WFP EMERGENCY REPORT
Issued weekly by the United Nations World Food Programme
Report No. 45 / 2002 - Date 7 November 2002


This report includes:
(A) West Africa Region: (1) Côte d'Ivoire (2) Sierra Leone (3) Guinea
    (4) Mauritania
(B) Eastern and Central Africa Region: (1) Ethiopia, (2) Eritrea,
    (3) Burundi, (4) Democratic Republic of Congo
(C) Southern Africa Region: (1) Regional overview, (2) Zambia,
    (3) Zimbabwe, (4) Lesotho, (5) Malawi, (6) Mozambique, (7) Swaziland,
    (8) Angola
(D) Asia Region: (1) India
(E) West and Central Asia Region: (1) Afghanistan, (2) Iran
(F) Latin America and Caribbean Region: (1) Colombia, (2) Cuba,
    (3) Ecuador, (4) El Salvador, (5) Haiti
(G) Eastern Europe Region: (1) Georgia


>From Francesco Strippoli, Director of the Office of Humanitarian Affairs;
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 Africa Region: (1) Côte d'Ivoire (2) Sierra Leone (3) Guinea (4)
Mauritania

1)  Côte d'Ivoire

(a)  The 50 tons of stocks which were missing from WFP 's warehouse in
Bouake have been partly returned by the insurgents; the remainder will be
refunded in cash. Moreover, further to high-level discussions with
insurgent leaders, WFP has been guaranteed that WFP warehouses and
personnel will be protected. In view of this context, the re-opening of
WFP's sub-office in Bouake is foreseen. WFP will retain its presence in
Yamoussoukro, where an office is now open. It is estimated that up to
44,000 people will benefit from food aid in Bouake.

(b)  WFP 's head of the Regional Crisis Response Unit visited Bouake and
defined working arrangements with the insurgents, to both parties'
satisfaction, in order to implement WFP 's assistance in Bouake. On this
occasion, a letter of understanding was signed between WFP and the
Patriotic Movement of Côte d'Ivoire.

(c)  WFP, as the head of the initiatives for emergency food assistance,
has had a number of co-ordination meetings with other organisations. A
meeting on 6 November resolved that CARE and Africare are ready to sign a
Memorandum of Understanding for distributing emergency food to affected
regions. Total stocks as of 6 November amount to 5,550 tons. This includes
foodstuff that has been ordered, and which is expected to arrive soon.

(d)  Preparations are underway for a UN interagency mission to the
insurgent-held areas. The mission, originally scheduled for 31 October - 3
November was postponed for security reasons. The mission will focus on
assessing the human and material resources and needs for the National
Immunisation Days which will take place nation-wide between 9 and 11
November. The mission will include members from different humanitarian
organisations who will take this opportunity to undertake rapid
assessments of the humanitarian needs of the IDPs in these previously
inaccessible areas.


2)  Sierra Leone

(a)  The movement of Liberian refugees into eastern and southern Sierra
Leone noticeably declined from 21 October to 3 November, while WFP
continued to provide food assistance for both new influxes and existing
caseloads.

(b)  Countrywide, WFP supported over 65,700 beneficiaries with over 650
tons of food aid, through vulnerable group feeding programmes (refugees,
resettlement, returnees and institutional feeding), emergency school
feeding, therapeutic feeding, supplementary feeding, mother and child
health, food-for-training and safety net programmes.

(c)  On 23 October, WFP, UNICEF, The Ministry of Education, Science and
Technology and the Ministry of Health and Sanitation launched a de-worming
campaign in schools supported under the Emergency School Feeding (ESF)
programme. De-worming pills for 130, 000 pupils were distributed. The next
phase of the campaign is in April 2003.

(d)  Following the closure of the WFP helicopter services, a regional
coastal flight based in Conakry recently started operations in Sierra
Leone. WFP helped to arrange modalities of operations and bookings and
circulate flight schedules.

(e)  The Security situation in the country was generally peaceful and
quiet with no reports of any incidences of major concern. However,
security in the border areas, especially around the Kailahun axis remained
fragile due to an upsurge in fighting in the northern Lofa County in
Liberia. All security forces remained on high alert and the Sierra Leone
Army reported that additional troops have been deployed in some of the
border villages.


