WFP EMERGENCY REPORT
Issued weekly by the United Nations World Food Programme
Report No. 14 / 2001 - Date 6 April 2001

This report includes:
(A) FYR of Macedonia
(B) West and Central Asia: (1) Afghanistan, (2) Pakistan (3) Iran,
    (4) Georgia
(C) Northern Caucasus: (1) Ingushetia, (2) Chechnya
(D) Horn of Africa: (1) Ethiopia, (2) Kenya, (3) Eritrea
(E) Southern Africa: (1) Malawi, (2) Angola, (3) Namibia
(F) West Africa Coastal: (1) Guinea, (2) Sierra Leone
(G) Latin America and Caribbean: (1) El Salvador, (2) Bolivia, (3) Peru,
(4) Dominican Republic
(H) Emergency Response Roster


>From Francesco Strippoli, Senior Humanitarian Adviser; available on the
Internet on the WFP Home Page (www.wfp.org), or by e-mail from
Zlatan.Milisic@wfp.org.

For information on resources, donors are requested to contact
Valerie.Sequeira@wfp.org at WFP Rome, telephone 39 06 6513 2009. 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.


(A)    FYR of Macedonia

a)  A new registration and verification exercise for Temporary
Humanitarian Assisted Persons (THAP) in FYR of Macedonia is currently
taking place. The duration of the new THAP status and identification cards
will be for six months. The Albanian Kosovars may be excluded from the
next THAP status or have their status extended only until summer, in which
case this group - estimated at 142 persons - would be repatriated.

b)  During March and early April, WFP provided food assistance to
approximately 7,600 refugees.

c)  Due to low intensity conflict between ethnic Albanian armed groups and
Macedonian Security Forces in the Northwest, the March-April distribution
of food to refugees accommodated with host families has not been completed
yet. Delivery of the April food aid ration to refugees residing in
collective centres has been completed, except for the Radusha collective
centre in the Northwest. WFP also provided repatriation packages to 90
refugees who voluntary repatriated to Serbia.

d)  Following the offensive by the Macedonian Security Forces on ethnic
Albanian armed groups, in late March, the situation in Tetovo region is
now reported to be calm. There are clear signs that the situation is
rapidly returning to normalisation. Among the population in Tetovo, there
is a small number of displaced from hillside villages and residents that
have been directly affected by the recent fighting. Concerns are growing
about the plight of civilians who may still be trapped in the Crna Gora
region, which was the scene of renewed military activity recently.



(B)  West and Central Asia: (1) Afghanistan, (2) Pakistan (3) Iran, (4)
Georgia

(1)  Afghanistan

a)  Recent data compiled by WFP's VAM Unit shows a sharp decrease in the
purchasing power of the people in Afghanistan - by up to 50 percent of the
average at the same time last year. The price of wheat in Faizabad in the
Northeast has reached an amount double the average price in the rest of
the country (USD 0.45/kg).

b)  The situation in Herat in the west is deteriorating rapidly. The
number of new IDP arrivals currently exceeds 200 families per day. Some
1,232 new IDP families or 6,366 individuals have been registered at the
Maslakh camp just during the last week of March.  The number of IDPs in
the camps is estimated to have reached 110,000. The majority of IDPs who
came during March are from Badghis (47 percent) and Ghor (41 percent)
provinces.

c)  Three new Food Distribution for Asset Creation (FOODAC) activities
were approved for implementation in Ghor and Badghis provinces, using a
total of 4,990 tons of wheat. WFP activities in the two provinces are
expected to help stop out-migration.


(2)  Pakistan

a)  WFP released food commodities for distribution to 65,751 Afghan
refugees living in Shamshatoo and Akhora Khatok camps. The distribution of
these monthly rations is scheduled between 6 and 23 April, to be
implemented by Shelter Now International.

b)  The deadlock between the UN and Government of Pakistan regarding
registration of refugees who recently arrived in Jaluzai and Akhora Khatok
camps continues. UNHCR has not been able yet to organise the registration
of new refugees. According to media and NGOs sources, over 70,000 refugees
have arrived in Jaluzai in the recent months and another 10,200 reached
Akhora Khatok. The inability to undertake registration limits food
distributions to the long-term residents of the camps only.

c)  The ad hoc assistance from NGOs and private donations of food and cash
remain the principal source of assistance to the new population in Jaluzai
camp.

d)  WFP is planning to provide blended food for malnourished children,
through MSF. To date, 150 children have been admitted to the programme but
that number is expected to rise rapidly.


