WFP EMERGENCY REPORT Issued weekly by the United Nations World Food Programme Report No. 33 / 2000 - Date 18 August 2000
This report includes: A) West and Central Asia: Afghanistan, Tajikistan, Pakistan and Iran, B) South Asia Floods: India, Bhutan, Bangladesh and Nepal, C) Russian Federation / Chechnya, D) Sudan, E) East Africa and Horn: Ethiopia, Eritrea, Kenya and Tanzania, F) Angola, G) Sierra Leone, H) Congo-Brazzaville, I) Indonesia / East Timor, J) Algeria From Francesco Strippoli, Senior Humanitarian Adviser. Available on the Internet on the WFP Home, Page or by e-mail from Zlatan.Milisic@wfp.org. For information on resources, donors are requested to contact Aleesa.Blum@wfp.org or Marius.deGaayFortman@wfp.org at WFP Rome, telephone 39 06 6513 2004 or 06 6513 2250. Media queries should be directed to Trevor.Rowe@wfp.org telephone 39 06 6513 2602. The address of WFP is Via Cesare Giulio Viola 68, Parco dei Medici, 00148 Rome, Italy. PART I - HIGHLIGHTS (Details below in Part II) A) West and Central Asia 1) Afghanistan: increases in distribution expected; attention given to Ghor, Herat, Badghis, Fariab, Jowzjhan and Samangan; one of main objectives to keep population at home; hardening position of Taliban regarding employment of women; 24 WFP-supported women's bakeries in Kabul closed for two days and reopened; bakeries provide subsidised bread to 43,000 most vulnerable people. 2) Tajikistan: WFP preparing emergency operation, but already targeting some drought-affected population through on-going PRRO; potable water and water borne diseases among highest concerns; UN preparing Drought Flash Appeal. 3) Pakistan: eastern Baluchistan received rains, but dry spell continues in the west. UN agencies preparing assessment; whole Sindh Province received rains in July and August which are expected to improve situation of agriculture of livestock; Government encouraging mid and long-term activities for sustainable development of drought-affected areas. 4) Iran: UN Inter-Agency report released stressing seriousness of situation; uneven impacts of drought on various provinces, urban and rural areas and different vulnerable groups; Government estimated losses caused by drought at USD 1.7 billion; immediate assistance asked for drinking water, livestock, agricultural inputs and medicines resources. B) South Asia Floods 1) India: monsoons caused floods in many parts; 11 states affected; Assam and Bihar worst-hit; official death toll 492; estimated 2.5 million people homeless; State Governments providing relief, including food; Army air dropped food into Assam and Bihar, safe drinking water in serious shortage; deaths from water-borne diseases reported; WFP assistance requested by Assam Government; supply of WFP food commodities being arranged, from the current country programme; regular contact with other agencies maintained to ensure coordination and complementarity. 2) Bhutan: 49 casualties reported so far, most in Pasakha; provision of food aid and assistance with repair of bridges and roads might be asked from WFP. 3) Bangladesh: Government relief operations ongoing; available food expected to meet emergency needs for two to three months; WFP sent three teams to flood-affected districts to conduct assessments; Dengue Fever reported in 39 cities. 4) Nepal: over 110 people killed in floods and landslides; highway that links capital with most parts of country blocked by landslides for second time. C) Russian Federation / Chechnya: WFP sent convoys with 177 tons of food for 35,000 vulnerable people to Grozny and Urus-Martan; WFP plans to assist 325,000 people affected by conflict; more contributions urgently needed to continue; only 6,000 tons of food pledged from total requirement of 28,000; UN and Government of Russian Federation signed MoU on humanitarian action in northern Caucasus. D) Sudan: UN and WFP operations resumed, following assurances for safety and security of UN personnel and assets; all relief flights in Sudan were suspended following several bombardments in late July and early August, some very close to UN and WFP aircraft and field bases; WFP started food distributions for 48,000 IDPs who arrived to Bentiu and Rubkona in August; nutritional surveys revealed malnutrition of 28.6 percent in Bentiu and 30 percent in Rubkona; WFP delivered food to two towns last week. E) East Africa and Horn 1) Ethiopia: UN preparing Appeal for relief assistance to 350,000 displaced in border areas; Appeal launch expected end August; food aid might be needed by 312,500 people; including 272,000 already assisted by WFP; 25,000 Ethiopians reportedly deported from Eritrea so far; WFP budget revision expected; mission by WFP, UNHCR and Government to Western Tigray found 2,000 Eritrean refugees near border area; 6,000 refugees more reported further north; food security improved in some areas of Somali Region; supplementary and therapeutic feeding