3)  Guinea

(a)  The situation in Côte d'Ivoire continues to be of concern. Guineans
and other country nationals (Malians and Senegalese) are entering Guinea
into the Kankan and N'Zérékoré regions. WFP is participating actively on
information collection, assessments, and coordination with partners. The
Government of Guinea has prohibited access to Macenta and border areas.
The security of refugees in Kouankan camp continues to be of concern. The
capacity of Kola camp is 6,000 and yet houses 6,800 refugees; Kouankan
camp has a capacity of 20,000 yet shelters 34,500 refugees and Lainé
camp's capacity is 6,000 however it houses 6,450 refugees. UNHCR is to
verify the Kouankan refugee number. Nonah transit camp remains empty.

(b)  There is still no official government's position on the transfer of
refugees from Kouankan to Albadariah camps nor on assistance to people
entering from Côte d'Ivoire. UNHCR announced halting repatriation of
Sierra Leonean refugees because of lack of funding for UNHCR Sierra Leone
operations. There are currently 46,000 Sierra Leonean refugees in Guinea.
The halt in the repatriation will negatively affect the relocation of
refugees from Kouankan to Albadariah.

(c)  From 21 October to 3 November, WFP distributed a total of 937 tons of
food to 60,450 beneficiaries. The pipeline break in CSB is complete.
Pulses will be substituted for CSB from November onwards. 300 tons of CSB
have been shipped from Sierra Leone to cover basic requirements for
selective feeding and have arrived in Conakry port.


4)  Mauritania

(a)  Two recently confirmed contributions totalling USD 856,000, will
enable WFP to quickly purchase emergency food rations to assist hundreds
of thousands of people suffering from the cumulative effects of three
consecutive years of drought in Mauritania. Farming communities across
Mauritania face bleak prospects until the next harvest in November 2003.
The Aftout region in particular, has been severely affected by poor
harvest. In addition, a freak storm in January 2002, killed tens of
thousands of livestock on which households depend for making it through
the lean season.

(b)  WFP already runs an under-funded emergency operation to help feed
some 250,000 Mauritanians threatened by serious food shortages. However,
WFP considers that some 700,000 of Mauritania's 2.7 million people are
food insecure to varying degree and require urgent assistance. The
Government of Mauritania has already declared a state of emergency and has
appealed for 37,000 tons cereals and 14,000 tons of complementary foods to
cover emergency needs. More than six months after launching a USD 7.5
million appeal, WFP's operation is still facing a shortfall of 44 percent
of its total requirements.



B)  Eastern and Central Africa Region: (1) Ethiopia, (2) Eritrea, (3)
Burundi, (4) Democratic Republic of Congo

1)  Ethiopia

(a)  The annual multi-agency pre-harvest needs assessment has begun, with
twenty-three teams led by the government Disaster Prevention and
Preparedness Commission (DPPC) now in the field. While these teams will be
collecting information on the drought-affected population and establishing
the numbers in need, the concurrent FAO/WFP Crop and Food Supply
Assessment mission will be collecting information on crop production
throughout the country. Needs for 2003 will be presented in the annual
DPPC appeal at the end of the year; the FAO/WFP findings will be presented
in a mission report.

(b)  Additional confirmed pledges are making it possible to cover the most
acute food aid requirements in November and December, albeit at reduced
cereal rations of 12.5 kg. Cumulative needs for November and December,
calculated on the basis of a 12.5 kg ration, amount to 125,000 tons
(November 70,000 tons for 5.6 million people; December 56,000 tons for 4.5
million people). Further confirmations of existing pledges and pledges
under consideration are required to cover needs into the first part of
2003, especially for proposals presented by the NGOs for expanding their
distributions. Cereal needs for the first quarter will be over 300,000
tons.

(c)  More food has been sent to Bale zone of Oromiya region, where in
addition to the needs of the drought affected population in the lowlands,
the condition of a group of migrants from East and West Hararghe who have
settled near Bale National Park is of serious concern. Conditions for the
migrants have been deteriorating since they arrived in increasing numbers
in recent months. Numbers are estimated at around 20,000 at this time.
Further assessments are being carried out.


