1. On Friday, May 17, the Government of Japan decided to extend emergency relief goods worth eight million yen (water and food) to the RMI, through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) in response to the request from the RMI Government following serious damage from the drought.

WINDHOEK - President Hifikepunye Pohamba last Friday declared a national emergency due to the devastating drought that has already killed 4 000 large and small stock.

The current nationwide drought has also affected over 300 000 people classified as food insecure. "Our country is experiencing the wrath of mother nature in the form of a devastating drought," Pohamba said during a press conference on Friday in Windhoek. Pohamba elaborated that unlike the floods in the north and northeastern parts of the country in 2011, the drought this year is affecting the entire country.

FOOD SECURITY SNAPSHOT

• Further reduction in wheat production is forecast in line with Government’s policy

• Cereal imports forecast at high levels in 2012/13

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Wheat and rice prices mostly fall around the region

Strong production generally kept domestic prices around the region stable or drove them slightly down for wheat, wheat flour and rice, except in India and Myanmar where government procurement programmes pushed prices higher. Overall, however, prices were mostly higher than at the same time last year, according to FAO’s Global Information and Early Warning System (GIEWS).

Myanmar's victims of sectarian strife were spared the full force of Cyclone Mahasen, but many are now returning to flimsy tents in flood-prone camps with the rainy season just weeks away.

1. Operational Highlights and Situation update

• Assessment was conducted in Raba Sahan on the 14th of May by UNHCR Health staff and IOM in order plan new arrival vaccination and health screening services.

• MoH reports that in health centres and hospitals in and around Ramtha medication supplies that used to be enough for one month are now barely lasting for 8-­‐10 days.

Security incidents and shellings are hampering UNRWA’s ability to respond to the needs of Palestinian refugees inside Syria.

HIGHLIGHTS

Total number of Syrian refugees registered and awaiting registrations with UNHCR in Egypt stands at 66,420 individuals as of 13th of May 2013.

On Wednesday the 8th of May 2013, a fund raising event for the aid of Syrian refugees, took place at the Cairo Opera House. The event was organized by the British Embassy and UNHCR and was under the patronage of the Secretary General of the Arab League Dr. Nabil Al-Arabi.

Although reports indicate this year’s harvest has improved, estimates suggest that around 430,000 children will suffer from acute malnutrition in 2013.