WFP EMERGENCY REPORT
Issued weekly by the United Nations World Food Programme
Report No. 1 / 2002 - Date 4 January 2002


This report includes:
(A) West and Central Asia Region: (1) Regional overview, (2) Afghanistan,
    (3) Pakistan, (4) Iran, (5) Tajikistan
(B) West Africa Region: (1) Liberia, (2) Sierra Leone, (3) Niger
(C) Central Africa Region: (1) Democratic Republic of Congo
(D) East and Southern Africa Region: (1) Eritrea


>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) Regional overview, (2) Afghanistan,
(3) Pakistan, (4) Iran, (5) Tajikistan

1)  Regional overview

(a)  Between 27 December and 2 January WFP dispatches into Afghanistan
continued to pick up significantly and totalled 35,550 tons, an average of
4,650 tons per day. This brought the total WFP deliveries into Afghanistan
in December to an un-precedent level of 118,300 tons.  Following these
record deliveries, which will meet pre-positioning requirements, WFP is
likely to scale back deliveries.

(b)  The airlift operation from Tajikistan to Faizabad has been suspended
due to technical problems. The Norwegian Support Team (DCDEP) arrived on
28 December in Ishkashim at the Tajik-Afghan border to set up a base camp.
Severe winter conditions (-15 centigrade) have been reported in this
extremely remote area surrounded by the Pamir and Hindu Kush mountains.
The village of Ishkashim and surroundings are under snow and have been
without electric power since 18 December.

(c)  In preparation for taking over the management of the common passenger
air services for Afghanistan and region from UNOCHA as of 1 January 2002,
WFP has put in place a management team and assets. In addition to securing
the extension of the current operator under contract by UNOCHA for 2 small
propeller aircraft, WFP has placed a Yak-40 and a FOKER-28 in Islamabad.
It is likely that another Beechcraft will be added to the fleet. The high
capacity aircraft will be based in Islamabad and Turkmenabad while as soon
as possible the small aircraft will be based in Kabul for feeder services.

(d)  In Iran, bagging and dispatch operations continued in
Bandar-Iman-Khomeini, Bandar-E-Abbas, Chabahar and Mashad.  On 27
December, WFP completed the discharge and dispatch of 45,000 tons of
wheat. WFP intends to receive further vessels at Bandar-E-Abbas.


2)  Afghanistan

(a)  A total of 21 international WFP staff is now operating in Afghanistan
(Faizabad, Kabul, Hirat, and Mazar) as well as an additional 28 secondees
from stand-by partners (Swiss Federation for Mine Action, Swedish Rescue
Services Agency, Swiss Humanitarian Aid and a Canadian snow clearance
team). WFP deployed two additional Field Security Advisers in Afghanistan
to enable the UN Security cell to raise the staff ceiling in Kabul.

(b)  The Kabul general citywide distribution is now completed with the
exception of one district for which the re-registration of eligible
beneficiaries is being completed.  A peaceful demonstration by the Hazara
people took place in Kabul on 27 December.  They were protesting against
what they perceived to be under-representation in the new interim
Government.

(c)  In Hirat, WFP and World Vision finalised the registration process for
a citywide distribution on 2 January 2002.  Through this general food
distribution, WFP will target settled and returnee populations but not
IDPs who are already assisted under other WFP projects.

(d)  ISRA, an international NGO, has confirmed the receipt of 160 tons of
wheat in Jalalabad. This quantity of food was delivered under the FAO/ISRA
Food for Seed project and will be distributed at the Assadabad project
area in Kunar province. The distribution has temporarily been held up due
to insecurity in the province. Another 85 tons of food has been received
and confirmed by WFP implementing partner MSSAA and the emergency food
distribution will start shortly.

(e)  A Regional Coordination Body meeting was held in Peshawar on 26
December to discuss the situation in the Eastern Region and in particular
in Jalalabad.  Several expatriate NGO staff have travelled in and out over
the last few weeks and report that the situation in the city is calm, but
access outside the city was problematic. UNOCHA is looking at how to
improve the access as delays being experienced due to the request for
special cross-border permits. A UN security mission took place this week
to Jalalabad and UN international staff are expected to return as early as
5 January.

(f)  250,000 IDPs are estimated to be in the Eastern Region. UNHCR is
coordinating the provision of Non-Food Items inputs by the NGOs and
intends to undertake a beneficiary validation exercise upon
re-establishment of its office in Jalalabad. 250 displaced families have
reportedly arrived at Hesarshahi camp, in need of food and shelter.