2)  Eritrea

(a)  Mr. Kenzo Oshima, UN Under Secretary General for Humanitarian Affairs
and Emergency Relief Co-ordinator accompanied by the WFP Regional Director
for Eastern and Central Africa and major donor representatives recently
visited Eritrea. The mission visited the main agricultural areas of the
country, which are greatly affected by the current drought, Gash Barka and
Debub Regions, where they received detailed briefings from the regional
governors. In Asmara the delegation held a press briefing where Mr Oshima
affirmed on the magnitude on the drought situation and the need for
donors' attention.

(b)  According to the Crop production, water and Livestock assessment
conducted on 4-5 October under the leadership of the Ministry of
agriculture, over 309,000 hectares planted under various crops are
expected to yield only 54,358 tons of food or 11 percent of the total
estimated food production. During the visit of Mr Oshima, the Government
of the State of Eritrea, through the Eritrean Relief and Refugees
Commission (ERREC), has shared some figures indicating that the country
expects to face a shortfall of 350,000 tons of cereals to cover the needs
of about 3.34 millions people for one year. In addition, 100,000 tons of
food are required to secure a two months national cereals reserve for the
country. An updated appeal is being prepared by the Government based on
those figures. The two WFP emergency operations have some 21,000 tons
available and an additional 6,000 tons of various commodities expected to
arrive between October and December 2002, which will meet the needs until
the year-end. Another shipment of 11,400 tons of cereals is expected in
January 2003. Resourcing of the remaining balances in both EMOPs and in
the PRRO is considered an urgent priority.

(c)  In terms of response, WFP intends to extend the current EMOPS 10049
and 10052 until April 2003 in order to accommodate any immediate
contributions. From May 2003 and February 2004, a new single EMOP will
take over to address the needs of about 900,000 drought-affected people,
amounting to 130,000 tons of food. This will go along with the recently
approved PRRO which will focus on the targeted groups such as School
Feeding, IDPs, Returnees, Supplementary and Therapeutic Feedings. Under
this programme, 104,000 tons of food will be required to assist 585,000
people during two years (2003/2004).

(d)  WFP is in the process of supporting over 76,000 school children under
its emergency school-feeding programme, which will be an important
intervention for the nutrition of the children in the face of the drought
situation. WFP also has continued to support over 9,800 beneficiaries
under nutritional feeding programmes targeting malnourished children,
pregnant/lactating mothers and HIV/Aids-affected persons and their
families. The assistance is being provided through hospitals and clinics
in the affected areas in Northern Red Sea, Anseba, Gash Barka and Maekel
referral hospitals/clinics. Over 1,800 beneficiaries received food under
the HIV/AIDS supported programme in October alone.

(e)  WFP and CARE are in the process of carrying out a household
livelihood survey with the aim of developing a better targeting tool for
humanitarian assistance in Eritrea. The fieldwork is planned for December
2002. WFP will assist with the financial implications, staff support, and
logistics/communication and project strategy. CARE will prepare the
proposal for training, capacity building, and supervision. All agreed that
the Government is involved from the beginning of the project. An Advisory
Group to include Ministry of Local Government, National Statistics Office,
ERREC, WFP and CARE will oversee the exercise.


3)  Burundi

(a)  Despite the cease-fire talks between the Burundian warring parties
underway in Dar-Es-Salaam, the security situation continued to worsen in
the country. Insecurity was reported in Gitega, Bujumbura Rural, Bubanza
and Ruyigi provinces. As insecurity is still persistent in these areas,
people continue to flee their homes. WFP, UNICEF and OCHA participated in
a joint mission carried out in Kabezi commune, Bujumbura Rural province to
assess the urgent needs of people displaced by the confrontation between
the army and the rebels.

(b)  WFP is liaising with UNHCR to provide an appropriate response to the
influx of refugees from the Democratic Republic of Congo. Currently, over
16,600 persons are estimated to live in Gatumba and Rugombo refugee sites
and this number could rise to 40,000 if the security situation is not
stabilised in the DR Congo. New arrivals of refugees are still reported
along the border. UNHCR reported to have started the construction of a new
transit site to host refugees in Rugombo.

(c)  WFP jointly with UNICEF, FAO and the Early Warning Task Force on food
security, have started to review the estimations of people requiring food
aid, taking into consideration the increasing number of Congolese refugees
as well as a significant number of internally displaced people affected by
insecurity and a delay of rainfall that may jeopardise future crops. Three
scenarios have been elaborated, planning for an increase of the number of
beneficiaries between 2 and 30 percent of the current caseload. WFP and
other partners involved in food assistance and food security continue to
monitor the situation and adjust assistance as necessary. WFP remains
concerned about its current pipeline situation and fear that current food
stocks are not sufficient to cover the increasing needs.

