WFP EMERGENCY REPORT
Issued weekly by the United Nations World Food Programme
Report No. 26 / 2003 - Date 27 June 2003


This report includes:

A) Middle East and Central Asia: (1) Iraq, (2) Iran, (3) Pakistan,
   (4) Afghanistan
B) East and Central Africa: (1) DR Congo, (2) Burundi, (3) Eritrea,
   (4) Djibouti, (5) Ethiopia
C) West Africa: (1) Cote d'Ivoire
D) Southern Africa: (1) Madagascar, (2) Lesotho, (3) Swaziland,
   (4) Mozambique, (5) Malawi, (6) Zimbabwe, (7) Zambia, (8) Angola,
   (9) Namibia
E) Asia: (1) DPR Korea
F) Latin America and the Caribbean: (1) Colombia, (2) Ecuador,
   (3) Guatemala, (4) Honduras
G) Eastern Europe and the Caucasus: (1) Georgia

>From David Morton, Director of the Transport, Preparedness and Response
Division (OTP);  available on the Internet on the WFP Home Page
(www.wfp.org), or by e-mail from Carlo.Scaramella@wfp.org, Chief of the
Emergency Preparedness and Response Unit (OEP).  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)  Middle East and Central Asia: (1) Iraq, (2) Iran, (3) Pakistan, (4)
Afghanistan

1)  Iraq

(a)  Security in Iraq continues to deteriorate. In addition to the
organized nature and increasing number of attacks against Coalition
Forces, there have been a number of incidents involving UN staff and WFP
convoys. Security at storage facilities remains an issue of concern for
WFP.

(b)  As the June Public Distribution System (PDS) distribution cycle goes
into its fourth week, WFP offices in the various governorates report that
distributions are progressing well and nearing completion. In the lower
southern governorates of Basrah, Missan, Thi-Qar, and Muthana, the June
PDS distribution was completed during the past week and the Ministry of
Trade started to conduct a physical inventory of the current stocks. The
June PDS distributions in the upper south governorates of Qadissia and
Wassit were also completed. The distribution of wheat flour continues in
Najaf and Kerbala, in addition to rice distributions in Babel governorate.
Reports from the three northern governorates of Erbil, Dahuk and
Sulaymaniyah and the Centre Area of Ninewa, Tameem and Salah-al-Din
indicate a smooth performance of distributions under the PDS. Wheat flour
distributions have been completed for Dahuk and Erbil, while 93 percent of
June requirements are covered for Sulaymaniyah, 87 percent for Ninewa, and
85 percent for Tameen. As for other commodities, distributions are
complete in Erbil and Tameen. In Dahuk total requirements for other
commodities are covered, except for oil, with 89 percent fulfilled. In
Ninewa, coverage ranges from 25 percent for infant formula to 78 percent
for rice. Updates from Salah-al-Din governorate are still difficult to
obtain on a regular basis due to security constraints. The logistics
operation and dispatch of commodities from countries neighbouring Iraq
continued to proceed well and surpassed 1 million tons. As at 26 June,
cumulative dispatches into Iraq totalled 1.13 million tons.

(c)  A joint WFP/FAO assessment began this week in the southern
governorates of Iraq. A crop, food supply and food aid needs assessment is
currently ongoing in Basrah, Muthana, Missan, Thi-Qar, Babel, Qadissiya,
Wassit, Kerbala and Najaf and will be expanded in the coming days to
Baghdad and the central and northern governorates. The study builds on a
pre-war exercise identifying chronically poor populations in the
Centre/South and will enable WFP to better identify particularly
vulnerable groups in Iraq.


2)  Iran

(a)  From 20 to 26 June, 5,107 Afghan refugees repatriated mostly through
the Dogharoun border point, bringing the total number of refugees to have
repatriated through Dogharoun and Milak since the beginning of the
operation on 09 April 2002 to 472,073. Repatriation of Iranians from Iraq
continued. There are no official numbers on the total, but it is estimated
that some eight families have crossed the border into Iran every day since
22 May. Iranian authorities have put up veterinarian doctors at the border
to examine the returnees' livestock before permitting them back into the
country. The NGO presence in Iran is rapidly decreasing due to the
perceived winding down of the Iraqi crisis.