(g)  WFP is monitoring the Central Highlands situation closely through
implementing partners.  All dispatches for the part of the central
highlands serviced out of Kabul have been completed. On 28 December the
WFP stand-in partner Swedish Rescue Services Agency team (SRSA) completed
a road assessment to Chesht-e-Shariff, along the main axis road from Hirat
to Chaghcharan. The road between Chaghcharan and Hirat has now been
cleared. Approximately 4,900 tons (or 81 percent of October 2001 ? March
2002 food requirements) were previously received in Chaghcharan.

(h)  A UN security mission to Kandahar, due to leave 28 December but
postponed, is taking place this week.  Initial reports indicate that UN
staff are unlikely to be deployed in the city due to sporadic shootouts
between pockets of Taliban soldiers and coalition forces.


3)  Pakistan

(a)  UNHCR reported that an estimated 3,000 Afghans massed near the
Pakistani border post at the Chaman crossing. Arriving refugees said more
people were waiting further inside Afghanistan. However, there were no
reliable figures on the number of Afghans attempting to enter Pakistan.
The Government of Pakistan continues to encourage the relocation of
refugees from Jalozai to the newer camps, but due to land acquisition
difficulties, progress has been slow.


4)  Iran

(a)  A steady stream of people returning from Iran to Afghanistan is
reported, although the numbers are generally lower than before the end of
Ramadan.  From 24 to 30 December 2001, approximately 1,350 people
reportedly returned to Afghanistan.


5)  Tajikistan

(a)  A one-off distribution of 180 tons of food benefiting to 11,600
Afghan IDPs on Island #9 at the Tajik-Afghan border has been completed.



B)  West Africa Region: (1) Liberia, (2) Sierra Leone, (3) Niger

1)  Liberia

(a)  Fighting in northern Lofa and Gbarpolu Counties has continued to
affect WFP operations. WFP staff in Gbarnga (Bong County) are closely
monitoring the situation. Renewed insecurity has caused a steady increase
in the number of Sierra Leonean refugees fleeing villages in Gbarpolu
County, where they had settled. Over 1,700 refugees have been resettled at
the Sinje refugee center (Grand Cape Mount County), bringing the total
number of refugees in Sinje to about 17,500 persons. The newly arrived
refugees received an emergency food ration from WFP. Sierra Leonean
refugees receiving food assistance have consequently increased to
approximately 38,300 persons from 36,600 prior to the recent hostilities.

(b)  The renewed insecurity has also resulted in a new wave of internal
displacement. WFP remains concerned for the situation of about 15,000 IDPs
currently at the Sawmill camp (Bomi County). The UN Humanitarian Theme
Group, led by WFP, requested to the Government of Liberia to relocate the
IDPs to safer locations in Bong County.

(c)  WFP is prepositionning High Protein Biscuits to address the immediate
needs of the newly arrived IDPs. The nutritional status of both Liberian
IDPs and Sierra Leonean refugees is reportedly stable. 250 malnourished
people admitted at the Therapeutic Feeding Center managed by Action Contre
la Faim (ACF) in Bong County also received WFP assistance.

(d)  From 20 December 2001 to 2 January 2002, WFP assisted over 1,800 IDPs
in the CARI displaced center (Bong County), providing them with 24 tons of
food. 300 tons of food were dispatched from Monrovia to final delivery
points in Montserrado and Grand Cape Mount Counties in support of various
programmes. Unless planned receipts are confirmed on time, WFP anticipates
a shortfall of pulses under PRRO 10064.0 in February 2002.


2)  Sierra Leone

(a)  The recent upsurge in fighting in Northern Lofa County in Liberia has
resulted in an unstable security situation in the Pujehun area and
movement of populations across the border with Sierra Leone. In addition,
fighting between RUF and Civil Defense Force (CDF) was reported in the
diamond-rich Kono district, near Koindu. The situation remained unstable
during the last two weeks of December. The security situation remained
relatively calm in other operational areas in Bo, Port Loko and Moyamba
districts.