(3)  Iran

a)  UNHCR has confirmed that about 1,000 Afghan refugees are entering Iran
daily, and that 70 percent of them are being settled in temporary camps
set by the authorities. The fate of those settled in temporary camps is
currently being discussed between the Government and UNHCR.

b)  WFP is expecting a request to initiate food assistance to the newly
arrived Afghan refugees. WFP has the resources to assist up to 5,000
people, but further resources will be required to cater for the food needs
of an additional refugee caseload.


(4)  Georgia

a)  WFP and NGO implementing partners have completed sensitisation
campaigns and pre-distribution monitoring in all 6 drought-affected
regions. Preparation of beneficiary lists in all regions is almost
complete.

b)  The first round of EMOP food distribution in Kakheti and Imereti
regions is to be completed by early April. Around 277,012 beneficiaries in
the two regions will receive half-ration for two months, a total of 3,930
tons. Distribution in Kvemo Kartli region started later and is currently
ongoing, with 97,385 beneficiaries assisted so far.

c)  Post-distribution monitoring (PDM) is ongoing in Kakheti and Imereti
regions, as well. Preliminary findings suggest that beneficiaries had
consumed the food two weeks after they had received it. Some 44 percent of
the beneficiaries interviewed are still experiencing energy deficit, 24
percent are selling assets and 40 percent are taking loans in order to
cover their food needs.

d)  Winter has been very dry and the crop forecast is not very optimistic.
Land preparation started slowly, mainly due to the lack of cash to buy
seeds, fertiliser and fuel. The rainy season has just started.

e)  So far, only 35 percent of the EMOP food requirements have been
resourced. As a result, beneficiaries were given half-ration during the
first round of distribution and only in two regions (Kakheti and Imereti)
they received a full food basket.



(C)  Northern Caucasus: (1) Ingushetia, (2) Chechnya

a)  Donors have so far pledged USD 4.3 million for the current WFP
emergency operation (EMOP) in the Northern Caucasus. This represents only
18 percent of the requirement. During March, there have been almost no
distributions of WFP food in either Ingushetia or Chechnya due to poor
funding and lack of food supplies.


(1)  Ingushetia

a)  Danish Refugee Council (DRC) registered 2,149 new IDPs from Chechnya,
in Ingushetia, during the last two weeks. The total number of IDPs in
Ingushetia (as of 31 March) is 154,211.

b)  Due to the breakdown of WFP food pipeline, no basic food rations were
distributed in March in any IDP camps, except for 457 tons of wheat flour
for about 33,600 beneficiaries. Some small distributions of food supplied
by other agencies and donors have been carried out.

c)  WFP monitored food distribution centres run by DRC and interviewed the
beneficiaries. All beneficiaries expressed dismay over the lack of
distribution of WFP food rations during March. WFP food monitors also
conducted a market survey of daily consumable food items in all four
districts of Ingushetia. The survey revealed that prices of wheat flour,
pasta and edible oil have risen, compared to February, while the prices of
fresh vegetables have gone down.

d)  The Government of Russian Federation approved a resolution, which
provides for food assistance to IDPs living in Ingushetia and
transportation assistance on their return to Chechnya. Budgetary
allocation of Rur 500 million has been made for food distributions.
According to the Ministry responsible, bread and one hot meal per day will
be provided to about 50,000 IDPs living in camps and other official
settlements, effective 1 May. The allocated funds are expected to last for
about two months.

e)  The President of the Republic of Ingushetia stated that international
humanitarian assistance to IDPs in the Republic is still needed. During
the meeting with the UN team, the President also urged the international
community to support Ingush families who have been hosting IDPs for more
than one year and have been facing severe hardship to maintain their
generous hospitality.


