. Public transportation is limited and Havana is paralyzed as the clean-up continues. The UNDMT will be meeting daily to assess the situation and prepare a UN response plan.

(c) COLOMBIA/ECUADOR: A wide area surrounding the Galeras volcano in the Nariño Department, southwest Colombia, has been declared off-limits after the volcano eruption on 11 August. Satellite information shows a significant eruption with a large column of ashes reaching the border with Ecuador, especially the province of Imbabura and the capital, Quito.

(d) Colombian regional authorities are discussing safety measures. The Geophysical Institute of the National Polytechnic School and the Civil Defence in Ecuador together with their Colombian colleagues from the Observatory of Pasto are monitoring and evaluating volcanic activity.

2) Bolivia

(a) WFP and FAO presented to the Minister of Agriculture and the Prefect of the Department of Santa Cruz the preliminary results of drought impact rapid assessment in El Chaco which highlighted the impact in agriculture, food security and drinking water situation. WFP is supporting the Ministry of Agriculture to process and analyze the results of the assessment.

(b) The Ministry of Agriculture has officially requested WFP's food assistance in the region.

(c) The UN Emergency Team (UNETE) recommended conducting a survey on the impact of the prolonged drought in agriculture, food security, health, nutrition and basic services in the municipalities of El Chaco to assist the government.

(d) WFP will provide food assistance to 3 municipalities in El Chaco through World Vision and a local church organization: Convenio Vicariato - Ministerio de Salud. Due to the large number of affected people, as well as the long period of assistance (6 months to 1 year) the CP will not be able to assist victims with development resources. Eventually, an EMOP would have to be considered, as well as local resource mobilization.

3) Colombia

(a) Significant Events: Heavy rains and strong winds affected at least 800 families in the municipalities of Atlantico Bolivar, Choco and Sucre.

(b) On 11 August, at least 800 people, mainly displaced, were affected by a devastating fire in a poor settlement in Quibdo, capital city of Choco province. WFP Colombia delivers food aid in the affected neighborhood under the school feeding programme but this project was not affected by the fire.

(c) Security: Suspected rebels on a motorcycle assassinated the Mayor of Rivera, province of Huila, outside his home in southwest Colombia. No arrests have been made.

(d) On 8 August, the main road that communicates Quibdo, province of Choco, and Medellín, province of Antioquia, was affected by an illegal check point. The rebels incinerated seven trucks and one bus at the checkpoint. The Colombian Army forced the rebels to flee the area. No casualties or people injured were reported.

(e) On 11 August, illegal armed rebels killed nine peasant coca-growers in the north-east mountains. Although WFP delivers food aid to a local school close to the site of the massacre, no security incidents have been reported by the staff.

(f) Implementation: In the context of the PRRO 10158, Assistance to People Displaced by Violence, WFP distributed 93 metric tons of food in 5 provinces to 5,305 beneficiaries during the reporting period.

4) Guatemala

(a) Significant Events: The USAID in conjunction with WFP, the Mesoamerican Food Security Early Warning System, the Ministry of Agriculture, the Ministry of Health, the National Institute of Seismology, Meteorology and Hydrology and the municipal authorities assessed the drought situation in Huehuetenango, Suchitepequez, Retalhuleu, Jutiapa, Chiquimula, Zacapa and El Progreso. The assessment mission found an evident loss of crops in the area and determined that the irregular rain prevented the full development of the maize plantation.

(b) A nutritional census is being conducted in Chorti, the area with the highest incidence of acute malnutrition among children. WFP is monitoring the situation to determine whether additional resources would be needed in the relief component of the PRRO 10212.

(c) Security: On 10 August, more than 4000 ex-Civil Self-Defence Patrols stood in front of the Parliament to pressure the Government to approve the compensation payments for services rendered to the state during the civil war.

5) Haiti

(a) Significant Events: The UNJLC mission was suspended on 17 August due to lack of funds. Donors are being approached to secure funding for remaining tasks such as the mapping out of IGO and NGO emergency response capabilities, updating the GIS mapping, reviewing contingency plans, providing logistics support to UN agencies and assisting UNCT in managing logistics assets during emergency response to natural disasters.

(b) WFP is finalizing contracts with Centres de Bienfaisance de Pignon, International Child Care and Centres pour le Developpement et la Sante to implement EMOP activities.

(c) Implementation: Installation of the VSAT system and installation of four analogue Teleco-lines was carried out.

(d) WFP distributed ration cards to 17,380 beneficiaries. A total of 117 MT of food were delivered to WFP partners to support 36,750 beneficiaries. About 1,487 MT of food is still pending delivery due to lack of commodities.

(e) Resources & Pipeline: The major challenge faced by WFP is to secure sufficient support from donors to carry out current and future programmes. Despite funding provided by Japan, France, Germany, Switzerland, and the USA, current EMOP 10347 shortfall stands at 49.5 % of the USD 7.9 million required for the emergency operation.

(f) Current in-country stocks amount to some 2,778 MT. The following commodities are expected to arrive this week: 3,195 MT of rice, 248 MT of WSB, 216 MT of pea wheat blend, 221 MT of CSB, 244 MT of peas and 293 MT of vegetable oil.

6) Nicaragua

(a) Significant Events: According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry the drought, floods and plagues caused the loss of almost 15.1% of the national agricultural production. The most affected departments are León, Chinandega, Madriz, Esteli and Matagalpa. WFP is closely monitoring the situation.

(b) Implementation: Food distributions under PRRO 10212.0 continue covering a total of 79,466 school children in the RAAN and the municipality of Matagalpa. In addition, 10,027 vulnerable children under 2 years of age, 8,729 expectant and nursing women, and 2,000 poor rural families are being assisted in the northern region of the country.

(c) Pipeline: PRRO 10212.0 will face shortfalls through December, beginning in September, of beans (161 MT), rice (138 MT) and of Vegetable Oil (65 MT). If no commodities are announced in the coming months or those that are announced arrive late, the PRRO will face serious pipeline breaks in January 2005.

7) Peru

(a) Security: Student demonstrations from the State University of Antiplano in the urban area of Puno including road blocks have delayed WFP food distributions within the context of its EMOP response.

(b) Implementation: During the report period, WFP distributed 45 MT of food to more than 8,000 people living on the provinces of Chucuito, El Collao, Puno, Lampa and Melgar.

Note: All tonnage figures in this report refer to metric tons (MT).

(END WFP Emergency Report No. 34, 2004)