caseload dropped by 15-20 percent; in some areas drought continues; WFP doing assessments in Fik and Degehabour and found increased number of displaced; high malnutrition rates in some areas, main contributing factors not completely clear; EFSR stocks 180,932 tons of food; 47,000 tons to be repaid to EFSR during August; WFP dispatching daily average of 2,800 tons 2) Eritrea: 22,000 Eritreans repatriated from Sudan; all except 614 received WFP food rations; 1,500 new IDPs from Layla Gash arrived to Adikeshi camp and received food from WFP; IDPs returning to Barentu, Hykota, Tessenei and Guluj where WFP plans to supply 2,000 tons of food for 107,000 returnees; 1,352 tons of WFP food distributed by ERREC to 64,013 people; only 40% of distribution plan achieved, due to persisting transportation problems in Debub, Anseba and Northern Red Sea; WFP in-country stock 18,020 tons; rainfall received in Debub and Gash Barka, little or none in Anseba and Northern Red Sea. 3) Kenya: funding for WFP emergency operation critically low; new donor contributions urgently needed; food shortages seriously affecting 3.3 million people in nineteen districts; WFP needs met by donor contributions by 41 percent; 70 percent of planned rations distributed in August due to funding problems; shortage of vehicles causing hindrance to monitoring; WFP obtained loans of USD 7 million from UN CERF and USD 3 million from WFP IRA; loans ensuring 29,000 tons of cereals more; contributions needed for repayment of loans; WFP food stocks in country 10,284 tons; security incidents reported in Moyale, Isiolo, Garissa, Wajir and Mandera; gender and advocacy workshop held for WFP gender officers. 4) Tanzania: joint food needs assessment underway by WFP and Government; reduced food aid rations in all refugee camps continue, due to funding shortages; USD one million made available from WFP Multilateral Fund to improve food pipeline; shortfall still of 11,000 tons until end of year; Minister for Home Affairs visited refugee operations in Kasulu, Kibondo and Ngara; refugees expressed concerns about food ration cuts, unavailability of land, unfavourable weather conditions and water shortages; WFP Offices involved in refugee operation met in Kibondo; UNHCR reported total of 462,378 refugees in country; WFP provided food aid to 461,658 refugees; influx of refugees continues. F) Angola: security continues to deteriorate; human casualties and new population displacements; temporarily suspended operations in Boccoio (Benguela); humanitarian situation in Sanza Pombo (Uige) worsening with no access; new IDPs registered in Saurimo (Lunda Sul), Kuito (Bie), Namacunde (Cunene) and Luena (Moxico); confirmed cases of meningitis increased in Kuito (Bie); vaccination planed; agricultural programme for IDPs started in Mbanza Congo (Zaire); 52 community projects identified in Luena (Moxico) to be supported by WFP through FFW; joint delegation including WFP visited Caala (Huambo) to witness re-settlement of IDPs and carry out assessment; WFP airlifted 2,790 tons of relief cargo and moved 1,182 tons by road; rehabilitation of Kuito airport not yet implemented; in-country stocks 42,716 tons of food; pipeline weak, particularly for non-cereals; contributions cover slightly over 50 percent of requirement; consultations regarding preparation of PRRO for 2001 underway. G) Sierra Leone: WFP to lead inter-agency food needs assessment to Bumbuna; entire northern area critical, but only Bumbuna and Kabala accessible, by air; WFP very concerned about lack of access to areas with serious needs; WFP verified presence of 19,981 IDPs in Port Loko; WFP and CARE currently registering beneficiaries in Mile 91 area; sensitisation campaign underway in Kaffu Bullom and Lokomasama chiefdoms to mobilise community initiatives for FFW and agricultural recovery; similar exercise planned in Tasso and Pepel Islands; UNHCR mission to Kenema found 1,400 spontaneously repatriated refugees in need of assistance; relief agencies discussing strategy to address increasing spontaneous repatriation; WFP distributed 752 tons of food to 42,350 beneficiaries; in-country food stocks at 8,397 tons. H) Congo-Brazzaville: WFP distributed 543 tons of food to 29,270 beneficiaries in July; distributions under target due to continuous fuel shortages; number of beneficiaries in supplementary feeding decreasing and requests for food for work increasing; refugees from Equator of DR Congo arriving across Congo and Ubangui rivers; access to refugees very limited due to insecurity; only 25,000 refugees can be reached of 60,000 reported by UNHCR; priority needs of refugees health and sanitation, but nutritional problems could arise assistance not provided; WFP preparing emergency operation for 25,000 refugees and host families, to start in October. I) Indonesia / East Timor: security along East and West Timor border deteriorating, as anniversary of