(2)  Chechnya

a)  Federal Minister for the Chechen Republic announced that about 7,000
IDPs might return to Chechnya, from Ingushetia, by the end of May and
emphasised the need to create conditions conducive for voluntary return.
He asked the international community to channel more humanitarian
assistance inside Chechnya. Fluid security conditions have so far hampered
access and regular presence of humanitarian workers inside Chechnya.

b)  No WFP food commodities were supplied this month, except for 10 tons
of high-energy biscuits, distributed to 6,000 school children in
Achkoy-Martan district bordering Ingushetia. Small distributions of food
aid supplied by other agencies and donors have been carried out.



(D)  Horn of Africa: (1) Ethiopia, (2) Kenya, (3) Eritrea

(1)  Ethiopia

a)  Ms. Catherine Bertini, the Executive Director of WFP, visited to Addis
Ababa from 29 March to 1 April, in her capacity as the Special Envoy of
the UN Secretary General (SG) for the Horn of Africa. During the visit, Ms
Bertini met with Government, UN, donor and NGO representatives and made a
presentation entitled "Meeting the Challenges to Food Security in the Horn
of Africa" at the International Livestock and Research Institute. Ms.
Bertini appealed to donors to meet the urgent relief requirements for the
UN Horn of Africa Drought Appeal.

b)  Belg rains that were late in the onset and had poor performance at the
beginning of the season have improved significantly - in amount and area
covered - in the second and third dekads of March. Belg areas in which dry
planting has been reported due to delayed onset, such as Hadiya, Welaita,
Gamo Gofa, North Shewa, North and South Wello, are expected to benefit
from the improved performance of rains.

c)  In Somali region, the onset of rains in Shinnile zone is expected to
alleviate the water problem that has been reported from various woredas.
Significant rainfall reported over the past few days in the area between
Negele and Filtu, in Liben zone, has filled ponds and eased the critical
water situation in this area. Severe water shortages are still reported in
many other parts of Somali region. Rainfall in the lowlands of Bale and
East and West Hararghe, which have also been reporting water shortages,
has been below normal.

d)  Prices of grains are falling in East Gojjam in Amhara region, with
most cereals selling at significantly less than their normal value. This
is attributed to over-supply of cereals in the market (as farmers are
selling their grain in order to repay their debts) and decline in the
purchasing power of traders.

e)  In response to the deteriorating situation in the Bale lowlands in
Oromiya region, DPPC and WFP have agreed to send cereals and supplementary
food to the affected woredas. High malnutrition in these areas has been
attributed to poor performance of rains in the past 3-4 years that led to
a gradual depletion of assets, and irregular and insufficient relief food
distributions in November. There are also concerns in some parts of East
Haraghe Zone and West Haraghe Zone.

f)  The new phase of the WFP drought EMOP was approved on 22 March, for a
total of 206,202 tons to cover needs of 2.5 million people, between April
and January. WFP has already received a pledge from the USA for 42,000
tons of cereals. Additional pledges are crucial to avoid disruptions in
food positioning and distribution. Cash pledges would allow local purchase
of cereals and blended food and would be particularly useful.

g)  The use of the WFP-contracted short haul trucks in Somali region will
continue until 15 April in order to allow completion of deliveries from
the last allocation. After this date, the short haul trucking operation
will finish.


(2)  Kenya

a)  Ms. Catherine Bertini, WFP Executive Director, visited Nairobi, to
participate in the first regular session in 2001 of the UN Administrative
Committee on Coordination (ACC)and to brief donors in her capacity as the
Special Envoy of the UN SG for Drought in the Horn of Africa.

b)  A total of 2.4 million Kenyans are being targeted by WFP for the March
general distribution, which is a 25 percent decrease from the previous
distribution. Around 1.1 million school children will also continue to
benefit from the Expanded School Feeding Programme (ESFP). A phase-out
strategy for the EMOP is being developed, initially concentrating on areas
where general distributions are being stopped.

