48/2002
1. Colombia
Reporting Period: 12/04 to 12/10/2002
a) Significant Events:
Food was stolen from WFP delivery trucks, clearly marked with UN/WFP flags, at roadblocks resulting from armed groups confrontations in the provinces of Choco and Antioquia.
b) Security:
WFP Bogota office continues in high alert for security reasons.
c) Implementation:
WFP is currently delivering 178.5 MT of food for FFW and Community Kitchen projects.
2. Cuba
IRA/EMOP 10239
Reporting Date: 12/09/2002
a) Significant Events:
After its approval on 7 October, IRA/EMOP 10239 will start distribution in January 2003.
The tendering process for the local purchase of 580 MT of food has been concluded and the food is currently transported to the 8 most affected municipalities in Pinar del Rio province and Isla de la Juventud special municipality. Distributions will consist of a daily ration of 23 gr. of vegetable oil, 320 gr. of rice and 60 gr. of beans
As far as Government actions are concerned, both territories are still carrying out the reconstruction of homes and clearing the damages caused by both hurricanes. Advancements have been made in the rebuilding of houses and restoring the power supply, however, the overall recovery process has been slow due to the lack of resources.
3. Ecuador
Reporting Period: 12/02 to 12/09/2002
a) Significant Events:
El Reventador Volcano
According to the Geophysical Institute of the National Polytechnic School, the seismic activity of the volcano remains low.
Monitoring of food distribution and the third delivery planning to the 600 poor families, living in food insecurity in Napo and Sucumbios, are being carried out.
Tungurahua Volcano
The seismic activity of the volcano is continually rising. On 7 December, a vapor and gas column reached approximately 1km of altitude above the volcano's summit. On 8 December 83 phenomena of long duration and 7 vapor and gas associated tremors had been accounted for.
b) Implementation:
El Reventador Volcano
WFP, the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock and the Municipalities of the province of Pichincha are assisting the affected families with 2,240 food rations within the scheme of FFW, especially in crop and pasture rehabilitation, and cleaning of irrigation canals.
The French Embassy contributed to this support with the delivery of 1,663 one-week food rations for a total of USD 14,300.
4. Haiti
Reporting Date: 12//10/2002
The CO staff are visiting the Far West areas to have a rapid assessment of the situation. Their report is expected to be available next Monday 16 December.
5. Other ODM Countries:
Argentina- A joint WFP-UNICEF assessment mission was carried out in the first week of December. Main results indicate that the most affected are from the poor northeastern and northwestern provinces and that chronic malnutrition is aggravated by the current political and economic crisis. However, these crises make food access further difficult.
Brazil- According to news services, at least 36 people have died due to mudslides after heavy rains hit the town of Angra do Reis, 160km from Rio de Janeiro. Rescue efforts have been hindered due to the inaccessibility of the roads. A state of emergency was declared in the area. Some 1,500 persons were left homeless.
Venezuela- The political situation continues to deteriorate. Thousands of Venezuelans have participated in several demonstrations in the city of Caracas. The Secretary-General of the Organization of American States, Cesar Gaviria, has been acting as mediator between government officials and opposition leaders.
Mexico- A 5.1 Earthquake on the Richter scale was reported on 10 December in the State of Guerrero. No damages were reported.