WFP Emergency Report - 20: 18-May-01

WFP EMERGENCY REPORT Issued weekly by the United Nations World Food Programme Report No. 20 / 2001 - Date 18 May 2001

This report includes: (A) Resource situation for EMOPS and PRROs (B) Caucasus: (1) Northern Caucasus, (2) Georgia (C) West and Central Asia: (1) Afghanistan, (2) Pakistan, (3) Tajikistan (D) Balkans: (1) Kosovo, (2) Serbia, (3) Montenegro, (4) FYRoM, (5) Albania (E) Southern Africa: (1) Angola, (2) Namibia (F) Horn of Africa: (1) Ethiopia, (2) Eritrea, (3) Kenya) (G) Great Lakes (1) Tanzania, (2) Burundi (H) West Africa Coastal: (1) Guinea, (2) Liberia (I) Latin America and Caribbean: (1) El Salvador, (2) Bolivia, (3) Peru (A) Resource situation for EMOPS and PRROs (a) During the first half of 2001, donors have continued to respond favourably to substantial needs of emergency (EMOP) and protracted relief and recovery operations (PRRO) of WFP. So far this year, USD 550 million have been contributed. Together with contributions called forward in late 2000 and allocations from savings from 2000 contributions, these funds have been used to purchase, transport and distribute some 1.4 million tons of food for the PRROs and EMOPs. Nevertheless, a number of important operations are currently facing serious shortfalls. Total relief shortfalls as of 13 May 2001 amounted to 2 million tons of food, worth USD 1.1 billion. (B) Caucasus: (1) Northern Caucasus, (2) Georgia (1) Northern Caucasus (Ingushetia and Chechnya) (a) Under the ongoing EMOP, WFP had planned to give monthly food rations to 175,000 people in Chechnya and 160,000 Chechens displaced in Ingushetia. However, since the operation began WFP has assisted less than half of the people intended, due to a 78 percent shortfall in donations. In March, WFP was able to feed only 33,000 people - mostly displaced who fled to Ingushetia ? compared to 215,000 in February. On 14 May, WFP warned in a press statement that without new donations it might be forced to suspend food distribution after June. (b) About 75,000 people in Grozny are relying on WFP as the only source of food aid. Preliminary results from a household survey conducted in Grozny in early May indicate that 40 percent of families live in conditions of extreme poverty, in destroyed buildings and with little or no income. (c) Due to rumours of further violence, lack of food and inability of the administration to rehabilitate damaged buildings, the displaced are reluctant to return to their places of origin. The situation is unlikely to improve, as more people are leaving Chechnya than returning. Over the winter, more than 6,000 Chechens came to Ingushetia. (2) Georgia (a) WFP completed the first round of distribution in Kakheti, Imereti, Mtskheta-Mtianeti and Kvemo Kartli. A total of 416,519 beneficiaries received 5,943 tons of food from February to April. Late arrival of a part of the commodities resulted in some delays in the distribution cycle. WFP has started the second round of distribution in May in Imereti and Kakheti. 24,734 beneficiaries have already received half of a two-month food ration. A media campaign is currently on-going to sensitise the population on the objectives of the operation and the targeting criteria. (b) On 1 May, WFP met with donors and briefed them on the current pipeline situation and progress with the EMOP implementation. As of the beginning of May, 43 percent of the original WFP requirements have been covered by pledges. If the commodities arrive in time, WFP will be able to distribute a full ration for the third round of distribution in the three main affected regions. (C) West and Central Asia: (1) Afghanistan, (2) Pakistan, (3) Tajikistan (1) Afghanistan (a) Due to the deteriorating security situation, field trips in northern Afghanistan are being approved on a case-by-case basis. Only important assignments, such as the FAO/WFP Crop and Food supply Assessment mission are being cleared. All field trips outside Mazar City are suspended since 11 May. (b) A rapid assessment of 7,500 families in newly formed IDP camps scattered in and around Mazar City was conducted by WFP, UNOCHA, UNICEF, ICRC, MSF/B, FOCUS and representatives of the local authorities. It was agreed to set up one or two central camps to relocate the IDPs. (c) The number of IDPs is increasing every day. The majority of displaced families come from Balkh, Faryab, Saripul and Juzjan areas affected by combined drought and conflict. In Mazar, WFP plans to start immediate distribution of emergency food aid to 5,000 displaced families and assist an additional number shortly after. (d) WFP is currently reviewing 36 various FOODAC, FFD and FFW projects proposals with total food requirements of 30,924 tons (predominantly wheat). (e) Field part of the FAO/WFP Crop and Food Supply