WFP EMERGENCY REPORT
Issued weekly by the United Nations World Food Programme
Report No. 39 / 2001 - Date 28 September 2001


This report includes:
(A) West and Central Asia Region: (1) Afghanistan, (2) Pakistan, (3) Iran
(B) Central America Region: (1) Guatemala, (2) Honduras, (3) Nicaragua
(C) Central Africa Region: (1) Angola, (2) Namibia,
    (3) Democratic Republic of Congo
(D) East and Southern Africa Region: (1) Eritrea, (2) Tanzania

>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)  West and Central Asia Region: (1) Afghanistan, (2) Pakistan, (3) Iran

(1)  Regional overview

(a)  The Donor Alert for Afghanistan and Neighbouring Countries was
launched by the Secretary General on 27 September in New York. This
includes a request for WFP's new regional emergency operation (EMOP) and a
Special Operation (SO).

(b)  WFP EMOP aims to reach 7.5 million people (including 6 million
beneficiaries inside Afghanistan and 1.5 million refugees in the
surrounding countries) at a cost of USD 161 million for six months. The
expected number of people needing assistance is about 2,000,000 above the
figures in the last approved Afghanistan EMOP (10098.0). This EMOP is
based on various assumptions, anticipating increased hardship, insecurity
and widening military conflict. These assumptions include:

  - Volatility and insecurity will increase in Afghanistan in connection
  with an expected major reaction to the events of 11 September.

  - The situation of some 5.5 million extremely vulnerable Afghans will
  deteriorate due to the limited capacity of the International Community
  to assist.

  - The numbers of at risk populations and IDPs will increase if agencies
  are unable to get food to their points of origin.

  - Populations will endeavour to move within Afghanistan and into
  neighbouring countries.

  - Access of UN international staff to Afghanistan will be highly
  constrained.

  - Many national staff will leave their duty station if the situation
  deteriorates, restricting the UN's capacity to operate directly.
  However, national staff of UN and INGOs will remain operational in
  some locations.

It is important to stress the preliminary nature of the above figures. The
unpredictability of the current situation makes more precise planning
difficult to undertake.

(c)  In addition, WFP presented a SO in order to address critical
logistics issues required for the expanded relief effort in the region at
a cost of USD 28 million. WFP has identified special activities, which
will support a flexible regional response capability and enhance the
transport infrastructure, to permit the swift, safe, and efficient
delivery of food assistance to meet emergency and protracted relief
requirements for affected populations within the Afghan region.

(d)  WFP will take the lead in establishing and managing a United Nations
Joint Logistics Centre (UNJLC) facility, which will coordinate the
logistic activities of participating UN and NGO agencies.

(e)  WFP is airlifting high-energy biscuits from its rapid response depot
in Brindisi, Italy to emergency warehouses in Pakistan, Iran and
Turkmenistan in preparation for the expected influx of Afghan refugees.


(2)  Afghanistan

(a)  WFP in collaboration with various NGOs has distributed over 10,300
tons of food from 11 to 27 September under various programmes. This
includes the distribution of 4,855 tons of food in Herat region and 3,300
tons in Kabul. WFP has still over 10,500 tons of food inside Afghanistan.
A further 43,800 tons are also available in neighbouring countries.

(b)  WFP will resume its food aid deliveries into northern and western
Afghanistan in a few days. WFP will focus on reaching more than 300,000
people in northern Afghanistan who are predicted to run out of food stocks
some time next week. The Programme has identified NGOs still working in
the area and located available trucks. In Western Afghanistan, WFP works
with DACAAR, Okenden International and OXFAM. In Northern Afghanistan, WFP
works with International Rescue Committee, ACTED and Save the Children
(SCF).

(c)  The Programme will draw on food stored in warehouses in Turkmenistan.
Reinforcements will join WFP's Turkmenistan staff this weekend to
supervise the operation.

(d)  Results of a WFP survey carried out late August early September
indicates that Badghis, Faryab and Ghor West-North Provinces, as well as
parts of the north eastern province of Badakhshan are most in need of
urgent food supplies.