c)  Further steps to phase out general emergency distributions of WFP in
six districts - Kitui, Mwingi, Makueni, Tharaka, Mbeere and Machakos have
been undertaken. Transition from general distribution to Food for Work
(FFW) in these districts is expected in the coming weeks. WFP is currently
working in close collaboration with lead partner agencies, visiting target
groups and identifying potential community-based projects.

d)  The food pipeline situation for the 16 districts that continue to
receive general emergency distribution remains critical. While pledges to
date have covered around 71 percent of the commodity needs for the annual
period of the EMOP, the actual shortfall for the remaining four months -
March to June - is around 50 percent. Only 30,000 tons of cereals are
available until the end of June.

e)  UNICEF has been coordinating three nutritional surveys across Turkana
district and although the results are not yet conclusive, there is a
general perception that the nutritional situation in the district has
improved. However, dependency of population on relief food remains high.

f)  Heavy thunderstorms in Northern Kenya, during past two weeks, affected
roads and bridges and delayed food deliveries. Heavy rains in Samburu,
Moyale and the border of West Pokot and Turkana represent a security
threat as well, because they often result in increased banditry. Rain was
also reported in Wajir district, for the first time in many months.

g)  Tribal tensions were particularly problematic in Turkana, Tana River
and Isiolo districts.  A security incident was reported in the central
division of Isiolo when food distribution began on 19 March. An attack on
a Turkana village forced two WFP trucks to return to the warehouse.


(3)  Eritrea

a)  The Government agency implementing food aid distributions, ERREC,
reported distribution of 5,288 tons of food to 301,356 beneficiaries
during the last two weeks of March. WFP monitors reported that 68 percent
of the food recipients were women, who also make part of the group
distribution committees and regional committees.

b)  WFP conducted post-distribution monitoring in Gheleb and Kerebet
sub-zones of the Anseba region. In the Gheleb sub-zone the beneficiaries
received planned food aid rations. In Aibaba centre, only oil and pulses
were distributed due to a shortage of cereals. The distributions were
augmented with LWF-donated cereals. In order to augment field monitoring
capacity, five national field assistants have been recruited and posted in
the sub-offices of Keren, Decamhare and Barentu.

c)  Considering the in-country stocks and expected food pipeline arrivals,
which amount to approximately 53,000 tons, it is expected that the drought
response EMOP can cover the needs of beneficiaries for about four months.
Additional 7,000 tons are expected to arrive in May for the EMOP assisting
war-affected population and meet the needs for about two months. WFP has
organised a loan to cover the food pipeline rupture expected in April.

d)  WFP attended a tripartite meeting in Khartoum, which discussed the
modalities for the repatriation of 62,000 Eritrean refugees from Sudan.

e)  A meeting was held with ERREC to discuss registration of beneficiaries
to be assisted under the new phase of the two WFP EMOPs that target
drought and war-affected population. WFP was requested to delay the
exercise pending a Government decision. It is anticipated that
registration will not take place before the start of the new EMOP phases.



(E)  Southern Africa: (1) Malawi, (2) Angola, (3) Namibia

(1)  Malawi

a)  In response to the worst floods to hit Malawi in over a decade, WFP
launched on 3 April a three-month emergency operation to feed 208,500
people affected by the disaster. In order to run the operation for a
planned period of three months - from April to June - WFP urgently needs
USD 3.3 million in donations from the international community, to purchase
8,800 tons of food.

b)  Sudden floods that swept across much of the country in February washed
away or destroyed thousands of houses, leaving homeless thousands of
families. Infrastructure damage is also serious. Many people have lost
their crops and are facing massive food shortages. Increased malnutrition,
or even starvation, is possible if food aid is not provided promptly.
Southern Malawi was hardest-hit, as the Lower Shire River overflowed and
completely filled its flood plain in Nsanje and Chickwawa districts. The
floods struck at the worst possible time, just prior to the March harvest,
causing widespread crop destruction. The majority of farmers affected in
these often-inaccessible areas - primarily female heads of the household -
are extremely poor and require immediate food aid.