(d)  Last week, WFP conducted assessment missions in Mwaro and Muramvya
provinces and reported a deteriorating food security situation resulting
from population displacements, looting and reduced arable land for the
majority of the households. The situation is even more critical in areas
reputed to serve as corridors for the rebel movements. WFP also assessed
food needs in five communes of Gitega and Rutana provinces and reported
that over 14,000 households in Gitega and 16,670 households in Rutana have
been seriously affected by insecurity and were in urgent need of food
assistance.

(e)  From 28 October to 3 November, WFP, in collaboration with UNHCR and
GTZ, assisted 1,800 Congolese refugees through general food distributions
in Muyinga and Bujumbura Rural provinces. In addition, over 100 returnees
from Tanzania in Ngozi and Muyinga provinces received a return package,
including food rations for 90 days. WFP also authorised the release of 40
tons of food to assist 2,300 vulnerable persons in 14 social centres under
QAP. Finally, WFP distributed 45 tons of food through Food for Work (FFW)
projects in Karuzi province.


4)  Democratic Republic of Congo

(a)  Renewed fighting between RCD soldiers and militia groups has resulted
in serious restrictions of humanitarian access in the South Kivu province.
The RCD authorities in Bukavu have refused the delivery of relief
assistance to the most vulnerable populations in Shabunda, Mwanga,
Bunyakiri, Baraka and Fizi, areas under militia groups' control.
Restrictions of access and the subsequent lack of food supplies are
expected to induce the relapse of a significant number of malnourished
people admitted in several Therapeutic Feeding Centres in Shabunda and
Ulvira. It is also likely to contribute to a deterioration of the already
alarming overall nutritional status in the eastern region. Furthermore, as
a result of the renewed fighting, 7,000 IDPs fled from Shabunda towards
Mwenga and Kamituga.

(b)  Over 100 tons of food were distributed from 1 to 19 October to over
19,600 beneficiaries in South Kivu province. Due to insufficient stocks,
WFP was forced to first distribute food rations with no cereal to
beneficiaries involved in FFW and FFT activities and then to suspend
totally the ongoing FFW activities pending the delivery of maize meal.

(c)  Following the withdrawal of the Rwandan troops from the North Kivu
province, major security incidents have been reported during the last
weeks. The Goma-Rutshuru axis remained out of humanitarian access. As a
result of the prevailing insecurity, many road rehabilitation activities
supported by WFP were suspended. Nonetheless, over 160 tons of food was
distributed to cover the needs of 5,240 targeted beneficiaries, of which
4,020 malnourished children and their families in the Rwanguba health
zone.

(d)  A monitoring mission fielded by the Norwegian Refugee Council in the
Kitchanga transit camp (North Kivu province) identified 3,340 households
greatly in need of food and non-food items. Some of these households had
been forced into repatriation from Rwanda and others were internally
displaced. NGOs involved in the protection of the neighbouring Virunga
National Park raised some concerns about the presence of so many families
in the Kitchanga transit camp.

(e)  Alarming rates of malnutrition were still reported in villages
surrounding Kalemie (Northern Katanga province), as confirmed by the
latest nutritional screening conducted in September. Approximately 15
percent of children suffered from moderate malnutrition and 11 percent of
children affected with severe malnutrition. A WFP/Alisei joint mission is
planned in the coming days for a strategy of intervention. A total of 65
tons of food was distributed to 8,800 beneficiaries.

(f)  WFP is currently revising the budget of its PRRO budget in order to
contend the need of an additional caseload of 264,000 people, especially
IDPs and refugees and an increase of up to 7,000 tons in the monthly food
requirements. The revision requires also an extension in time to allow for
the completion of an Evaluation mission.



C)  Southern Africa Region: (1) Regional overview, (2) Zambia, (3)
Zimbabwe, (4) Lesotho, (5) Malawi, (6) Mozambique, (7) Swaziland, (8)
Angola

1)  Regional overview

(a)  During the week, WFP received confirmed donations of USD 3 million.
With these donations, WFP's regional Emergency Operation faces a shortfall
of approximately USD 254 million. Vulnerable populations in the region are
approaching the critical period, January ? March 2003. Against the WFP
Regional EMOP requirements of 992,459 tons through March, WFP will still
requires the un-resourced balance of approximately 440,000 tons.