(e)  Food supply is normal in the local market of Herat, where prices are
slightly higher. WFP is still providing food to over 200,000 IDPs in Herat
camps, where the Programme is working with international and national
NGOs. Basic food commodities are still available on the market in Jalabad.
Prices of food items remain unchanged.

(f)  Many trucks are being used to transport families from Kabul to rural
areas, but limited numbers are now available to distribute food within the
capital. Despite these difficulties, WFP supplied wheat to the Women
Bakeries in Kabul and food distributions are still on going in rural
areas. WFP is currently distributing 50 kilos of wheat flour to each of
the 60,000 families dependent on the General bakeries - enough to feed
them until the end of October. About 200 tons of wheat were distributed on
27 September under WFP monitoring, out of a total of 2,500 tons expected
to be distributed in October. Food prices in the city have increased by 30
percent.

(g)  WFP intends to collaborate with SCF and ACTED to provide food
assistance in ten districts of Mazar region. WFP VAM Unit estimated the
needs for this drought stricken area at 6,000 tons per month. WFP is
deploying staff in Ashgabad (Turkmenistan) to facilitate assessment along
the border.


(3)  Pakistan

(a)  WFP distributed about 1,100 tons of food to Afghan refugees in
Peshawar region from 11 to 27 September. Food distribution at the Jalozai
refugee camp started this week to help 60,000 Afghan refugees who have
arrived over the past 12 months. Four cargo flights are expected to land
in Peshawar by the end of this week with a total of 100 tons of
high-energy biscuits from the rapid response depot in Brindisi, Italy.
2,500 tons of wheat are being milled for distribution in Peshawar. The
Torkham border near Peshawar remained closed for people leaving
Afghanistan. However, refugees are crossing illegally through the
mountains. Few trucks of food are still permitted to go through.

(b)  Chaman border near Quetta remained closed for people leaving
Afghanistan, except for those with valid documents. There is no movement
of Afghan refugees at the borders with Balochistan. However, UN agencies
continue to work on the establishment of camps and assisting refugees. Two
camps will be established in Dara and Roghani near Chaman. Arrangements
are being made for 2,500 refugees expected to cross over. This first
caseload will be settled in Dara Camp where they will immediately receive
WFP food assistance. WFP is also making contingency plans for other
campsites at Chagai and Qila Saifullah.

(c)  WFP is currently discussing possible partnerships for food
distributions with Mercy Corps International (MCI) and the Community of
Afghan Refugees (CAR). WFP started milling 1,500 tons of wheat for
distribution in Quetta.

(d)  The government of Pakistan has agreed to allow WFP to borrow up to
300,000 tons of wheat flour for urgent operations. The agreement has
proved extremely helpful in the past and hundreds of thousands of Afghan
refugees will continue to benefit.


(4)  Iran

(a)  As of 27 September, WFP has 3,000 tons of wheat stored in Bandar
Abass that can be milled quickly and be utilized for an eventual influx.
WFP is exploring the possibility of supplying Herat through Dogharun-Islam
Qala border. The border is open for the time being, but commercial
transactions are very slow.

(b)  The WFP Country Director and the Director General for UN Agencies of
the Ministry of Foreign Affairs met on 27 September in Teheran. WFP was
assured that the Government of Iran would offer any needed cooperation for
the emergency operation. WFP expects 4 additional international support
staff to join the team soon and that requested speedy issuance of multiple
entry visas for mobile staff in Turkmenabad is required. The Director
General promised to give this matter the highest priority.



(B)  Central America Region: (1) Guatemala, (2) Honduras, (3) Nicaragua

(1)  Guatemala

(a)  The number of affected families is most likely to rise beyond 15,900
once the Ministry of Agriculture completes assessments reports,
particularly for the central and western areas. According to UNICEF, 20
percent of the affected families are suffering from moderate malnutrition.
UNICEF is proposing a rapid assessment in 34 of the most affected
districts, in order to quickly identify and assist the severely
malnourished persons.