c)  On 21 February, the Government of Malawi declared a state of disaster
and released emergency funds for immediate food and non-food assistance to
the most affected people, while appealing for international aid.  In early
March, WFP launched a short-term immediate response operation with food
borrowed from other WFP projects to immediately feed some 60,000 people in
the six most affected districts. Despite difficulties in transporting food
because of severe damage and flooding of roads, WFP managed to deliver
nearly 700 tons of food to stranded people in Nsanje, Chickwawa, Phalombe,
Zomba and Machinga districts in the south, and Salima district in central
Malawi. The same districts, and the additional district of Mangochi, will
be assisted in the wider three-month relief operation.

d)  WFP's immediate objective is to prevent the loss of life and
malnutrition among children and their parents. The food is also expected
to stop families from selling off crucial farming tools and give them
sufficient energy to plant in May for the July/August harvest, to recover
from the disaster.


(2)  Angola

a)  Security situation remained unstable in most provinces. Arrival of new
IDPs was reported in the provinces of Bie, Kuanza Norte, Lunda Sul,
Malange, Moxico and Uige.

b)  New phase of the WFP EMOP, targeting victims of the conflict in Angola
has started on 1 April. During the week, WFP airlifted 367 tons of food
and 12 tons of non-food items and transported by road 30 tons of food.

c)  Major breaks in the food pipeline are envisaged for the months of
April, May and June. Unless 15,000 tons of cereals are received by
mid-May, there will be a serious break in June. In addition, very limited
quantities of pulses will be available for distribution in May.

d)  Heavy rains caused damage to the coastal regions in Benguela province.
Assistance to IDPs in the Dombe Grande area has been constrained during
the last three weeks due to the prevailing insecurity along the road to
Dombe Grande.

e)  Distribution of non-food items to IDPs has begun in Bie province.
Re-verification of beneficiary numbers was carried out at the Nharea III
camp for IDPs. Nutritional review was carried out in Camacupa by MSF and
the initial findings indicate worsening nutritional state of the children.
A detailed report is expected later in the week.

f)  WFP organised training in Lubango (Huila province) for VAM staff and
food aid monitors working in southern provinces. Methodology to be used
during the April Vulnerability Assessment was reviewed. The assessment is
tentatively planned for the second week of May.

g)  The Ministry of Health visited Mussende (Malange province) and found
indications of serious deterioration of nutritional situation there. A
follow up mission by the Government is planned for the next week to
identify causes of the malnutrition. WFP already provided emergency food
rations for the most vulnerable in Mussende.

h)  Kuito airport is still accessible only by the more expensive propeller
L 100 aircraft. With Negage airport closed to all WFP aircraft, limited
landings have taken place in Uige. WFP is currently operating from three
airports in the Benguela/Lobito area, with up to 13 flights per day. Fuel
problems at Catumbela have continued to affect deliveries from that
airport. From mid April, WFP is hoping to start using Lubango as an
alternate airport for Catumbela.


(3)  Namibia

a)  Donor contributions toward the Namibia EMOP, which is assisting
refugees from Angola and DR Congo, are still urgently needed. Despite
reduced rations provided to refugees, the food pipeline problems remains
serious. The available food is expected to run out completely in June.

b)  UNHCR and the Namibian Government are planning a census in the Osire
camp in mid this year. The reported number of the Osire camp population at
the end of March was 19,465.  Less than 300 arrivals were reported in
March, which is lower than average.