(b)  Over 50 representatives from UN agencies, NGOs and the Southern
African Development Community met in Johannesburg, on 6-7 November, to
discuss the impact of the HIV/AIDS pandemic on the food crisis in the
region. The meeting devoted special attention to how food aid can best be
used to assist families affected by HIV/AIDS.


2)  Zambia

(a)  The pipeline pressures posed by the recent decision on GM foods are
proving to be increasingly challenging. WFP is using recent cash
contributions to purchase non-GM commodities in the region while removing
and re-allocating GM stocks that were already in country. In light of
current levels of resourcing, WFP needs to further target distributions in
order to best meet reference ration recommendations from the SADC
Vulnerability Assessment Committee.


3)  Zimbabwe

(a)  In Zimbabwe, inflation rates are extremely high, foreign exchange
rates are dropping, and shortages of bread, maize, milk and sugar appear
to be worsening. Price controls remain fixed on basic goods. The
Government has initiated discussions to end its monopoly on procuring fuel
for the country. An increasing number of cases of malnutrition and
pellagra have been observed at Murambinda District Hospital. Informal
interviews with beneficiaries in Mutasa District suggest that many
families go for more than two days without a proper meal. There is a
noticeable increase in consumption and selling of wild fruits in Masvingo.

(b)  Some WFP implementing partners are using a group distribution method
of implementation in which sets of ten households collect their monthly
ration as an individual group. Beneficiaries and IP staff note that the
system appears to be both rapid and transparent. WFP stocks of oil and
pulses, necessary for maintaining the nutritional balance of the food
basket, are in short supply.


4)  Lesotho

(a)  During the week, WFP distributed 7,770 tons of maize meal, 14 tons of
pulses and 28 tons of vegetable oil to approximately 72,000 beneficiaries.
The onset of seasonal rains is posing logistical challenges, as well as
hampering the access of beneficiaries to distribution points. However, WFP
logistics has been bolstered by the WFP/IFRC fleet of trucks operating out
of Mafeteng and Thaba Tseka.


5)  Malawi

(a)  During October, WFP distributed food under the current EMOP to
approximately 2.3 million beneficiaries. This figure represents more than
a 100 percent increase from September. A workshop reviewing the current
Joint Emergency Food Aid Program guidelines was held during the week with
43 participants from WFP and Implementing Partner agencies. Particular
attention was paid to issues of targeting, sensitisation of beneficiaries,
and monitoring and reporting.


6)  Mozambique

(a)  Heavy rains have begun to hamper road access in remote areas of
Inhambane and Tete provinces. WFP will continue to pre-position
commodities in those areas in November. A local press agency reports more
than 30,000 people experiencing a severe hunger crisis in the district of
Manjacaze, Gaza Province. In the same region, WFP is already reaching more
than 2,800 families under FFW projects and plans are in place to further
respond to needs within the WFP EMOP.


7)  Swaziland

(a)  The WFP Vulnerability Assessment and Mapping focal point attended a
planning session on 29 October for the next rolling SADC Vulnerability
Assessment to be held in November/December. WFP and Implementing Partners
discussed the increased food needs from December onward, as identified by
the VAC, and reached consensus on the allocation of food to additional
beneficiaries. Identification of beneficiaries by the NGOs is taking place
to ensure appropriate targeting. Heavy rains hit the country for the first
part of the week. A total of 219 tons of food was dispatched to
Implementing Partners for distribution.


8)  Angola

(a)  No further contributions were confirmed during the week to WFP's
Angola operations. WFP's stock of maize, the main component of rations,
will run out in December based on current projects. Thus, WFP is expecting
to face pipeline breaks for maize from January onwards. Further cash or in
kind donations are critically needed for the PRRO, which is 33 percent
funded.

(b)  In Mavinga (Kuando Kubango province), WFP is now assisting around
113,900 people while IDPs continue to arrive from surrounding areas in
search of humanitarian assistance. Seeds and tools are urgently required
to allow this population to begin becoming self-sufficient after the next
harvest. WFP is already planning to include locally purchased cereals as
part of the November food basket, so that IDPs may plant some of these
cereals as seed.

