On Latin America and the Caribbean
03/2002
1. Guatemala
Name and type of operation:
PRRO6089 Reconstruction and rehabilitation for families affected by Hurricane Mitch
Reporting period: 7 - 20 January 2002
a. Significant events:
Taking into account the alarming nutritional situation in several areas of Guatemala, the Country Office is considering submission of an EMOP. The CD will be meeting during the next few days with different Government Ministers, USAID and UNICEF. Processing the information on the inter-agency nutritional assessment is still on going. As previously reported, UN agencies and government estimate that some 7,000 severe malnourished children are in risk of immediate death.
Meanwhile, a cold front has affected grain production, particularly maize. In the western areas of the country, temperatures reached an extraordinary -7=B0 C. A government agency (Instituto de Sismología Vulcanología e Hidrología, INSIVUMEH) has warned farmers the possibility this year of recurring El Niño phenomena that would most likely again affect rainfall.
b. Implementation:
Preparations are underway for the third distribution of food to be delivered together through Government agencies (MAGA and FIS) for people affected by the drought and by the nutritional crisis. Due to the limited amount of available resources, a prioritization process will have to take place.
Two additional Nutritional Rehabilitation Centers are operational since August 2001 in the El Quiche and Jalapa provinces. These centers will be receiving milk and oil and provide assistance to 1,475 children. The other 5 Centers assist 1,040 children and received food in December for 60 days.
2. El Salvador
Name and type of operation:
PRRO 6089 Reconstruction and rehabilitation for families affected by Hurricane Mitch
EMOP 1002.2: Assistance to Earthquake Victims in El Salvador
Reporting period: 14 - 21 January 2002
a. Significant events:
EMOP 10022: NGOs counterparts have presented new requests to WFP. For the next 6 months CARE has programmed assistance for 6100 families, Christian Relief Services for 2,750 families, World Lutheran Federation 1975 families, and FUSADES 440 families. A UNDP initiative to assist 120 families will also be supported. The total figure of families with requirements is likely to increase as requests continue to be received from smaller NGOs. In addition, 400 families will be assisted through an emergency initiative sponsored by the Italian Embassy. The German and American Red Cross are participating in this scheme.
b. Security:
Increased seismic activities have been reported near the San Miguel Volcano. No warnings on possible eruptions have been yet issued. WFP is prepared to act immediately in case of an emergency. Also, an interagency contingency plan exists that should have a role in the event of an emergency.
c. Implementation:
Some 21,500 families will be assisted by the two operations (EMOP 13,500 and PRRO 8,000). These figures may increase when new requests are received.
The number of beneficiaries will also depend on the food security situation of the drought affected families. As the dry season begins and stocks diminish, updated information will clarify where new assistance is most needed. Distributions will begin in early February.
d. Finance and Staffing:
There are no significant funding issues or restraints at this moment. One monitor will be hired in the near future.
e. Pipeline:
A tender has been issued for the local purchase of 12 MT of vegetable oil. Awaiting confirmation of the tonnage of beans to be purchased internationally (some 120 MT).
f. Logistics:
Collaboration with partner NGOs facilitates distribution. The Government counterpart is fulfilling its obligations.
3. Honduras
Name and type of operation:
PRRO 6089 Reconstruction and rehabilitation for families affected by Hurricane Mitch
EMOP 6286 Drought in Honduras and Nicaragua
Reporting period: 14 - 21 January
a. Significant events
The Country Office is coordinating with the new Government authorities and other institutions in order to prepare for natural disasters that may emerge this year, such as El Niño, floods and others. Based on the experience during 2001, the more vulnerable areas in terms of droughts and floods have been identified.
b. Implementation:
Drought: Distribution of maize, beans and oil in the Marale and Orica districts in the Francisco Morazan province has continued. Some 4,805 MT of food have been distributed to 30,000 families. This is equivalent to 1.5 million rations of maize, beans, oil, canned fish and CSB.
Tropical storm Michelle floods: The initial distribution phase has now been completed. The Morazan, Jocón, Yoro and Yorito districts were assisted in the province of Yoro. 265 MT of WFP food was distributed by World Vision to 1500 families.