(b)  From the beginning of trans-border operations on 16 April, a total of
46,410 tons of WFP food aid for Iraq has passed through the Iran corridor
at an average of about 700 tons per day. A last batch of 7,000 tons of
sugar remains to be dispatched to the Kermanshah warehouse from BIK,
completing the storage of 26,250 tons sugar, which will be moved to Iraq
later. The operations at the sub-office Bandar Imam Khomeini will phase
out by mid-July. WFP will have dispatched its last quantities of food aid
from here to Iraq by early July.


3)  Pakistan

(a)  Under EMOP 10171.0, the drought emergency relief operation in Sindh
has been completed with the distribution of 784 tons of pulses and 724
tons of oil to 26,211 families. Final report and accounts are being
prepared. Second cycle of distribution of food to 9,000 families in Chagai
district is in progress. The distribution of food in Kharan district has
been delayed due to operational difficulties and a request for extending
the operation until 30 September is being processed.

(b)  Under EMOP 10288.0, UNHCR and WFP visited refugee camps in
Balochistan and North West Frontier Province and held meetings with
implementing partners regarding the second-quarter field evaluation of the
pilot phase, under which WFP has taken over food distribution from UNHCR.
The overall impression of the joint mission is that the transition is
running smoothly.

(c)  The household food economy survey in Shamshatoo camp in the North
West Frontier Province has begun and its results are expected to have
significant bearing on the existence of this camp. Plans have been made to
relocate refugees from the "waiting area" in Chaman to Mohammad Khail in
Balochistan within the next 2-3 weeks. Only around 250 families from the
"waiting area" showed willingness to return to Zare Dasht settlement area
in Afghanistan. The majority of the Afghan refugees in the new camps are
still not willing to repatriate due to continuing insecurity inside
Afghanistan and a lack of opportunities to earn livelihood.

(d)  Through arrangements of loans and in-coming shipments, the
requirements of Afghan refugees for wheat and pulses are covered until
October and that of vegetable oil until December. One donor has indicated
a possible willingness to cover the shortfalls of wheat, pulses and oil of
this EMOP until its termination in March 2004.


4)  Afghanistan

(a)  The security situation was calm throughout the country. Threats of
car bombs or suicide bombs in the central region did not materialise. The
first contingents of the Kabul-Kandahar security force were deployed to
the southeastern region, helping the implementation of food assistance
projects as planned.

(b)  From 19 to 25 June, 347,872 beneficiaries received 2,280 tons of WFP
food, through Food For Work and Food for Asset Creation, Food For
Education, Relief and Resettlement of IDPs and Refugees, Urban Vulnerable
Bakeries and Supplementary and Institutional feeding projects in Fayz
Abad, Mazari Sharif, Kabul, Kandahar and Hirat.

(c)  In Mazari Sharif, a food security meeting took place in the Ministry
of Rural Rehabilitation and Development, with the participation of UN
agencies and NGOs. During the meeting, participants discussed the food
security situation in the northern region and the standardized
methodologies for a nationwide risk and vulnerability assessment. In Jalal
Abad, WFP carried out training on food and nutrition for UN agencies and
NGOs. The training provided participants with information and analytical
skills on nutrition-related issues.



B)  East and Central Africa: (1) DR Congo, (2) Burundi, (3) Eritrea, (4)
Djibouti, (5) Ethiopia

1)  DR Congo

(a)  Persistent fighting and outbreaks of violence are still reported in
the Eastern part of DR Congo in spite of the cease fire agreement signed
in Bujumbura on June 12 between RCD/Goma, the Government of Kinshasa and
its allies RCD/Kis-ML. Quoting the catholic bishop of Butembo, about
350,000 displaced persons are wandering about without assistance in the
forest area near the frontline in Lubero territory. In Bunia, the
multinational force led by France gave an ultimatum to the Hema militia
group UPC to withdraw its forces from the town without any conditionality
or be disarmed. This exercise began on 16 and 17 June. Continued looting
and rapes were reported along the axes in South Kivu. Clashes between RCD
troops and Mai Mai militia have increased the number of IDP's in the
vicinity of Kalemie town in North Katanga. WFP is planning to distribute
food assistance to 5000 households settled in the camps of Makala and
Lumbwe through Caritas, the new implementing partner for IDP operations.