(c)  Transport problems that had hampered WFP food distributions in Capaia
Reception Area (RA) in Lunda Norte, and Cacolo and Alto Chicapa RAs in
Lunda Sul since end of August 2002 have been overcome and an agreement
with transporting companies has been reached. Distributions of a two-month
ration to families and ex-soldiers have now begun.

(d)  A mine accident took place on road from Ndele to Kuito in Bie
province. A commercial truck detonated an anti-personnel landmine when it
drove onto road-siding to give way to a truck transporting WFP food. There
were no casualties. As the mine was on the side of the main track, this
crucial transport route for humanitarian supplies and personnel remains
open. Several people were killed in a separate incident involving an
anti-tank mine near the Kuiva River in Kamacupa municipality on a road,
which is still closed to humanitarian agencies for security reasons.

(e)  WFP food distribution began in Tchinjenje municipality (Huambo
province) to 2,500 people in critical need. This is the first time in four
years that WFP was able to provide assistance in Tchinjenje, which
remained out of reach for the humanitarian agencies during the war.

(f)  Food distribution was completed to 27,200 people in the Menga RA
after serious logistical difficulties were overcome to transport the food
to the area due to a broken bridge and reduction in the number of trucks
available for transporting the food. Distribution to 33,000 beneficiaries
was also completed in Sambo RA after similar difficulties with transport.



D)  Asia Region: (1) India

1)  India

(a)  In a unique humanitarian partnership that will transform India into a
donor nation, WFP and the Government of India announced an unprecedented
donation of 1 million tons of wheat for WFP's under-funded emergency
operation in Afghanistan. Officials of the Government of India, making the
largest single pledge in WFP's history, said the first tranche of the
donation, 40,000 tons, will be converted into 9,526 tons of high-energy
biscuits destined for the WFP school feeding programme in Afghanistan.

(b)  This extremely generous donation will enable WFP to move forward with
an important investment in the school feeding programme in Afghanistan.
With production of the biscuits about to start in three bakeries in India,
WFP plans to distribute them to 1 million schoolchildren, most of them in
rural areas. The school feeding programme will be fully operational by
March 2003.

(c)  In addition to the one million tons of wheat, the Government of India
is contributing 15,000 tons of rice to WFP that will be used to offset the
incidental costs of producing and distributing the biscuits. The biscuits
are made from flour enriched with much-needed micronutrients, which are
essential to good nutrition.

(d)  In India, WFP currently has an assistance programme that includes
nutritional support for 2.7 million young children, expectant women and
nursing mothers, and extra food rations for 815,000 people in low-income
tribal areas to bolster their food security. In another collaboration with
the Government of India, WFP launched on 23 October the Food Insecurity
Atlas of Urban India, a companion to a ground-breaking hunger atlas of
rural India published in April 2001. The two documents are important
planks in the government's campaign "Toward a Hunger-Free India."



E)  West and Central Asia Region: (1) Afghanistan, (2) Iran

1)  Afghanistan

(a)  Tensions continued in the central area (in particular, in the
provinces of Khamard, Saigan and Bamyan). UN missions to the Khost/Gardez
area have been suspended. In the northern area, the security situation
remained volatile, and field missions have been restricted. In the eastern
area, the security situation deteriorated as a result of fighting between
local factions, detection of explosive devices and missile launches toward
the Coalition Forces.

(b)  From 29 October to 4 November, WFP assisted more than 742,000
beneficiaries, providing them with at least 13,100 tons of food through
various programmes. This caseload included mainly 215,000 school children
assisted through the Food for Education programme as well as 354,000
beneficiaries receiving bread under various urban vulnerable bakery
projects.

(c)  In addition, 21,000 beneficiaries received 1,800 tons of food under
various Food for Work and Food for asset creation projects. The
rehabilitation of irrigation systems has provided the local communities
with access to potable and irrigation water. 7,000 returnees also received
80 tons of food through the resettlement programme. In Hirat, WFP approved
a new IDP relief and resettlement project, with commitment of 690 tons of
food for distribution to 63,300 IDPs.

(d)  Finally, WFP supported more than 3,500 beneficiaries from 29 October
to 4 November through supplementary feeding scheme. In Jalal Abad, WFP
monitored a SFP targeting malnourished children and expectant/nursing
mothers, which reportedly contributed to the decrease of malnutrition rate
by 45 percent among the children.