Assessment Mission to Afghanistan has been concluded and preliminary results are expected on 26 May. (2) Pakistan (a) On 11 May, WFP, UNHCR, UNDP and NGOs met with the Government to try to find ways and means to assist the Afghani refugees at Jalozai camp. Despite the visits of the UN Secretary General and the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, no satisfying arrangements have been agreed upon to allow the UN agencies to access Jalozai camp. (b) Given the unfeasibility of a headcount in Jalozai camp, UNHCR plans to undertake a verification of the households previously listed by CARE and MSF. UNHCR expects to complete the verification on 19 May. WFP in collaboration with Shelter Now International is planning to do a one-off food distribution to the refugees that are verified. (3) Tajikistan (a) From January to April, WFP, in cooperation with implementing partners, distributed 21,000 tons of food, mostly under the EMOP. Over 775,000 drought-affected beneficiaries received a two-month food ration. Additionally, WFP is planning to support cleaning of 5,500 km of canals through a FFW project targeting 23,000 beneficiaries. Some 102,000 school children in Sugd, GBAO (Gorno Badkhshan Autonomous Province) and Gharm district are being assisted with food under the School Feeding Programme. Assessment of the first vulnerable group feeding distribution cycle is being finalised. (b) WFP, in collaboration with Implementing Partners started the second pre-harvest food distribution in Khatlon, RRS and GBAO mainly through Food for Asset Rehabilitation projects. In Karategin valley and Sughd province, WFP started 3 pilot silk production (FFAR) projects. From May to July, WFP plans to distribute some 22,000 tons of food. Food aid has also been provided to people of Furgat village in Khojamaston, who were affected by a landslide on 8 May. (c) WFP is continuing its pre-crop assessment and plans to finalise data collection in the Regions of Republican Subordination (RRS). Preliminary findings suggest that cereal production might be around 14 percent below the levels of last year. The final results are expected by 21 May. (d) Following a confirmation of a new contribution for the EMOP, WFP is currently facing a shortfall of 58 percent (corresponding to 74,464 tons). (D) Balkans: (1) Kosovo, (2) Serbia, (3) Montenegro, (4) FYRoM, (5) Albania (1) Kosovo (a) In accordance with the transition programme, WFP Implementing Partners, AAH and CRS have handed-over their activities related to the safety net programme to CAD and MCI, under WFP coordination. Similar meeting were held with the Department of Health and Social Welfare (DHSW), Centres for Social Work (CSWs) and UNMIK municipal authorities for the Social Assistance Scheme. (b) Bulk food commodities were distributed to some 13,000 refugees from Macedonia in all municipalities in the Gjilan area, except Ferizaj. (c) With the imminent entry of the Yugoslav Army into sector B of the Ground Safety Zone between Presevo and Kosovo, WFP, UNHCR and ICRC have cooperated in the preparation of contingency plans for potential displacement of people from the Presevo Valley area into Kosovo. (2) Serbia (a) The WFP/UNHCR/ICRC Joint Food Needs Assessment Mission to Yugoslavia started on 3 May 2001. In the first ten days, the Mission held talks with representatives from various Republic and Federal Ministries, visited Belgrade and Nis and a whole range of centres, institutions and WFP beneficiaries. (b) The planned beneficiary caseload for May is 621,400 people. Yugoslav Red Cross delivers food aid to 220,500 refugees and to 27,500 social cases. CARE, HELP, JEN, ACF, CRS and IISA delivered WFP food to 393,300 social cases. As of May, JEN has taken over social cases in private accommodation in Belgrade, CARE in Novi Sad, Kraljevo and Uzice and AAH in Nis. CRS delivers food aid to such beneficiaries in Kragujevac. CARE covers socially vulnerable pensioners in Sabac and Novi Sad and HELP covers all other beneficiaries falling into this category. The May distribution has started. (c) Ice storms in and around Kraljevo heavily affected crops in the first week of May. A better understanding of crop production is expected from the FAO/WFP Crop and Food Supply Assessment Mission being planned. (3) Montenegro (a) WFP in collaboration with Montenegro Red Cross, assisted approximately 18,000 people in April. The total number of eligible beneficiaries is 47,000. The introduction of a new internal tracking system to measure the level of defaulted eligible beneficiaries per month will assist in highlighting possible pockets of poverty and improve overall monitoring. (b) WFP is starting to support abused women through the local NGO Women Safety House. WFP will provide food assistance for a period of six months