(F)  West Africa Coastal: (1) Guinea, (2) Sierra Leone

(1)  Guinea

a)  The situation in calm in Kissidougou and Kountaya, but volatile in
Massakoundou. Katkama is accessible only with a special security
clearance. Gueckedou district remains inaccessible for UN staff. The
Office in Massakoundou has been closed since 26 March, for security
reasons. The local authorities in Kissidougou have requested that
Massakoundou camp be closed within two weeks. UNHCR has already relocated
2,750 refugees to the new campsite in Kountaya. Once its capacity of
28,000 persons is full, refugees will be transferred to the second new
site in Boreya.

b)  Following a joint-mission by WFP, UNHCR and Premier Urgence to
Gueckedou, it was decided that distributions in the Parrot's Beak would be
restarted. The Guinean army will grant security during distributions. Full
support of the local authorities has been received.

c)  WFP delivered to ICRC food commodities for 3,000 new IDPs located in
Lola and Yomou, near Nzerekore. A WFP team went to Mamou where it is
expected to start interviews, registration and distribution procedures for
an estimated 11,000 IDPs.

d)  WFP team is scheduled to join OCPH/CARITAS in Kankan during this week,
to start the socio-economic surveys preceding the next food distribution.
WFP is planning to open a sub-office in Kankan within two weeks. Premier
Urgence is expected to finalise food distribution for the remaining 7,000
IDPs located near Koundou in the Parrot's beak shortly.

e)  According to the medical NGOs, the nutritional situation in the camps
outside the Parrot's Beak remains alarming but stable, with malnutrition
among children under five years at 10-15 percent.

f)  The census in Massakoundou revealed a total of 14,000 refugees there
instead of the estimated 37,000. WFP has delivered 15-day food rations for
the first 2,000 new arrivals in the campsite of Boreya. During last week,
there has been an average daily influx of 500-800 refugees from the
Parrot's Beak into the transit camp of Katkama. The camp has reached its
capacity, with about 12,000 refugees at present. No decision for the
enlargement of the camp has been made yet. WFP participated in a refugee
census organised by UNHCR in Kouankan camp (near Macenta) that revealed a
number of 13,500 refugees in this camp. WFP food assistance will be
delivered there shortly.

g)  In Forecariah, WFP provided food to additional 3,885 refugees,
increasing the number of assisted persons to 15,885. The current number of
refugees in the transit camp in Conakry is 5,598 according to
OCPH/CARITAS. Some 500 refugees departed for Sierra Leone and 917 new
arrivals were registered this week. WFP continues supplying the camp with
food aid.


(2)  Sierra Leone

a)  The flow of returnees from Guinea and Liberia continues both by sea
and foot through the borders in Pujehun, Kailahun and Kono district. WFP
is planning to assess the situation of 914 returnees that have crossed
into the Pujehun district. Current rate of return is around 50 to 60
returnees per day, according to UNHCR/OCHA. WFP is providing food for the
returnees.

b)  The resettlement of IDPs is in progress, but some problems are
envisaged with distribution in Freetown camps. Of the 30,921 people who
registered for resettlement in Western Area only about 13,000 are
reportedly intending to move while the rest intend to stay. Food for Work
activities implemented in collaboration with partners and community work
groups, in support of the resettlement process - road construction,
rehabilitation and construction of houses - continue in all WFP
operational areas.

c)  To avoid a break in the food pipeline during April, WFP made local
arrangements with NGOs World Vision and Catholic Relief Services. Based on
the current projections, the pipeline position is secure until
July/August.

d)  During the week WFP distributed 213 tons of food to 27,881
beneficiaries in the country.



(G)  Latin America and Caribbean: (1) El Salvador, (2) Bolivia, (3) Peru,
(4) Dominican Republic

(1)  El Salvador

a)  The first round of distributions to earthquake victims following the
immediate response phase began on 20 March. Four NGO partners are
presently distributing 1,645 tons of food to 40,000 families, in
coordination with over 25 different organisations.

b)  The main FFW activities to be carried out with WFP food in the 45
selected municipalities (over 500 communities) during April include
clearance of debris, construction of temporary and semi-permanent housing,
rehabilitation of water systems and wells, social infrastructure and
rehabilitation of roads.

c)  The delivery of NFIs received through OCHA began with the distribution
of 70 tents to WHO/PAHO. These were given to the Ministry of Health for
various refuge centres.  Other items such as water tanks, latrines,
cooking kits, hygiene kits and agricultural kits are being distributed
through other UN agencies, NGOs and government counterparts.

d)  WFP EMOP has so far received USD 3.8 million in contributions, which
represent only 38 percent of the requirements up to July. Current
resources available for the operation will allow distributions for
approximately two months. The severity of resource situation has been
slightly relaxed by favourable reaction of donors who provided WFP with
cash contributions, which resulted in quick local purchases and important
savings.