2)  Iran

(a)  The new PRRO 10213.0 "food assistance and support to education of
Afghan and Iraqi refugees in Iran" was approved by the WFP Executive Board
on 24 October. Under this new operation, WFP plans to assist 120,000
beneficiaries, including 80,000 Afghan and Iraqi refugees living in 29
camps as well as 40,000 non-encamped Afghan refugees. WFP expects to face
a shortfall of almost 3,150 tons of food to cover the needs of its
targeted beneficiaries until March 2003.

(b)  WFP sub office in the Zahedan provincial capital of Sistan and
Balouchestan is preparing for the implementation of WFP recovery
activities under the new PRRO 10213.0. These activities will be designed
to facilitate the repatriation of Afghan refugees and their smooth
reintegration upon return. In addition, the WFP sub office will oversee
assistance to camp refugees in Kerman and Khorasan (adjacent provinces) as
well as Sistan and Balouchestan.

(c)  WFP, in collaboration with the Iranian Red Crescent Society,
completed food distribution under the EMOP 10227 to 25,000 earthquake
victims in Qazvin province on 31 October.

(d)  As of 4 November, over 245,200 Afghan refugees had repatriated
through the UNHCR-assisted repatriation initiated on 9 April 2002. In
addition, a further 89,650 refugees have returned on their own. The
UNHCR-assisted operation to repatriate Iraqi refugees in Iran has resumed
after a five-month lull. A group of 78 people, most of whom formerly
resided in Fars province, travelled through the southern border crossing
of Shalamcheh en route to Basra in Iraq on 23 October.



F)  Latin America and Caribbean Region: (1) Colombia, (2) Cuba, (3)
Ecuador, (4) El Salvador, (5) Haiti

1)  Colombia

(a)  In addition to landslides, which have affected a number of provinces,
heavy rains caused the loss of pulses, corn and vegetables harvests in the
province of Antioquia. Furthermore, clashes between armed groups, on the
road to the province of San Carlos, have blocked the deliveries of food to
WFP school and preschool projects. The supplier was unable to deliver
7,300 rations to 260 beneficiaries.

(b)  Armed groups incursions in the province of Sucre have caused
restrictions on the free movement of people in the municipalities of
Chalan and Coloso. Food deliveries are not allowed and school activities
are suspended. The WFP preschool project in the province of El Coloso
could not receive food due to restrictions, however deliveries will be
re-scheduled. The municipality of Since is cut off due to the blowing-up
of a bridge. National authorities declared a curfew in the area.

(c)  Despite this unstable context, security clearances to staff have been
issued to all areas between 22 October and 5 November. This has enabled
WFP to deliver 261 tons of food to 351 WFP preschool and nutritional
recovery projects in 10 Colombian provinces. In addition, 235 tons of food
were distributed in 20 Colombian provinces to support FFW and food
security projects under the PRRO 6139. Finally, WFP plans to deliver 109
tons to 22 FFW projects and 96.4 tons of food to WSFI and school projects
benefiting more than 35,000 beneficiaries.


2)  Cuba

(a)  WFP recently approved the EMOP 10239, for a 30-day period, until 30
November, using its Immediate Response Account. The tendering process for
the local purchase of 580 tons of food has begun. Food distribution to
44,150 children under 5 and 3,800 expectant women is expected to begin in
November.

(b)  UNDP has also mobilized USD 50,000 through OCHA to repair damages
suffered by 420 families in Pinar del Rio province and Isla de la
Juventud, affected by hurricanes Isidore and Lili. UNICEF is planning to
mobilize USD 98,000 for the purchase of water-pumping stations and
water-chlorinating units for Pinar del Rio province and Isla de la
Juventud.


3)  Ecuador

(a)  Reventador Volcano erupted on 3 November leaving thousands of people
affected. The three most affected provinces are Napo, Sucumbios and
Pichincha Quito. A state of emergency has been declared in the area. As of
4 November, approximately 200 families had been evacuated. WFP mobilised
family rations to be delivered to the evacuated households.

(b)  As of 5 November, the volcano's activity had diminished but was still
eruptive. According to the Geophysical Institute of the National
Polytechnic, the volcano had released at least a million tons of ash.
There is no certainty on the duration of the eruptive process. However, it
is estimated that it will last at least 3 to 4 more months. One death was
reported, and 10 persons are missing. Airports are still closed.