East Timorese vote for independence approaches; growing infiltrations of anti-independence militia to western areas of East Timor and their attacks on UN peacekeeping troops; one UN peacekeeper and three militiamen killed in these attacks; UNTAET sets precautionary measures to contain militia threat; humanitarian agencies and assets reportedly not targeted by militia; WFP food deliveries in western part of East Timor cautiously implemented in view of insecurity; Government of Indonesia plans repatriation of East Timorese refugees and dismantling of refugee camps in West Timor. J) Algeria: WFP continues providing assistance to refugees from Western Sahara in four camps in southwestern Algeria; 155,000 people in need of assistance; WFP interventions coordinated with bilateral donors and NGOs; food stocks in camps low and of concern; monthly requirements 2,700 tons; available stocks 2,518 tons only, with further 2,500 tons in pipeline; no donations confirmed beyond mid-October. donations urgently needed to avoid severe food shortages as those experienced from September 1999 to March. PART II - DETAILS A) West and Central Asia 1) Afghanistan a) In order to adequately respond to the drought, WFP is endeavouring to further increase food distributions in August, from the already high level of 11,290 tons achieved in July. Particular attention has been given to Ghor, Herat, Badghis, Fariab, Jowzjhan and Samangan provinces in northern and north-western parts of the country. Reports have been received of drought-displaced people in Herat city, who arrived from Ghor Province and WFP is stepping up efforts to move wheat into Ghor, with the objective of keeping population in their home areas. Discussions have been held with the Pakistan Government to try to fasten and improve the flow of food aid for Afghanistan that is transiting through that country. b) WFP continues to be preoccupied with the hardening position of the Taliban authorities regarding the ban on employment of women. On 16 August, the Taliban advised WFP that it must comply with the edict in respect to the 360 female bakery workers in 24 women bakeries in Kabul. The bakeries were closed for two days and reopened pending investigation of the employment status of women. These bakeries provide highly subsidised bread to 7,200 women headed families involving 43,000 most vulnerable people, predominantly women and children. 2) Tajikistan a) WFP is working on the preparation of the emergency operation. In the meantime, WFP continues to target some drought-affected population through the ongoing protracted relief and recovery operation in the country. In Khatlon Province, the distributions are expected to start on 22 August, in worst-hit districts. In Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Oblast the distributions started in the first week of August. WFP is also considering to extend assistance to elderly pensioners in semi-urban areas in Khatlon. b) The quality of available potable water and communicable and water borne diseases are among the highest concerns in the affected areas, as well. The UN Country Team is in process of preparing a Drought Flash Appeal, which will address all major relief needs caused by the drought. 3) Pakistan a) The eastern belt of Baluchistan has received scattered monsoon rains, but the dry spell continues in the west. UN agencies are currently coordinating efforts to carry out an assessment of drought impacts in Baluchistan. After the first monsoon rains in July, Sindh Province received further rains in August, which covered the entire arid area of the province. These rains are likely to boost vegetative coverage and agriculture production. The situation of livestock has also improved. b) With the drought situation more under control, the Government is encouraging mid and long-term activities for sustainable development of the drought-affected areas. Funds specially allocated by the Federal Government, to Sindh and Baluchistan provinces, are being used for development projects in drought-affected areas. 4) Iran a) The report of the UN Inter-Agency mission to drought affected areas has been released. The report stresses the seriousness of the situation and emphasises broader impacts of the drought in the future. The report notes uneven impacts of the drought on various provinces, urban and rural areas and different groups of vulnerable population. b) The Government estimated the overall losses caused by the drought at USD 1.7 billion. The drought has disrupted economic activities, curtailed livelihoods, increased malnutrition and raised risks of water-borne diseases. Immediate assistance has been asked for drinking water, livestock, agricultural inputs and medicines resources. B) South Asia Floods 1) India a) Monsoons have caused floods in many parts of the country. States affected are: Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Kerala, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Assam