(2)  Bolivia

a)  The number of flood victims continues to increase as the heavy rains
persist. The latest report of the Civil Defence Service (SENADECI)
confirms that some 313,270 people have been affected. La Paz (117,030
people) and Cochabamba (77,860 people) are by far the most affected
departments. Most of the victims are being assisted either by WFP or by
SENADECI and NGOs working with USAID. The assistance is being provided
only for one to two months, but the victims of the disaster are threatened
by food insecurity in the medium term as well, due to loss of crops and
other sources of income.

b)  SENADECI has distributed food, tools and blankets disbursed by the
Government, benefiting some 74,843 people and is preparing a further
assistance plan. The new plan aims at assisting some 170,000 people with
food and non-food items worth around USD 1.5 million. Considering the
financial constraints of the Government, it is expected that SENADECI
would also appeal for support to national and international organisations.

c)  WFP has so far distributed 972 tons of food to approximately 97,730
affected people, drawing from its in-country development project stocks.
These stocks are quickly being depleted.

d)  The Emergency Plan prepared by the Ministry of Agriculture, in
collaboration with WFP and FAO, includes resources from WFP's approved
EMOP, which will be used to rehabilitate the rural infrastructure and
provide alternative income sources to the affected population. However, no
formal donor commitments for the WFP EMOP have been received to date.


(3)  Peru

a)  Rains in Peru have been the worst since 1986. The Government has
declared a three-month state of emergency in the departments of Puno,
Arequipa and Tacna. Also hit are the provinces of Piura, Cajamarca,
Tumbes, Lambayeque, La Libertad and Lima. The total number of people
affected is 170,000. The most seriously affected department is Puno, where
8,000 homes have been damaged or destroyed and 60,000 persons affected. In
addition, 48,000 hectares of crops have been damaged and 50,000 heads of
livestock lost.

b)  The National Institute of Civil Defence (INDECI) issued a report with
priority needs for the affected population. This includes 2,500 tons of
food and 2,000 kitchen kits. INDECI has sent this report to WFP,
requesting assistance. WFP has sent an assessment team to Puno to consider
a response to the disaster.


(4)  Dominican Republic

a)  The Government has declared the El Factor and Nagua districts in a
state of emergency after torrential rains flooded large areas. The number
of affected people is estimated to be up to 30,000. Agriculture,
particularly rice plantations, has been seriously affected. Government
officials have indicated that rice production will not be re-established
until next year. A joint Government-WFP assessment team visited the
hardest hit areas. In response to the Government request, WFP has provided
on loan 126 tons of food from its development stocks, for the 5,600 most
affected people (to assist them for two months). The Government has agreed
to return these commodities.



(H)  Emergency Response Roster

a)  Second Training of WFP's Emergency Response Roster staff was completed
in Galoffsta Sweden, from 21 March to 1 April. A total of 28 WFP staff
from all operational units, including programming, logistics, finance,
administration, TC/IT and human resources that have been selected for the
Emergency Response Roster were trained in a number of processes and
activities relating to emergency situations and operations.

b)  WFP staff attended classroom exercises on main elements of the
emergency operation including emergency assessments, programming,
logistics, administration, finance, humanitarian challenges, main actors
in emergencies, international humanitarian law and human rights, team
dynamics, conflict resolution; underwent practical training in personal
security, first aid, survival, driving on rough terrain, mine and fire
awareness, and completed a three day simulation of an emergency operation.

c)  This group of 28 WFP staff, which includes a Team Leader, will
represent the first line of response and potential deployment for WFP in
any new emergency situation, for a period of three months. The new team
replaces the Emergency Response Roster team that was trained and on
stand-by for emergency deployment since last November.

Note: All tonnage figures in this report refer to metric tons

(End WFP Emergency Report No 14)

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