(b)  WFP, UNOCHA, UNHCR and the National Commission for Rehabilitation,
Reconstruction and Resettlement (NCRRR) undertook a joint mission in
Jendema, along the border with Liberia, to assess the humanitarian
situation and the needs of the newly arrived returnees and refugees.
UNHCR reported that the number of returnees from Liberia has recently
increased. Since 17 December, an estimated 1,300 refugees have returned
home to Sierra Leone through the Jendema border crossing, northwest of
Monrovia and the numbers are expected to rise. WFP is closely monitoring
the situation and making plans for a rapid response.

(c)  From 17 to 31 December 2001, WFP distributed a total of 366 tons of
food to over 81,000 vulnerable people under various programmes. WFP
assisted over 320 malnourished people admitted in TFC and SFC managed by
MSF-F and IM in Kailahun town. The number of new admissions to the centers
is expected to increase due to the fresh influx of refugees and returnees.
WFP is also supporting the MSF-F nutritional programme in Daru.

(d)  WFP, UNHCR and NCRRR completed the first phase of the resettlement of
returnees in Lokomasama on 24 December. Approximately 10,600 resettled
returnees received a two-month food ration from WFP, and non-food items
from UNHCR in Kambia District. On 27 December, UNHCR resumed the
registration and verification of returnees in Lokomasama chiefdom.

(e)  From 17 to 31 December 2001, WFP assisted approximately 1,300
vulnerable people through food-for-training projects in Kenema, Port Loko
and Kambia Districts. WFP in collaboration with its implementing partners
distributed 75 tons of food in support of the rehabilitation of 100 Km of
roads in Ribbi, Bumpeh and Kongbora chiefdoms (Moyamba district).  The
rehabilitation of a total of 249Km of roads is scheduled to be completed
by 31 January.

(f)  Approximately 5,000 IDPs are reportedly staying in the Kono district
town of Masingbi. Most of them have no proper shelter and are living in
verandas or schools.  The local community in Magburaka, Makali, and Makeni
hosts a further estimated 2,300 IDPs. MSF-H and MRC are providing medical
assistance and following up after reports of cases of bloody diarrhoea.
The most immediate needs in Masingbi include food, potable water, and
basic drugs.


3)  Niger

(a)  In May 2001, WFP initiated an emergency operation in response to
Government of Niger's request for assistance to drought-affected
populations.  EMOP 10068 was approved in June but slow resources
allocation delayed implementation of the operation. The EMOP involved two
distinct phases, corresponding to two successive waves of donations.

(b)  Phase one consisted of large-scale targeted distributions through
WFP-assisted MCH centres in Tillabéry, Niamey, Tahoua, Zinder and Diffa
areas, where beneficiary families received a 50-day millet ration (100
kilo per family). It ended mid-October after WFP distributed approximately
2,100 tons of millet to 20,900 vulnerable people.

(c)  Phase two, meant to enhance long-term food security, is being
channelled through cereal banks. The allocation per family remains
unchanged. During this last phase, which will end by late January 2002, it
is expected that WFP will distribute over 2,760 tons of millet to 138,100
beneficiaries.

(d)  Following a good harvest, the general food security in Niger has
improved as compared to last year. The Government announced a food surplus
of 297,000 tons in November 2001 and the food security situation has
stabilized. WFP has not requested additional commodities for this
operation, which is now scheduled to end 31 January 2002. WFP will
continue to implement regular country programme activities.



C)  Central Africa Region: (1) Democratic Republic of Congo

1)  Democratic Republic of Congo

(a)  Insecurity continues to prevail near Bukavu (North Kivu province).
Many cases of looting have been reported on the road along the Virunga
national park.

(b)  Two WFP emergencies operations have come to an end on 31 December
2001: EMOP 6035.01 "Assistance to Angolan refugees in the southern
provinces of DRC" and EMOP 6110 "Emergency assistance to IDPs and
vulnerable groups in DRC". The caseload for the EMOP 6035.01 will be
transferred to the PRRO 6274.00.

(c)  WFP is planning to continue to assist war-affected populations in
Equateur province. This includes 29,000 IDPs in Mbandaka, many of whom
have fled from the Oriental province, north Equateur and eastern provinces
three years ago. In addition, WFP and FAO intend to assist 10,000
vulnerable persons in Bokungu area, providing them with seeds and food
rations during the current agricultural season. Finally, more than 15,000
vulnerable families and IDPs have been registered in Basankusu.