and Bihar, the last two being the worst-hit states. Losses of human life and livestock, damage to properties and population displacement have been wide-spread. The official death toll has risen to 492 casualties. An estimated 2.5 million people lost their homes. b) State Governments have initiated relief measures which include provision of food, medical supplies, shelters, blankets, infrastructure repair and financial support to families of the deceased. The Indian Army has air dropped food supplies into Assam and Bihar, which, together with West Bengal are also facing acute problems of safe drinking water. UNICEF reported deaths from water-borne diseases in Assam. Reports of increased encephalitis, gastro-enteritis and malaria have also been received from flood-affected areas. c) Floods have affected at least 13 districts in five states where WFP has its programmes. The Assam State Government has requested WFP assistance. The people in relief camps have no food stocks and their opportunities to gain income and buy food are very limited. As an immediate response, WFP will release 535 tons of vitamin enriched high energy and protein corn-soya blend (CSB). This assistance is expected to cover the needs of 105,070 beneficiaries, including 88,480 children under 6 years of age, and 16,590 women, over a period of two months. WFP is in regular contact with other UN agencies through the UN Disaster Management Team, and with the International Federation of Red Cross, to ensure that all relief responses are coordinated and complementary. 2) Bhutan a) Some 49 casualties of the flood have been reported so far, most in the worst-hit area of Pasakha. WFP might be requested by the Government to assist with the provision of food aid to affected population in need and with the repair of seven bridges and several damaged roads. 3) Bangladesh a) The Government has started relief operations and the available stocks of food are expected to meet emergency needs of the affected people in need for a period of two to three months. WFP sent three teams to flood-affected districts of Gaibanhda, Kurigram, Lalmonirhat, Chapai Nawabganj, Serajganj, Faridpur and Rajbari, to conduct assessments. Dengue Fever has reportedly spreads into 39 cities, with 60 cases in Dhaka. WHO has warned of fresh out-breaks. 4) Nepal a) Over 110 people have been killed in floods and landslides throughout the country, since the monsoon started. The Prithvi Highway, which links the capital with most parts of the country, was blocked by landslides for a second time last week. C) Russian Federation / Chechnya a) On 15 August, WFP sent two relief convoys carrying 177 tons of food to Chechnya, for distributions to around 35,000 displaced and other vulnerable people there. The convoys were dispatched from Nazran, Ingushetia, one to the capital, Grozny, and the other to the border districts of Urus-Martan. This is the largest relief food convoy sent into Chechnya since the fighting restarted last year. b) Within the six-month emergency operation launched in July, WFP hopes to deliver food aid to 325,000 people affected by Chechnya conflict, including 170,000 people inside the Republic. More contributions are urgently needed from the international community, to continue the operation. Donors have so far pledged just over 6,000 tons of food out of the total requirement of about 28,000 tons. c) The UN and the Government of Russian Federation signed on 16 August a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Humanitarian Action in the Northern Caucasus, in order to establish a firm basis for the UN to continue providing humanitarian assistance to civilians in need in Chechnya, Dagestan and Ingushetia. The MoU will represent the base for future operations of WFP in the region. D) Sudan a) UN and WFP operations were resumed throughout the country on 16 August, following a provision of adequate assurances for safety and security of UN personnel and assets, by the Sudanese President to the UN Secretary-General. The UN suspended all relief flights in Sudan on 8 August, following several incidents in late July and early August when clearly marked WFP aircraft were narrowly missed by aerial bombing. On 10 August, WFP evacuated all staff from Mapel and issued a public protest, following a bombardment very close to the WFP compound and logistics base there. It is hoped that security situation will allow continuous relief operations. b) WFP commenced emergency food distributions to tens of thousands of IDPs who have arrived to Bentiu and Rubkona (Unity State) since the beginning of the month. The influx of close to 48,000 newly displaced people has strained the existing humanitarian services in Unity State, particularly in the two affected towns, which had already hosted large numbers of people dependent on aid. Recent nutritional surveys