(b)  WFP has distributed 1,147 tons of food to drought-affected persons
since 31 August, through the PRRO 6089 and regular development projects.
WFP distributed food in the provinces of Jutiapa and Santa Rosa last week.
WFP is currently assisting populations in Baja Verapaz, Retalhuleu and
Escuintla provinces.

(c)  The Ministry of Agriculture is preparing a technical assistance plan
aimed at supporting subsistence farmers during periods of drought to
complement the proposal prepared by the Ministry of Planning to assist the
most vulnerable districts. This plan will cover 16 of the most
drought-affected provinces.


(2)  Honduras

(a)  As of 15 September, WFP distributed 1,376 tons of food to 83,116
drought-affected persons. WFP was scheduled to distribute an additional
395 tons of food to 23,861 persons on 17-21 September.

(b)  The Government's Contingency Committee (COPECO) and CARE distributed
620 tons of food to some 25,000 persons, as of 31 August. World Vision
(WVI) provided seeds for 2,878 hectares for the second planting season.
MSF provided seeds to 4,000 persons to plant 418 hectares of maize, beans
and sorghum. Finally, the Ministry of Agriculture is planning to provide
seeds for planting 26,000 hectares.


(3)  Nicaragua

(a)  WFP plans to carry out a monitoring mission in the drought-affected
areas during the second week of October, in order to assess the current
food security situation. The next WFP food distribution is planned for
8-15 October.

(b)  More than 20 percent of basic grain crops (equivalent to 72,639
hectares) were estimated to be lost because of the drought, according to
the latest update from the Ministry of Agriculture.



(C)  Central Africa Region: (1) Angola, (2) Namibia, (3) Democratic
Republic of Congo

(1)  Angola

(a)  The military situation in Bié province has remained tense during the
last two weeks. Access of humanitarian agencies to Camacupa (Bié province)
was temporarily suspended after one civilian truck was ambushed 30
kilometres from Kuito on 19 September. Due to limited road access, WFP
airlifted 1,821 tons of food from Catumbela to Kuito, Huambo, Luena,
Menongue, Luanda, Malange, Lubango, and Ganda during the last two weeks.

(b)  At least 15,000 people have fled to Boa Esperança, outside Caxito due
to military activity in Bengo province. As of 26 September, WFP has
distributed 132 tons of food to the IDPs.

(c)  A survey held by Catholic Relief Services (CRS) and the Ministry of
Social Action and Reinsertion (MINARS) in Cubal municipality (Benguela
province) showed an improved nutritional status among children under five
years of age. They have been receiving WFP rations.

(d)  WFP assisted over 1,000 children under five years of age in TFC and
SFCs in Benguela, Cubal, Bocoio and Balombo towns, last week. 3,037
children under five years of age received WFP assistance through Child
Community Programmes in Lobito, Benguela and Catumbela.

(e)  3,126 IDPs mostly from Trumba near Kunje municipality, were
registered in Kuito (Bié province) this week. A nutritional survey
recently performed by MSF-B in Camacupa indicated a decrease of the global
malnutrition rate from 16 percent in August to 12.5 percent. However,
severe malnutrition remained at similar levels at 1.7 percent.

(f)  An estimated 1,200 IDPs from Chipindo reportedly arrived in Matala
(Huila province) over the past three weeks. An assessment mission noted
that most of them were in poor condition, suffering from diarrhea or
malaria and had not received appropriate shelter.

(g)  WFP in partnership with Caritas, MSF-B, WVI, and MINSA distributed
166 tons of food in N'Dalatando (Kuanza Norte province) from 11 to 26
September. In support of the resettlement process, WFP in collaboration
with Caritas assisted in the construction of 100 houses through
food-for-work (FFW) in N'Dalatando municipality.

(h)  WFP distributed 125 tons of food to 6,159 IDPs in the Saurimo area
(Lunda Sul province). 313 new IDPs arrived in Saurimo during the week,
mostly coming from Muconda, Lubalo. They have been registered and provided
with a WFP emergency ration. WFP, MINARS, Technical Unit for the
Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UTCAH) and Lutheran World Federation
(LWF) conducted a joint verification exercise in Luhemba camp, near
Saurimo and registered 7,454 IDPs.