(b)  The official launching of the voluntary repatriation of Angolan
refugees took place on 20 June. Of the 25,000 Angolan refugees in the DRC,
400 made the maiden journey to Angola from Luvo and 269 from Tshimbumbu
site in Katanga province.

(c)  In Ituri district WFP is providing food assistance to malnourished
children and IDPs within the town of Bunia through implementing partner
GAA. Due to bad storage conditions in Solidarités warehouses and rowdiness
in general in Bunia, 24 tons of food have been spoilt and destroyed. From
16 to 22 June, WFP distributed 224 tons of food to 19,244 beneficiaries in
North Kivu province, who were assisted in special feeding programmes
supervised by NGO partners in Goma, Masisi and Rutshuru. 2310
beneficiaries involved in road rehabilitation on the roads
Sake-Masisi-Nyabiondobo in Masisi, Kako-Jomba in Rutshuru and
Moto-Mupenda, Oicha et Anuarité in Goma received 43 tons of food. The
rehabilitation of those roads will contribute to facilitating access to
beneficiaries in nutritional centres and ameliorate food security. In
North Katanga, WFP distributed 126 tons of food to 24,047 beneficiaries,
of which 12,910 were female. Beneficiaries also included malnourished
children and their family members. In South Kivu, 100 tons of food was
distributed to 20,887 beneficiaries in Bukavu, including malnourished
children and their family members, vulnerable groups and Food For Work
participants.


2)  Burundi

(a)  The security situation remained volatile in Kayanza, Ngozi and
Bubanza provinces. From 16 to 22 June fighting was reported in Kayanza and
nearly 9,000 households were displaced from Gahombo and Muhanga communes
of Kayanza province to Busiga commune in Ngozi province. Ambushes were
also reported. In Bubanza province, a car belonging to the humanitarian
NGO CORDAID was ambushed and all the possessions of persons on board as
well as the communication equipment robbed. In Bururi province, two
persons were killed in an ambush on a civilian car. The presence of rebel
fighters was reported to increase in Bubanza, Ruyigi and Cankuzo
provinces. The planned cantonment of FNL rebels was not successful.
Approximately 286 rebels were expected to be cantoned starting 22 June,
but it was reported that the rebel groups refused the current cantonment
sites, claiming that they want to ensure that their dependents are also
looked after.

(b)  During the week, WFP distributed emergency food relief to 8,848
households displaced from the two communes of Kayanza province, following
intense fighting from 19 to 21 June in their hills of origin. Most of the
displaced persons have been hosted in Ngozi province. An emergency
evaluation was conducted on 23 June and the distribution of a 7-days food
emergency package started the next day.

(c)  From 16 to 23 June, WFP distributed 1,259 tons of food including 878
tons of targeted rations to 61,325 persons in Bujumbura Rural, Karusi,
Ngozi, Rutana and Bujumbura Mairie provinces, 86 tons of food to social
centres, 101 tons to Food For Work projects, 101 tons for nutritional and
hospital feeding, 37 tons to refugees and 55 tons to returnees.


3)  Eritrea

(a)  WFP continued to observe a delay in land preparation due to the late
arrival of the rain as well as a shortage of inputs for planting,
especially seeds. Some fields remain unploughed due to the weak condition
of the oxen, due to a lack of fodder and new pasture. In some villages
mortality amongst livestock and other animals is reported as high as 40
percent.

(b)  WFP participated in a mission organized by OCHA for the Deputy
Emergency Relief Co-ordinator, Ms. Carolyn McAskie together with a donor
delegation on 09 and 11 June. The mission, which was supported and
attended by the Ministry of Local Government, Ministry of Agriculture and
Ministry of Health visited Senafe and Tsonora in the region of Debub. They
also visited the Hazemo plains ? previously "the grain basket of Eritrea"
- which by now should be planted and green, but were dry and dusty as a
result of the failed spring rains. The mission met with local government
authorities and visited Mai Wurai IDP camp where WFP supports some 5974
IDPs.