revealed global malnutrition rates of 28.6 percent in Bentiu and 30 percent in Rubkona. WFP replenished its stocks in the two towns during the week and provided additional food for supplementary feeding of the malnourished children. E) East Africa and Horn 1) Ethiopia a) Following several inter-agency assessment missions to the border area with Eritrea, the UN is currently preparing an Appeal for relief assistance to around 350,000 displaced people there. The launch of the Appeal is expected at the end of August to cover a period of five months (September to January). Initial estimates suggest that food aid might be needed by around 312,500 people, including the 272,000 internally displaced persons already being assisted by WFP. The figures might change, however, an as increasing numbers of Ethiopians deported from Eritrea have been arriving. It has been reported that 25,000 deportees from Eritrea have already passed through the transit camps at Adwa. A budget revision of the WFP Emergency Operation is expected, in view of the new relief needs of the displaced established by the UN. b) A joint mission by WFP, UNHCR and the Government took place to Western Tigray, on 7-11 August, to assess the influx of Eritrean refugees there. The mission reported that there are approximately 2,000 refugees near the border area of Badme, who have already received food aid and shelter materials from the Ethiopian Government. An additional 6,000 people have reportedly crossed the border, but not yet moved southwards and sought assistance. c) Food security situation has improved in some areas of Somali Region, with improved pasture, increased milk supply, local sorghum crops and better food aid deliveries. In Gode, tighter control over registration process has meant higher ration sizes. The number of children assisted through supplementary and therapeutic feeding centres in Gode has dropped by 15-20 percent since the previous week. d) Some agencies involved in food distributions in Somali Region are considering withdrawal at the end of the month, while others and the local authorities believe it is early to do so. Joint assessments and one month notice for any withdrawals have been proposed. e) There are concerns in some areas of Somali Region where drought continues, such as Shinile, although recent rain in Shinile zone appears to have eased the situation, and people are reported to be returning to their home areas with their cattle. WFP has been doing assessments in Fik and Degehabour zones and found increased number of displaced due to drought in many locations visited. In some areas, the recovery is starting, but it is expected to take some time due to previous deaths of large number of livestock. f) In some areas of Somali Region even those with supplementary feeding programmes, high malnutrition rates are still recorded. It is not completely clear which are the main contributing factors among health, water, sanitation, food distribution and feeding practices. g) As of 15 August, the Ethiopian Emergency Food Security Reserve (EFSR) stocks included 180,932 tons of food, of which 45,630 tons are committed and under delivery. Over 47,000 tons of cereals are to be repaid to EFSR during August, 27,218 tons by WFP and 19,951 by EU. During the first 12 days of August WFP dispatched 33,567 tons of food, a daily average of around 2,800 tons 2) Eritrea a) A total of 22,000 Eritreans have been repatriated from Sudan, as of 9 August 2000. All except for 614 of them have received food rations for a period of two months, prior to the repatriation. b) A total of 1,500 new IDPs from Layla Gash, which is reportedly still under control of Ethiopian forces, arrived to Adikeshi IDP camp. The IDPs reported to WFP insecurity and hunger as the main causes of their departure from the area. The displaced have already received food aid, provided by WFP. c) IDPs who were in hiding in safer areas are returning to Barentu, Hykota, Tessenei and Guluj. WFP plans to supply around 2,000 tons of food to a total of 107,000 war affected returnees in these areas during the coming week. d) WFP monitored distributions of 1,352 tons of food by ERREC to 64,013 war and drought-affected people in Debub, Northern Red Sea, Anseba and Gash Barka regions. Some 381 tons were distributed to 7,547 drought-affected persons and 971 tons to 56,466 war-affected persons. This represented 40% of the distribution plan. The under-achievement was due to persisting transportation problems with the delivery of food to Debub and drought-affected areas in Anseba and Northern Red Sea regions. Stock balance of WFP food in country, as of 9 August, was 18,020 tons, including 14,445 tons of cereals. e) The Governor of Gash Barka Region appealed to WFP and donors to provide food assistance to populations living in the northern part of the region. Currently, WFP is supporting over 300,000 war-affected people in this region. The Governor also informed WFP of his plans to register all war affected population in the region and invited WFP to participate in the exercise. f) According to recent meteorological data, a significant rainfall has been received in Debub and Gash Barka, while Anseba and the Northern Red Sea received little or no rainfall and drought conditions still persist there. 