to women victims of abuse or trafficking. (4) FYRoM (a) WFP continues to ensure that food-insecure refugees in FYRoM have access to basic food commodities for consumption. This caseload currently comprises some 7,000 refugees. (b) As of 13 May, the Macedonian Red Cross reported the registration of 5,000 internally displaced persons as a result of the low-intensity conflict in the country since February. All displaced persons are accommodated with host families. (5) Albania (a) During the period 4-7 May, WFP agreed on a partnership with Islamic Relief, Mercy International-USA and Norwegian People's Aid for the distribution of WFP food in the northern Prefectures of Shkoder, Lezhe and Diber - where 32,700 unassisted-unemployed beneficiaries are targeted. (b) On 14 May, WFP signed an agreement with Islamic Relief for the northern Prefecture of Kukes, where 8,100 beneficiaries, categorised as unassisted-unemployed will be targeted for assistance. (E) Southern Africa: (1) Angola, (2) Namibia (1) Angola (a) During this week, the security situation remained unstable in most provinces. Arrival of new IDPs was reported in the provinces of Bie, Malange and Moxico. Night-time crime in Luanda has been on a rise. Attacks in the province of Bengo continue, in particular in the areas of Icau and Murima where WFP, FAO and FIDA have been implementing a joint Food Security Project. 3,389 IDPs coming mainly from Kambandua, Katabola, Kunhinga, Nharea and Andulo were registered in Bie province between 7-11 May. Numerous attacks took place in Uige. (b) Fuel shortages in Catumbela are affecting the number of weekly airlifts. Last week, less than 25 percent of the planned cargo were airlifted from Catumbela and Benguela airports. WFP, UNESCO, FAO, and the Ministry of Education visited Benguela and Baia Farta this week with a view of implementing a pilot project for school feeding. (c) The number of malnourished children in MSF-B TFCs in Kuito is now reaching 600. Numbers in both SFCs and TFCs are increasing every week due to the arrival of displaced families from Camacupa. In Bie Province, 546 tons of WFP food were delivered to 43,726 beneficiaries (mainly new IDPs) this week in Kuito. (d) In Kwanza Norde province, 139 tons of food were delivered through MINSA and World Vision International to 9,436 beneficiaries (mainly IDPs) in the municipalities of Cazengo, Lucala and Golungo-Alto. (e) In Luanda province, WFP, together with implementing partners, distributed 21 tons of emergency 15-day rations to 3,000 IDPs from Caxito. These IDPs were re-settled at Bairro Caop Velho, Funda in the municipality of Cacuaco, where 4 hectares of land were made available. 7,000 residents of Boa Vista area were reported to be suffering from flood damages and MINARS was requested to draw up an emergency action plan to assist them. In accordance with a joint nutritional programme with MINSA, WFP assisted, this week 1,025 under five children currently admitted in the hospital. (f) The re-settlement of 25,000 IDPs is moving forward in Malange. 15,000 IDPs have been already re-settled in Lau after it was de-mined. Re-settlement at the Quissol and Cambondo areas is scheduled to begin soon. This week, WFP distributed to various implementing partners, 198 tons of food which is expected to benefit 83,980 people in Malange. (g) The nutritional situation in Moxico province is under control, according to MSF-B, but the general population is highly vulnerable and requires regular monitoring. MSF-B carried out a nutritional survey among 3,882 IDPs and residents, between 7 and 11 May and concluded that there is global malnutrition of 4 percent and a severe malnutrition of 0.4 percent. (h) The FAO/WFP Crop and Food Supply Assessment Mission began on 7 May with visits to Huambo, Huila and Malange this week. The Mission intends to proceed to Lunda Sul, Moxico, Bie, Benguela, and Cunene provinces and is expected to make a presentation of its preliminary findings to the Government, donors and the humanitarian community on 25 May. (i) Despite a new contribution of USD 3.24 million which will be used for the PRRO, the Passenger Air Service and the purchase of non-food Items, the PRRO for Angola continues to be significantly under-funded. (2) Namibia (a) Following the confirmation of a new contribution of USD 1 million for the Namibia EMOP, the food pipeline has been secured for the rest of 2001. Procurement of CSB, Sugar and Oil will proceed shortly, as these commodities are already lacking. Food rations can now return to the normal level. The next distribution is scheduled for 4-5 June. Supplementary Feeding Programmes will also be able to continue. Due to the previous funding problems, a 71 percent ration had been distributed for the month of May. (F) Horn of Africa: (1) Ethiopia, (2) Eritrea, (3) Kenya (1) Ethiopia (a) General conditions have improved in the Somali Region, apart from the pockets of serious needs among the drought displaced and people in areas that have not received sufficient rain (Denan in Gode zone, Danot and parts of Warder woreda in Warder zone and southern parts of Afder and Liben zones). Good gu rain has been reported in most of the region, though it is has been erratic and not evenly spread. Not much rain was received in Gode woreda, but the river has flooded at the usual locations that depend on flood recession agriculture. Rain has recently been so heavy in Fik and Degehbour zones that road access has been affected. Improved pasture and water supply, and an imminent increase in milk supply are all promising signs for the region in general. (b) However, food aid reductions and problems with targeting, combined with seasonal disease patterns and general lack of access to health services, have led to deterioration of the situation among the drought displaced population in various locations in Somali Region (Fafen, Hartisheik and Kebrebeyah in Jijiga zone, Denan in Gode zone, Gunegedo in Degehbour zone, Danot and nearby locations in Warder zone, several locations in Fik zone and in north-eastern Afder zone). Surveys in several of these locations show high levels of malnutrition among children under five. The federal Disaster Prevention and Preparedness Commission (DPPC) took action following pressure from the regional DPP Bureau, WFP and MSF-B, and have allocated more food to drought displaced and resident population in Denan, Gode zone. Additional grain and some supplementary food have also been allocated by DPPC for the drought displaced in Hartisheik, Kebrebeyah and Fafen in Jijiga zone. A local NGO has reopened its feeding centre in Fafen, and is opening a therapeutic feeding centre in Hartisheik. A feeding centre has also been opened in Danot in Warder zone. (c) Belg rains have been good in many parts of the country. They continued into mid-May in parts of the highlands, and have caused flooding in some locations. The belg producing areas in the north-eastern highlands include South Tigray, North and South Wello and north Shewa. Extended belg rains, while good for the belg harvest, may delay planting of meher crops in some areas. Pre-positioning of food may also be affected. (d) Rains still continue in the western parts of the country. These are expected to be beneficial for planting long cycle crops and the flowering of perennial crops mainly coffee. The southern parts of the country including Borena zone, which are mainly dependent on the Belg rains, have received good rains. The lowland areas of Bale have still not received sufficient rain. Since these are among the areas that suffered from consecutive drought and subsequent shortage of water and pasture, they will remain areas of concern if the poor rainfall situation persists. (e) In a recent DPPC meeting with NGOs, concern was expressed about the lack of confirmed pledges to cover distributions after June. For various reasons, distributions during first part of year were not as regular as expected. (2) Eritrea (a) ERREC reported distribution 1,480 tons of food to 86,059 beneficiaries. In addition, WFP provided ICRC with 684 tons of wheat to be immediately distributed to 45,000 beneficiaries in the TSZ. This caseload will be incorporated in the general feeding by ERREC in June. (b) There was no food distribution in the Northern Red Sea and Anseba Regions due to lack of food commodities. Deliveries for May were also delayed in Anseba and Northern Red Sea Region. It is expected that there will be a full distribution in the next two weeks, to all beneficiaries. (c) Repatriation of IDPs has started. To date, about 16,000 IDPs have successfully been resettled from camps in NRS, Gash Barka and Debub Regions. All of them have received 30 days food ration from WFP prior to departure. (d) Return of Eritrean refugees from Sudan started, with the first group of 934 refugees returning on 12 May. WFP has provided the returnees with a two-month food ration on departure in Sudan, while ERREC provided each returnee with 200 gr. of WFP biscuits upon arrival in Tessenei. (e) WFP conducted Post Distribution Monitoring (PDM) in Habero sub-zones of the Anseba region where 27,830 beneficiaries are assisted. The major findings indicated that WFP supplied food aid reached the intended beneficiaries for whom food aid is the principal source of livelihood. In addition, WFP food played a salient role in preserving livestock assets and reduced the movement of population. WFP beneficiaries were able to prepare the land on time. (f) The Ministry of Education plans to start rehabilitation of schools in the TSZ, beginning September. WFP is