(d)  Most of the WFP food distributions planned for December in Equateur
province have been cancelled due to low food stocks. The barge, which
departed for Mbandaka on 14 December with 500 tons of food, arrived in
Mbandaka on 30 December.  A next barge for Mbandaka should depart Kinshasa
by 15 January. From 10 to 23 December, WFP distributed approximately 60
tons of food to cover the needs of 4,000 beneficiaries, including 3,100
floods-victims in Mbandaka area. 900 extremely vulnerable people received
WFP assistance in Befale.

(e)  Despite the prevailing insecurity and the limited access to
beneficiaries, WFP continued to operate in the North Kivu province. From 3
to 23 December, WFP distributed over 350 tons of food to approximately
37,800 vulnerable people. Among them, 26,300 malnourished persons
benefited from WFP assistance in Butembo, Katwa, Mutwanga, Oicha,
Kirotshe, Rushuru, Masisi and Kayna areas. Persisting confrontations in
the North Kivu province caused the displacement of 16,250 persons from
south of Lubero and Walikale towards Kikuku. Furthermore, harsh rains and
hail ruined crops in Kikuku. WFP is planning to provide seeds protection
packages to 5,000 returnees in partnership with World Relief in Rutshuru
area.

(f)  Following the resumption of the Special Operation 10117.0 on 21
December, WFP airlifted 136 tons of food to the Northern Katanga province.
On 27 December, WFP's airlift was suspended for the second time due to a
Jet A-1 fuel constraint. The balance of 78 tons will be delivered to
Manono by MONUC when space will be available.

(g)  Over 120 tons of WFP food were distributed in Kolwezi, Likasi,
Lubumbashi and Kipushi (Katanga province) under food for agriculture
activities. With WFP's assistance, many farmers have started cultivating
basic food and fruits trees. Finally, WFP distributed 300 tons of food to
35,500 IDPs in Kinshasa on 26-29 December.

(h)  As of 15 December 2001, WFP was assisting approximately 7,700 Angolan
refugees in Kimvula (Bas Congo province), under EMOP 6035.01. About 40 new
refugees arrive on a daily basis in the area, according to UNHCR, meaning
that by the end of January 2002, the Angolan caseload in Kimvula will
reach over 9,000 people.



D)  East and Southern Africa Region: (1) Eritrea

1)  Eritrea

(a)  From 16 to 31 December 2001, the Eritrean Relief and Refugees
Commission (ERREC) reported the distribution of 6,250 tons of food to
361,300 drought and war-affected people in the Northern and Southern Red
Sea Region and in Gash Barka and Debub Regions.

(b)  Due to reports of malnutrition in Gash Barka, Northern/Southern Red
Sea and Anseba regions, WFP has approved the recommendation of the Food
and Nutrition Committee to provide a full ration of 19.50 Kg per person
per month in January 2002 while waiting for the results of the survey on
the causes of malnutrition. In January 2002, WFP intends to assist in
collaboration with ERREC over 998,000 war and drought affected people in
the Northern/ Southern Red Sea, Anseba, Gash Barka and Debub regions. This
will involve the distribution of 16,600 tons of food.

(c)  WFP monitors carried out post-distribution monitoring surveys in both
war and drought-affected areas. Households interviewed in Gogne community
(Gash Barka Region) and Mai Mine town (Debub Region) reported consuming
the total amount of food received from WFP. WFP team noted that relief
food constitutes 95 percent of all food sources available in the
community. WFP also visited Habero area (Anseba Region) as well as For
area (Northern Red Sea region) where they observed that beneficiaries had
received their full ration. The beneficiaries indicated that their food
relief ration is used only for household consumption.

(d)  ERREC has started delivering WFP food under the School Feeding
Programme on 29 December 2001 in the Northern Red Sea Region. Deliveries
are continuing in Gash Barka, Anseba, Southern Red Sea, and Debub Regions.
WFP is targeting 42,000 school children, distributing over 1,200 tons of
food during the first two months of the pilot phase. The objective is to
increase the enrolment of girls into schools and to improve food security
in the regions of the Northern Red Sea, Southern, Red Sea, Anseba, Gash
Barka and Debub.

(e)  According to the Meteorological Department in Asmara, the Eastern
Escarpment areas comprising parts of the Northern Red Sea Region, received
extremely low rainfall amount during the current rainfall season. The
future of agriculture and livestock in the region is uncertain if the
current erratic rainfall pattern persists.

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

(End WFP Emergency Report No 1)


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