(c)  Overall confirmed pledges for EMOP 10261 amount to USD 15 million (33
percent of the total requirement), which is equivalent to 42,875 tons of
food. A total of USD 12 million (about 23,159 tons of food) representing
26 percent of the total requirement has been resourced for the PRRO. With
this quantity, WFP can cover the food needs of about 900,000 beneficiaries
under its EMOP and 585,700 beneficiaries under its PRRO for only three
months. WFP continues to experience a shortfall of about 169,838 tons of
food and resourcing to meet this shortfall remains a top priority.


4)  Djibouti

(a)  The second repatriation convoy of Somali refugees, comprising a total
of 123 refugees, left Djibouti on 23 June, heading for Hargeisa with 15
families (93 persons) and for Guerissa with 8 families (30 persons). A
total of 249 refugees have been repatriated back to Somaliland under the
second voluntary repatriation phase. A nine-month food package has been
distributed by WFP to all refugees who have been repatriated. The
departure of the third repatriation convoy has been postponed until
September due to harsh weather conditions during the summer. UNHCR expects
5,000 refugees from Ali Addeh camp to repatriate to Somaliland between May
and December 2003.


5)  Ethiopia

(a)  The current number of drought-affected people receiving food
assistance now peaks at 12.6 million in June/July and is expected to
decrease with the start of the harvests from September onwards. However,
part of the population may be in need of continued assistance beyond
August, as has been the case in previous years. The results of the current
Belg assessment mission, expected to be released in mid-July, will help to
identify these persons and estimate their number.

(b)  During the period from February to April, the performance of the
short rains (Belg rains) has been generally good for short-cycle crop
production in most of the northeastern highlands. However, Belg rains were
late in onset and then erratic in Southern Nations, Nationalities and
Peoples Region (SNNPR), where most of the population is dependent on the
Belg crop production. The impact of below average Belg rainfall on
long-cycle crops in the western, normally surplus producing, areas of the
country is being carefully monitored. Main season rains (Kiremt or Meher
rains) have begun in most parts of the country, although there is concern
for certain lowland areas, including parts of Tigray and eastern Oromiya,
where rain has not yet started.

(c)  The main areas of concern continue to be several areas in SNNPR,
mainly parts of Wolayita, Sidama and Dawro districts. In addition, special
attention is being given to the chronic food insecure areas of East Shewa
zone in Oromiya Region, such as Adami Tulu district, where a recent
nutritional survey showed 17.1 percent global acute malnutrition, and
where an NGO is planning to open a second therapeutic feeding centre for
the area. Food distributions have been taking place in this district, but
as in neighbouring SNNPR, the most vulnerable people are not getting
sufficient rations as local officials divide the relief food among a
greater number of people than those assessed as in need of assistance.
Serious conditions continue to be reported from Shinile and Fik zones in
northern Somali Region. In most other parts of the country, covered by
relief operations, distributions have been going smoothly and the
nutritional condition remains stable.

(d)  The recent WFP/UNHCR joint nutrition survey in the refugee camp for
Eritreans, Walahniby in Tigray, indicates improved but still high
malnutrition levels with a global acute malnutrition (GAM) rate at 14
percent. UNHCR, WFP and the Ethiopian Administration for Refugee and
Returnees Affairs also conducted joint nutrition surveys in three Sudanese
camps of Bonga, Dimma and Sherkole. The overall health and nutrition in
Sherkole and Dimma camps is good with GAM rates expressed in Z-scores of
5.5 percent and 8.7 percent respectively. However, Bonga GAM is slightly
higher at 11.2 percent. Recommendations from the joint survey include
strengthening the camp nutrition staff, sanitation improvements and
hygiene training.

(e)  With a recent substantial donation, the cereal food aid requirements
for 2003, as set out in the recently amended Joint Government of
Ethiopia/UN Appeal of December 2002, totalling 1.4 million tons, have been
100 percent covered. Blended food aid needs are 94 percent covered, at
128,000 tons. Total food donations to the relief operation, including
vegetable oil and pulses, amount to 1.55 million tons. Despite some donor
response, WFP still requires additional pledges for its refugee operation,
PRRO 10127 to cover a shortfall of 7,500 tons of cereal until the end of
the year. Unless new contributions are received, a pipeline break will
occur in September, jeopardizing the repatriation of up to 25,000 Somali
refugees and the general ration for Sudanese and Eritrean refugees.