considering to initiate school-feeding programme and possible FFW activities in collaboration with the Ministry and UNICEF. (g) Normal wet season is currently a month late in the highlands. WFP monitors reported sighting dead animals. Nonetheless, farmers have started to prepare the fields and pastoralists have moved their livestock from the lowlands to the highlands, in search of better pasture. In the war affected regions, there has been increased farming activities during the past two weeks, mainly preparation of fields. (h) The general security situation in the TSZ and surrounding areas remains calm. Mine incidents have become commonplace in areas surrounding Shilalo and Senafe. This is of grave concern, in view of the relocation of IDPs back to their areas of origin within the TSZ and risks for WFP staff travelling through these areas to provide assistance to the newly resettled population. (3) Kenya (a) The western half of Kenya received normal to above-normal rainfall, while the eastern side received below-average rain during April, according to data provided by the Kenya Meteorological Department. Vegetation conditions have improved significantly in most areas of the country. (b) Key livestock production indicators are improving in several areas of the western pastoral districts,, although the Arid Lands Resource Management Project (ALRMP) reported that grazing is still poor. Pastoralists are returning back to their normal wet-season grazing areas in western Turkana, Marsabit and Samburu Districts. (c) However, the food security prospects of pastoralists in the eastern pastoral districts are uncertain. Livestock banditry has constrained the recovery of pastoralists. In Turkana Districts, farmers have moved from the relatively more resource endowed southern parts into the central drier areas, due to the raids from southern neighbouring districts. (d) Over 3.5 million people in Kenya are being targeted under the EMOP, under the general distribution and the Expanded School Feeding Programme (ESFP). Around 72,000 people are expected to benefit from WFP food through FFW schemes, which will operate in the six districts where general distributions have been phased out (Kitui, Mwingi, Makueni, Tharaka, Mbeere and Machakos Districts). There is currently a challenge to resource non-food inputs for implementation of the FFW activities. (e) Of the estimated 547,952 tons of food required for the EMOP for the period June 2000 to July 2001, around 78 percent have been received from donors. Delays in the arrival of shipments have caused problems since January. A pipeline break combined with internal transport problems influenced the combination of the April and May distributions into one. An incoming shipment in June and the contribution from the Kenyan government will cover cereal requirements for June and July. (f) The current phase of the EMOP closes at the end of June, but there are sill areas where food assistance is required, particularly the northern pastoral districts. WFP is currently drafting a proposal for a new phase of the EMOP, which will reflect the needs for continued general distribution (in certain districts), emergency school feeding and FFW activities during the period July to December. (g) Recent UNICEF/NGO Nutrition Surveys showed that the overall nutritional situation across drought-affected districts has generally improved, mostly due to the emergency interventions during the last ten months. However, current gains could easily be lost in the absence of continued supplementary feeding for the children. The Health and Nutrition co-ordination group is currently revising beneficiary figures, reviewing early warning information and discussing phase-out strategies. (h) Tribal tensions in Marsabit caused restrictions of movement for UN personnel. The Isiolo to Marsabit road was reported as increasingly unsafe. Bandits attacked a Government vehicle in Garissa District on 9 May and killed one person. (G) Great Lakes (1) Tanzania, (2) Burundi (1) Tanzania (a) The security situation was calm in all camps. However, increased crime rates were reported in Greater Lukole and Kitali Hills camps after the holding of camp elections in March. (b) During the last week of April and first week of May, WFP distributed under various programmes a total of 3,526 tons of food in Kigoma, Kasulu, Kibondo and Ngara districts: 523,734 refugees (provisional UNHCR figures) received 80 percent of a two-week ration under the general food distribution. A full ration was distributed to 5,481 vulnerable individuals in the four districts. In addition, WFP continued to assist 18,291 malnourished cases through various TFCs and SFCs, distributing a total of 66 tons of food. (c) UNHCR and the Government agreed to extend Nduta camp in Kibondo in order to accommodate approximately 3,120 refugees who arrived recently. 