3) Kenya a) Funding of the WFP emergency operation remains critically low and new donor contributions are urgently needed in order to adequately cover food shortages seriously affecting around 3.3 million people in nineteen districts of Kenya. Of the total of 180,720 tons of food needed by WFP to meet the crisis, some 74,851 tons have been ensured through donor contributions so far, around 41 percent. b) Due to the resourcing problems, only 70 percent of the planned food aid rations will be received by the beneficiaries in August. A 30 percent deficit might be serious for people in critical need. A shortage of vehicles, linked to funding problems, is causing a hindrance to some monitoring activities of WFP in the field. c) In order to elevate the serious resource shortfall WFP has obtained loans of USD 7 million from the UN Central Emergency Revolving Fund (CERF) and USD 3 million from the WFP Immediate Response Account (IRA). These loans will make available some 29,000 tons of cereals for the Kenya drought emergency operation. However, donor contributions are needed for the repayment of these loans. d) WFP food stocks in the country, as of 14 August, consisted of 10,284 tons of food, including 9,024 tons of cereals. e) Several security incidents were reported during the week, involving ambushes and attacks on vehicles in Moyale, Isiolo and Garissa and tensions linked to tribal clashes in Wajir and Mandera. The ambushes and attacks on vehicles are becoming increasingly frequent and dangerous. f) A four-day workshop on gender and advocacy was held in Nairobi involving WFP gender officers from Kenya, Ethiopia, Rwanda, Burundi, Sudan and Tanzania. 4) Tanzania a) A joint food aid needs assessment is under way by WFP and the Government, to determine the number o people affected by drought and their relief food requirements. b) In late July, WFP reduced food aid rations in all refugee camps in the country, due to funding shortages. The distributions still remain at the reduced level. Most recently, USD one million has become available for the operation from the WFP Multilateral Fund. Local purchases of 2,370 tons of maize, 500 tons of pulses and 200 tons of salt have been initiated. Though these funds will improve the food pipeline situation, there is still a shortfall of 11,000 tons for the refugee feeding operation, from August to the end of the year. c) The Government Minister for Home Affairs visited refugee operations in Kigoma and Kagera Districts of Kasulu, in Kibondo and Ngara and held meetings in all districts with refugees, aid agencies and local authorities. The refugees in all locations expressed their concerns about the food ration cuts, unavailability of land for agricultural activities and the current unfavourable weather conditions and water shortages. The Minister conveyed the Government commitment in appealing to the donors for more contributions, to improve the current situation. Heads of WFP Offices involved in the refugee operation met in Kibondo to discuss various operational issues, including the implementation of the reduced rations. d) UNHCR refugee statistics include 142,869 in Kasulu, 144,391 in Kibondo, 54,087 in Kigoma and 121,031 in Ngara, making a total of 462,378 in all refugee camps. WFP actually provided food aid to a total of 461,658 refugees in these camps during the last distribution, with 15,887 of the most vulnerable also being assisted with supplementary or therapeutic feeding. During the past week the influx of Burundian refugees into Ngara continued, while the influx of Rwandese decreased considerably. In Kigoma, there was a significant decrease in numbers of both Congolese and Burundian refugees. Kibondo received a high number of Burundian refugees during the week, but below average. F) Angola a) Security situation continues to deteriorate. Incidents were recorder last week in Uige, Lunda Sul, Lunda Norte, Bie, Benguela, Huambo and Malange, and some resulted in human casualties and new population displacements. Due to insecurity, WFP temporarily suspended operations in Boccoio (Benguela), where 9,000 IDPs are normally assisted. Reports received from Sanza Pombo (Uige) indicate that the humanitarian situation is worsening there, while relief interventions have been constrained by insecurity and lack of access. Some 500 cases of malnourished children under five were reported in Sanza Pombo, as well as an influx of newly displaced from Macocola, Quimbele and Buengas. b) Over 200 new IDPs from Muambulo were registered in Saurimo (Lunda Sul) and more reported to have arrived from Alto Chicapa and Dala. An influx of 1,000 new IDPs fleeing insecurity in N'harea was reported in Kuito (Bie). Around 250 new displaced were reported in Namacunde (Cunene), of which 108 have been registered by inter-agency teams involving WFP. More people fleeing insecurity in Rhundu, Kuangar and Dirico have been seen in the area of Marco 25, on their way to Namacunde. A total of 286 new IDPs arrived to Luena (Moxico) and have since been registered. c) Confirmed cases of meningitis have increased significantly in Kuito (Bie), with an average of 11-12 registered per week. There is a high probability of many unreported cases. Vaccination campaign is planed in a very near future by the Government and MSF. d) Agricultural programme for IDPs was started in Mbanza Congo (Zaire) by the provincial government, MINADER, NRC and WFP. A total of 52 community projects identified in Luena (Moxico) by different NGOs are to be supported by WFP through FFW programme. Around 4,320 IDPs will participate in these projects. A joint delegation composed of representatives of WFP/OCHA/National and International NGOs visited Caala (Huambo), to witness the process of re-settlement of IDPs in new camps located in Cassoco and Cantao Pahula. The delegation also carried out an assessment of immediate and intermediate needs of the displaced in the new area. e) During the week, WFP airlifted 934 tons of relief cargo from Catumbela airport to Kuito, Menongue, Luena and Huambo and 1,619 tons of food 237 tons of non-food items from Luanda airport. Additional 1,182 tons were delivered by road from Luanda. A major rehabilitation of the Kuito airport, due during the current dry season, has not yet been implemented by the Government, although minor repairs are being carried out. WFP remains concerned about the delivery constraints that might arise in the coming rainy season. f) During august, WFP is planning to target a total of 944,300 beneficiaries, with 13,465 tons of food. Current stocks in the country consist of 42,716 tons of food, including 31,457 tons of cereals. The food pipeline remains weak, particularly for the non-cereals (sugar, salt and CSB). Confirmed contributions towards the operation remain slightly over 50 percent of the total operational requirement. g) WFP has been engaged in several consultations with the Government, provincial authorities, NGOs and specialised agencies, regarding the preparation of the protracted relief and recovery operation for the year 2001. The consultation topics included new targeting and registration strategy, and allocation of land to IDPs for agricultural activities G) Sierra Leone a) Following reports of deteriorating humanitarian situation in Bumbuna and arrival of 7,000 IDPs, WFP will lead an inter-agency food needs assessment mission there from 18 to 20 August. Food security situation in the entire northern area is presumed to be critical, but only Bumbuna and Kabala are currently accessible, and even these only by air. WFP is very concerned about not being able to visit areas where serious relief need have been reported and is strongly advocating resumption of dialogue on humanitarian access between the warring parties. b) Due to conflicting reports on the nutritional status of IDPs and residents in Daru, NGOs screened some 600 children under five there on 15 August, at the request of WFP. Although the reports are still awaited, there are indications that the level of malnutrition might not be too serious. A few days prior to the assessment, the Kenema-Daru road was re-opened for commercial and civilian traffic, so increased quantities and varieties of food have been available in the local markets at significantly reduced prices. c) On 8 August, WFP verified the existence of 19,981 IDPs in Port Loko IDP Camp and the nearby public buildings used for the purpose. WFP and CARE are currently conducting a registration in Mile 91 area, covering both the IDP and host population. The IDP population currently assisted by WFP in 28 villages in rural areas on the Mile 91-Masiaka-Moyamba-Bo and Magburaka axis amounts to 38,189. The host population will be assisted with agricultural recovery projects. WFP is currently conducting a sensitisation campaign in Kaffu Bullom and Lokomasama chiefdoms, where food is currently provided to around 35,000 IDPs, to mobilise community initiatives for the identification of FFW and agricultural recovery projects. After the distribution of general rations in August, WFP intends to include those who are able to get engaged in productive activities into FFW. A similar exercise is planned for Tasso and Pepel Islands at the end of the next week.. d) A UNHCR mission to Kenema confirmed that 1,400 spontaneously repatriated refugees are in IDP camps, in need of assistance. Refugees are increasingly returning to Sierra Leone on their own, due to insecurity