(i)  287 IDPs were registered and settled at Marimba village, some 175
kilometres from Malange (Malange province) before receiving a WFP
emergency ration. WFP in collaboration with Caritas distributed seeds and
tools to 6,325 IDPs who were allocated land in Negage. WFP participated in
the land distribution process and liaised with authorities to ensure that
IDPs would receive adequate parcels. 7,302 IDPs have been registered in
Maquela de Zombo (Uíge province) since early August. The influx of IDPs to
that northern Angolan town abated, and a high number of those who had
originally sought refuge in the town have recently returned to Beu and
Cuilo Futa.

(j)  Following the confirmation of new contributions, WFP has sufficient
stocks of cereal, pulses, salt and oil to cover the projected needs until
January. However, WFP expects to face serious shortfalls of sugar by the
end of December.


(2)  Namibia

(a)  WFP assisted 16,182 refugees in Osire camp during the month of
September through a general food distribution. 132 newly arrived refugees
have been recently registered in Osire.

(b)  WFP finalised the local purchase of 260 tons of maize in Namibia.
Plans are underway for regional procurement of approximately 1,040 tons of
maize, to meet the refugees'needs for November and beyond. Local purchase
of iodized salt from a Walvis Bay producer is underway.


(3)  Democratic Republic of Congo

(a)  On 28 September, WFP urgently appealed for USD 378,000 to restart an
emergency food airlift operation in early October for at least 25,000
people in Northern Katanga province who are still cut off by war. Cash
from WFP's emergency fund will be used to start the operation but more
donations are needed immediately, as the humanitarian situation remains
precarious.

(b)  WFP is particularly concerned about the people living in the towns of
Mulongo and Kiambi, which until now, have been totally unreachable by road
due to the volatile security situation. A fresh assessment mission by WFP
and its NGO partner Nuova Frontiera, revealed alarming mortality rates,
partly due to malnutrition. Malnourished People are also reported to be
hiding in the bush, from where they slowly emerge.

(c)  During WFP's first airlift from June to July this year, 400 tons of
food was delivered. This food led to a dramatic decrease in the number of
malnourished people reporting to northern Katanga's feeding centres. Since
June, admissions to the feeding centre at Nyunzu have fallen from 1,000 to
250 malnourished persons on September.

(d)  While the security situation remained relatively calm in Goma, the
situation was reported to be precarious in the Grand Nord (North Kivu
province) and Kahemba (Bandundu province). 3,000 soldiers have been
demobilised in Kamina (Katanga Province), according to the UN Mission for
DR Congo (MONUC).

(e)  WFP continues to assist 28,262 malnourished children and about 13,000
vulnerable people including child soldiers, HIV/AIDS affected persons and
flood victims in Kinshasa. WFP in collaboration with German Agro Action
completed the distribution of 1,076 tons of food to 150,000 IDPs as a
component of a seed protection package in the Grand Nord (North Kivu
province). WFP distributed 570 tons of food to 51,228 beneficiaries under
various nutritional programmes from 3 to 16 September. This includes the
assistance to 2,613 malnourished children and 6,290 family members in
Goma, Rutshuru, Kirotshe and Masisi areas. The families of the
malnourished children also received tools and seeds from FAO.

(f)  With the launch of the Demobilisation, Disarmament and Reintegration
(DDR) programme, WFP is targeting 1,500 child soldiers for food assistance
through training programmes in Kinshasa and Kamina. 1,307 orphans and
street children received WFP assistance while being trained in practical
works and literacy programmes from 14 to 20 September.

(g)  WFP and FAO plan to start a FFW project for seed multiplication in
Rutshuru and Masisi areas, targeting mostly women. The seeds harvested
will be distributed to returning families involved in agricultural works.
Villagers who have been frequently victims of attacks and looting in
Rwanguba were reported to be food insecure. While Caritas is considering
the possibility of setting up Therapeutic and Supplementary Feeding (TFC
and SFC) programmes in Rwanguba area, WFP supports road rehabilitation
projects to facilitate access to farms and subsequently improve the food
security situation.