959 new refugees from DR Congo, Burundi and Rwanda were identified during the last week of April and the first week of May. (d) The repatriation programme is on-going, with 124 returning Rwandese refugees assisted. Since the beginning of the year, a total of 1,268 Rwandese were repatriated under the programme. (e) On 28 April a nutritional screening (based on MUAC) was conducted in Lugufu camps among 7,638 children. The malnutrition rate in Lugufu I, was 3.2 percent, which represents a significant decrease compared to last December (9.2 percent). The malnutrition rate for Lugufu II, where new arrivals are hosted, is 5.3 percent. (2) Burundi (a) Although security situation improved around Bujumbura, attacks and armed robbery are still reported in many areas, including Cankuzo, Makamba and Kayanza provinces. Confrontation between the army and the rebels reduced in intensity in Bujumbura Rural. The people from Nyabunyegeri are still displaced at Mubone site, Buterere zone, Bujumbura Mairie. Incursions continued in the eastern provinces (Ruyigi and Cankuzo) bordering with Tanzania. The security situation near the Kibira forest in the North West recently deteriorated. An attack on Matongo in Kayanza province caused the death of several persons and destruction of the majority of houses. On 11 May, six Memisa-Coped staff members were kidnapped in Kibago commune, Makamba province and moved to Tanzania, before being released on 16 May. On 11 May, armed bandits attacked the MSF-F residence in Ngozi province and looted the radio communication equipment. (b) During the last week of April and the first week of May, WFP's food economy teams assessed six communes in Muramvya and Mwaro provinces where army and rebel forces clashed in early April. In Nyabihanga and Kayokwe communes, Mwaro province, the belongings of the civilian population were looted and the social infrastructures destroyed. Harvests of beans and Irish potatoes are expected for the end of May and June but meanwhile, some people live on immature sweet potatoes and cassava/beans leaves. (c) A total of 3,539 tons of WFP food were distributed to 373,965 people. Following displacements of populations in Butaganzwa commune, Ruyigi province, in early April, caused by insecurity, WFP supplied 9 tons of food to 436 IDP households in Ruyigi town centre. 12,373 school children were assisted under the school feeding programme in the most drought-affected communes, in Kirundo province. In Ngozi province, a return package and food were given to 1,086 Burundian refugees returning from Tanzania. In Bujumbura Mairie, WFP supplied 2,306 refugees from DR Congo with 39 tons of food, in collaboration with GTZ. WFP also dispatched 173 tons of food to 45 projects benefiting 13,801 vulnerable people. 818 tons of food were delivered to nutritional NGOs running TFCs and SFCs in 15 provinces. The nutritional situation was reported to be either stabilising or improving in some provinces, as a result of food assistance, good harvest and effective response to malaria epidemic. (d) WFP met with FAO to discuss the principles of Seeds Protection ration and the collaboration during the joint FAO/WFP Crop and Food Supply Assessment mission planned to start on 21 May. The scope of the Seeds Protection programme will be determined by the results of that mission and the targeting that WFP will carry out in the most vulnerable provinces. (H) West Africa Coastal: (1) Guinea, (2) Liberia (1) Guinea (a) Although, the general security situation has stabilised in the country, reports of fighting neighbouring Liberia are source of concerns. (b) As of 15 May, WFP has assisted 183,749 IDPs in collaboration with ICRC and Premiere Urgence under its EMOP operation. During this week, WFP assisted 3,374 IDPs with 45 tons of food. Premiere Urgence had to delay the distribution in two camps in the Languette due to security incidents. WFP has started the targeting of IDPs in Faranah, where 18,000 persons were assisted during the first phase of the operation. (c) WFP, UNHCR and Donors undertook a joint assessment mission to evaluate the current humanitarian situation and estimate the needs for 2002. The mission visited the camp of Kountaya in Kissidougou. The relocation of refugees from Forecariah restarted on 14 May, with 330 refugees moved to the Sembakounya camp near Dabola. Upon arrival, refugees are provided with wet feeding for two days and then with a 30-day dry ration. The number of refugees in Sembakounya camp is now close to 5,000. Some 250 refugees who arrived from various areas to Mambia transit centre were repatriated to Sierra Leone on 15 May. (d) During this week, WFP distributed under the PRRO 550 tons of food to 33,218 refugees in the