12/2002
1. Bolivia
Reporting period: 05/02 to 22/03/2002
a) Significant Events:
Rain and hailstorm
La Paz is in the process of recovering from the 19 February rain and hailstorm. Most of the emergency activities have concluded. Resources and activities are now focused on reconstruction. International contribution for this phase is estimated in 8 million USD, mostly for reparation of major drainage systems, dykes and houses. Reconstruction will introduce mitigation elements to assure risk reduction of new disasters.
Drought
The Chaco Region, (southeast part of Bolivia) is being affected by a severe drought. After a crop failure of 50 to 90% (basically corn and peanuts), a large part of the rural population is jeopardized by food insecurity.
The National Civil Defence Service (SENADECI) has launched an appeal for international aid to help victims of the drought.
b) Implementation:
Rain and Hailstorm
WFP-donated gabions have been installed, through a FFW scheme, in two communities: Carreras and Mecapaca.
Drought
WFP has programmed 65,700 rations (about 150 MT). However, since the situation in the region has worsened, it is very likely that the number of rations will rise above the 100,000 rations. These commodities will be distributed through the counterpart agency "Participative and Integrated Rural Development in Marginal Areas" (DRIPAD).
WFP's support to the Chaco Region will be provided through activity 1, with a FFW intervention using regular programme resources.
2. Colombia
Reporting period: 19/03 to 25/03/2002
a) Significant events:
Armed groups continue causing major damages. The army intervened to restore the water supply to some 300,000 people in the city of Pasto.
b) Security:
WFP Medellin sub-office reported various security incidents, including a car bombing which caused the death of an English teacher contracted by WFP.
There are 2 months to go before the presidential elections. Coordination among UN agencies is being reinforced in order to counteract political pressure on the use of food aid.
WFP is expressing great concern about the security situation in the country that is making it very difficult to ensure proper and safe implementation of our operations. There is an urgent need to receive more detailed and reliable information from the appropriate sources.
c) Implementation:
12 MT of food relief for 1,040 persons in Bolivar were distributed normally, after its delivery had been postponed on the week of 11 March.