in Liberia. Relief agencies are discussing a strategy to address the spontaneous repatriation. e) During the last week, WFP distributed 752 tons of food aid to 42,350 beneficiaries in the country. As of the 14 August, food stocks available include 8,397 tons, of which 3,406 tons are cereals H) Congo-Brazzaville a) During July, WFP distributed a total of 543 tons of food in the country, to 29,270 beneficiaries. Quantities planned for distribution could not be reached because of continuous fuel shortage in the country and related logistical problems. The number of beneficiaries in supplementary feeding centres continues to decrease, while requests for emergency food assistance under food for work activities has been increasing. b) Refugees from the Equator Province of neighbouring Democratic Republic of Congo have been continuously arriving across the Congo and Ubangui rivers, fleeing intensified fighting there between government and rebel troops. Access to these refugees is very limited due to insecurity, which is particularly caused by the presence of battle-ships on the Ubangui river. Only some 25,000 refugees of the total 60,000 reported by UNHCR have been accessible and receiving humanitarian assistance. A WFP/UNHCR assessment mission carried out in late July and early August concluded that the priority needs of the refugees are health and sanitation, but nutritional problems could easily arise if adequate food assistance is not provided, as well. WFP is currently preparing an Emergency Operation to provide supplementary food rations for 25,000 refugees and host families, over a period of six months. The operation is expected to start in October. I) Indonesia / East Timor a) Security situation along the border between East and West Timor has been deteriorating, as the anniversary of the East Timorese vote for independence approaches (30 August). The concerns have been rising particularly in view of the growing infiltrations of anti-independence militia to Covalima, Bobonaro, Ermera and Ainaro districts of East Timor and their attacks on UN peacekeeping troops in areas near the border. A series of attacks have resulted in a death of a UN peacekeeper and three militiamen, in the past three weeks. The United Nations Transitional Administration in East Timor has set up a number of precautionary measures to contain the militia threat. Humanitarian agencies and their assets are reportedly not being targeted by the militia. b) WFP food deliveries to the western part of East Timor continue, but are being carefully and cautiously planned and implemented in accordance with security conditions and guidelines. c) The Government of Indonesia has outlined plans for repatriation of East Timorese refugees and the dismantling of refugee camps in West Timor. WFP will meet with the representatives of UN and other international organisations, East Timorese and Indonesian officials, to discuss the refugee problems in West Timor. J) Algeria a) The Western Sahara conflict is in the process of settlement under the auspices of the UN. The UN-sponsored Settlement Plan envisages a referendum for self-determination and repatriation of all eligible refugees and members of their families to Western Sahara, but the referendum is unlikely to be implemented before the year 2002. b) WFP continues to provide assistance to refugees settled in four camps near Tindouf in southwestern Algeria. WFP and its partners re-assessed the food aid arrangements earlier this year and now have the responsibility of mobilising basic food aid needs for the entire camp population. The planning figure of 155,000 people is based on the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO) and UNHCR registrations. c) WFP coordinates its activities closely with bilateral donors and NGOs that continue to provide food assistance to the refugee population. The food stocks in the camps are low and the food pipeline gives cause for concern. The monthly requirements for basic food commodities are around 2,700 tons. In mid-August, the stock of food aid in the country from WFP, bilateral donors and NGO sources totaled 2,518 tons, barely enough for one month distribution. WFP has secured funding for a further 2,500 tons of food, but no donations have yet been confirmed to cover the requirements beyond mid-October. Donations are urgently needed to avoid a repeat of the severe food shortages that affected the camp population from September 1999 to March. Note: All tonnage figures in this report refer to metric tons (End WFP Emergency Report No. 33 / 2000 of 18 August 2000) distributed by - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Volunteers in Technical Assistance Disaster Information Center lists: www.vita.org/listsub.htm sitreps nat-dsr web: www.vita.org fireline - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - World Food Program Reports: http://www.vita.org/disaster/wfp