Kissidougou area. 852 refugees were transferred from the Languette to Katkama. The total number of people relocated since the beginning of May amounts to 5,283. Upon arrival, all refugees receive WFP food assistance. The camp of Massakoundou will be closed following the last transport on 15 May. (e) With a current stock of the 12,301 tons of food in country, the food pipeline is expected to be adequate until November 2001. (2) Liberia (a) Heavy fighting between Government and dissident forces in Lofa County was reported on 10 May. In connection, the Government restricted movement of diplomats, UN agencies and NGOs staff outside Monrovia. Through the UNDP Resident Coordinator, WFP has informed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs that these restrictions are affecting food delivery to tens of thousands of people and expressed hopes that the travel ban will be lifted. (b) Due to the travel restrictions, WFP began to use commercial trucks to deliver food assistance up-country. However, this is not seen as a durable solution as the local commercial fleets remain insufficient and are often unreliable. (c) More than 6,000 IDPs who have been hosted in the town of Beyan, in Lofa County, are being verified and relocated to Gbalatuah, Bellefanai and Wainsue in Bong County. The exercise which started this week, is jointly undertaken by the LRRRC and humanitarian agencies. It is expected to last for a week. Exact figures will be provided upon verification . (d) WFP, in collaboration with LRRRC and LNRCS, is carrying a verification exercises in Bong County. 2,524 IDPs were verified at Gbalatuah and CARI and 3,643 additional IDPs arrived in Bong County. Once verified and relocated, the IDPs are provided with food by WFP. (I) Latin America and Caribbean: (1) El Salvador, (2) Bolivia, (3) Peru (1) El Salvador (a) Since the 13 January earthquake, WFP has distributed 3,500 tons of food through over 35 NGOs. A recently received contribution will allow WFP to increase the monthly distribution in favour of earthquake victims from 1,750 tons to 2,150 tons. However, only USD 4.4 million out of the USD 9.9 million required for this EMOP has been received so far. (b) WFP continues to distribute non-food items in collaboration with OCHA. 600 families have benefited so far from distributions of kitchen and hygiene kits, agricultural tools. Portable water tanks have been installed with counterpart NGO's. (2) Bolivia (a) As of 14 May, WFP has distributed 1,236 tons of food to approximately 127,055 beneficiaries, mainly those affected by the floods. Due to shortfalls for some commodities, distributions were reduced in some regions. Approximately 610 tons of food are scheduled to be distributed in the coming weeks to cover the most urgent needs of the victims. (b) 357,250 people have been affected by the floods, drought and other natural disasters, according to the Civil Defence Service (SENADECI). This figure includes the 140 victims of a recent earthquake that occurred in April in the region between Departments of Oruro and Potosí. (c) Most of the victims have been assisted by WFP, SENADECI, USAID and NGOs, and the majority will continue to rely on food aid during the next months. Small farmers for whom crops are their main source of income are likely to be food insecure until the next harvest in March 2002. (d) So far, there has not yet been any response to SENADECI's second resource appeal aimed at rehabilitation plans for 170,000 victims affected by the disasters. A USD 300,000 multilateral contribution was confirmed for the EMOP. (3) Peru (a) Peru continues to be affected by the worst rains since 1986. WFP and the Government finalised a plan aimed at providing food assistance for rehabilitation works in Puno department. Under this plan, WFP intends to target 27,320 beneficiaries through FFW activities. Puno was the department hardest hit by the emergency with 60,000 people affected, 1,000 homes totally destroyed, and 45,000 livestock and 48,000 hectares of crops ruined. Damages are estimated at approximately USD 30 million. (b) WFP assistance will consist of USD 355,430 in cash for local purchases of food and 476 tons of in-country food stocks for an estimated value of USD 208,440. This will be provided from the ongoing WFP development project in the country. In total, 939 tons of food are programmed to cover 469,500 workdays. Note: All tonnage figures in this report refer to metric tons (End WFP Emergency Report No 20) distributed by - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Center for International Disaster Information Volunteers in Technical Assistance web: www.cidi.org listserv: www.cidi.org/listsub.htm - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - World Food Program Reports www.cidi.org/humanitarian/wfp