(c)  WFP is collaborating with government counterparts to strengthen the
information, support and evaluation systems, envisaging different
scenarios, according to the size of the affected area. WFP is organizing 3
missions to evaluate the need for food, water, health, education and
feasibility within these scenarios.

(d)  Based on the preliminary reports, WFP is preparing an Immediate
Response Emergency Operation to respond to food and non-food items needs.
The Civil Defense has confirmed the evacuation of 70 families. 800 people
are reported to be in shelters. 500 people refuse evacuation to immediate
volcano surroundings fearing for their livestock. 1,500 people located
farther away from the volcano, in Santa Rosa, are affected. The
estimations of evacuated people ranges from 2,000 to 3,000. 40,000
hectares of cultures and pastures are destroyed. 700 livestock heads have
been evacuated.


4)  El Salvador

(a)  WFP, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, has visited the
coffee growing areas to determine the number of malnourished children.
Health clinics in the most affected areas are being asked to provide the
exact number of children suffering from moderate and severe malnutrition.
Since the immediate intervention will target the whole family, including
the affected child, it is vital to gather information on the number of
families with malnourished children under five.

(b)  A strike that began on 19 September, by health care workers
protesting the Government's plans to privatize the Social Health Care
System, continues to affect the country with only emergencies being taken
care of at all the nation's hospitals. With all major roads and highways
blocked off by the protesters, WFP field trips were cancelled on 23
October. The WFP's drought response reaching affected families in the
northeastern part of the country continues without significant delays or
problems


5)  Haiti

(a)  The food security situation of people affected by the protracted
drought has worsened since May 2002. The most affected areas include
Port-a-Piment, Les Cayes, l'Acul, Arniquet and Camp-Perrin in the South
province and Anse A Veau, Petit Trou de Nippes, Asile and Baradères in the
province of Grand'Anse.

(b)  According to USAID, the affected areas are facing crop failure. The
region is experiencing abnormally high food prices, residents are leaving
the region, and health centres are registering increased numbers of
malnourished children. In response, food commodities are being provided to
approximately 100,000 people between July 2002 and January 2003 to help
them through the next harvest, expected in January 2003.

(c)  USAID committed USD 2.5 million in emergency food assistance to
Haiti. The food is intended to reach more than half the population of the
northwest province, the most drought-affected area. The program's
activities focus on the most vulnerable population.

(d)  In October 2002, FAO conducted an assessment of the damages caused by
flooding, during May to June 2002. The provinces of South and the Grand
Anse were mostly affected. More than 3,000 hectares of crops and over
15,000 heads of livestock were destroyed. The fishing industry was also
adversely affected. Before the flooding, most communities in the two
provinces were already experiencing drought.

(e)  FAO has requested WFP participation in support of a long term
strategy to assist the drought and flood affected region through
agricultural assistance to farmers who lost their crops and livestock;
developing income-generating activities; and repairing dams and water
irrigation systems within a rehabilitation program, which would set
farmers back to work.

(f)  In September, Hurricane Lili caused flooding in the southern part of
the country, especially in Ravine du Sud River and Camp-Perrin. Population
in the area have lost most of their assets and are experiencing severe
economic hardship.



G)  Eastern Europe Region: (1) Georgia

1)  Georgia

(a)  WFP announced the approval of a USD 23 million operation to support
over 200,000 people over a three-year period, starting from April 2003.
WFP's work in Georgia is focused on three areas: feeding the most
vulnerable people who have limited access to government support, assisting
4,000 Chechen refugees, and rehabilitating agricultural and social
infrastructure through FFW projects in the poorest regions in this largely
agrarian country.

(b)  WFP began providing food assistance to Georgia in 1993; continued
assistance is desperately needed. The former Soviet republic, with a
current population of 5.5 million people, still faces economic constraints
and civil strife. Hyperinflation in the mid-1990s eroded the population's
income and savings. The elderly, who depend on inadequate State pensions,
have been hit especially hard. The country is barely able to meet half of
its cereal needs due to a damaged agricultural infrastructure coupled with
periodic natural disasters, including a series of drought in 2000 and
2001.


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

(End WFP Emergency Report No 45).

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