(h)  WFP recently delivered 124 tons of food to Malemba Nkulu (Katanga
Province) to be distributed by ACF and Caritas. However, with the start of
the rainy season, WFP expects to face increased difficulties to transport
food to remote areas. WFP completed an emergency food distribution to 500
beneficiaries in Befale (Equateur province) covering their needs for 15
days. WFP is exploring the possibility of purchasing food locally in the
Equateur province to assist 20,000 Central African refugees in Zongo
(Equateur province).

(i)  UNHCR, WFP, BDOM, CRS and the local authorities conducted a joint
mission in Kimvula (Bas-Congo province) to assess the needs of Angolan
refugees located along the border and identified a group of 4,724 persons
requiring food assistance. However, the remoteness of their settlements
and the bad conditions of the roads would not allow for the transportation
of WFP food. The team selected three sites for a possible relocation
(Kimpidi, Kingemba-kinga and Kinsolulu). Local authorities encouraged the
refugees to resettle in these areas where they would receive seeds, tools
and food assistance.



(D)  East and Southern Africa Region: (1) Eritrea, (2) Tanzania

(1)  Eritrea

(a)  Eritrean Relief and Refugees Commission (ERREC) reported distribution
of 2,509 tons of food to 225,085 war and drought-affected persons in Debub
and Northern Red Sea Regions, from 3 to 23 September.

(b)  WFP conducted Post Distribution Monitoring in the Maishigli Area
(Gash Barka Region) and observed a lack of drinking water points and
school facilities. Poor road conditions as well as lack of storage
facilities also create logistical difficulties for food distributions.
Informal interviews in the Afabet, Kamchewa and Felket regions indicated
that WFP beneficiaries had received their rations.

(c)  UNHCR plans to start the second phase of the repatriation of Eritrean
refugees from Sudan. WFP, UNHCR, UNDP and UNICEF recommended that a
2-month food ration be given to the returnees upon arrival in Tessenei
(Eritrea). SCF will undertake another nutrition survey in the region in
October and International Medical Corps continues to provide mobile
clinical services to the returnees.

(d)  WFP in collaboration with the Government and partner NGOs conducted
an assessment in the Northern Red Sea, Debub and Gash Barka regions in
preparation of the Consolidated Appeal Process. Early indications suggest
a favourable harvest. However, the teams observed that agricultural
activities have been constrained by different factors varying according to
the areas (heavy floods, lack of labour, lack of seeds and tools or threat
of landmines). As the rainy season is about to end, the diminished rains
may have an effect on some long-cycle crops, especially those that were
planted relatively late into the growing season. Pastoralists are
reportedly moving within Gash Barka Region towards areas with better
pastures. This will undoubtedly put additional pressure on existing water
sources and pastureland.

(e)  The general security situation in and around the Temporary Security
Zone (TSZ) remains calm. Sporadic mine incidents continue to occur while
mine-clearing activities are underway, particularly in the Gash Barka and
Debub Regions. Isolated security incidents were reported in the Assab-Bure
corridor of the Southern Red Sea region, during the last two weeks.


(2)  Tanzania

(a)  A verification exercise was completed in all refugee camps in the
Kigoma and Ngara regions on 23 September. WFP participated actively in the
supervision and monitoring of the exercise. Preliminary results, released
by UNHCR indicate a reduction of the caseload.

(b)  WFP distributed over 5,600 tons of food to about 523,000 refugees in
Kigoma, Kibondo, Kasulu and Ngara districts, from 10 to 23 September. WFP
supplied around 90 percent of the food ration, except for 5,550 extremely
vulnerable individuals, who received a full ration.

(c)  In addition, WFP supported various TFCs and SFCs, providing over 60
tons of food to 16,637 malnourished persons. During the same period, 142
refugees were assisted in returning to their communities in Rwanda,
bringing to 2,580 the total number of Rwandese assisted in returning home
since 1 January. A total of 555 new refugees arrived in Tanzania from
Burundi, DR Congo and Rwanda from 10 to 23 September.


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

(End WFP Emergency Report No 39)


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