C)  West Africa: (1) Cote d'Ivoire

1)  Cote d'Ivoire

(a)  Feeding the increasing number of Liberian refugees around Tabou is
becoming increasingly difficult. Operations are seriously hampered by the
state of a bridge in Nando, which cannot be crossed safely by vehicle. WFP
made food available to 3,600 people for 15 days, covering 19 to 25 June,
in collaboration with UNHCR and CARITAS. At the UNHCR transit centre in
Tabou, 3,500 people are receiving daily meals from WFP. The total number
of beneficiaries served since the beginning of the exercise is 12,897.
Between 18 and 24 June, WFP dry rations were distributed to 6,267 IDPs in
Man and 7,700 IDPs in Danane, while 400 children in Man received wet
feeding. In Danane food distributions to a total of 20,000 war-affected
people is an ongoing. Distributions have so far gone smoothly, with only a
few cases of malnutrition noted. In response to the critical situation in
Zouan Hounien and Bin Houyé, close to the Liberian border, WFP is
preparing for a general food distribution to IDPs there, as security now
has been declared acceptable. The beneficiary number is estimated to be
6,000 in Zouan Hounien and 15,000 in Bin Houyé. Plans are also underway to
distribute food to 5,000 IDPs in Ganleu, and 6,000 in Teapleu. As of 12
June, a hot ration of rice and vegetables is given to the vulnerable in
each IDP site in Guiglo, for five days a week. 2, 550 children, sick,
elders and pregnant and lactating women currently benefit from the hot
ration. In rural sites in Bouaké distributions to 4,250 IDPs and
vulnerable host families were completed. In Yamoussoukro WFP continues to
distribute food to and monitor the IDPs in the buffer zone. This week,
1,500 IDPs in Bouaflé and 240 IDPs in Zuenoula were assisted. In the
buffer zones of Daloa, a general food distribution began this week,
following the registration of IDPs by Solidarités. 2,319 IDPs in Bonoufla
received two weeks worth of dry rations. Action Contre la Faim (ACF), is
implementing distributions at four supplementary feeding centres and one
therapeutic centre in Duekoue. From 13 to 31 May, 122 moderate and severe
malnourished children were admitted to the centres and received WFP food
assistance.

(b)  The operation is facing immediate shortfalls for oil and pulses. The
food basket distributed to 1,800 refugees had to be modified this week due
to shortage of oil. Consequently the corn-soya blend ration was increased
to 50 grams per person per day and the nutritional value of the basket
distributed currently stands at 1,978 Kcal per day. From July onwards,
there will be an additional pipeline break for cereals, including maize
meal and bulgur wheat, shortly followed in August by breaks for other
commodities such as corn-soya blend and salt.



D)  Southern Africa: (1) Madagascar, (2) Lesotho, (3) Swaziland, (4)
Mozambique, (5) Malawi, (6) Zimbabwe, (7) Zambia, (8) Angola, (9) Namibia

1)  Madagascar

(a)  The food security situation in the country remains alarming. Despite
an increased level of food supply in the local markets, food prices remain
high and therefore inaccessible to the majority of the population. The
seasonal harvest of sweet potatoes is insufficient and maize production is
virtually non-existent. According to a recent health survey undertaken by
Medecins Sans Frontieres, the global malnutrition rate is now severe (18.6
percent) for children 6 months to 5 years old. WFP has resumed Food for
Work distributions in the drought-affected areas of the south following
the arrival of 1,606 tons of maize.


2)  Lesotho

(a)  From 18 to 24 June, WFP and implementing partners distributed 2,017
tons of food to 135,981 beneficiaries through vulnerable group feeding,
mother-child health, HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis (TB) clinics as well as
take-home rations for orphans and vulnerable children.


3)  Swaziland

(a)  The recent FAO/WFP Crop and Food Supply Assessment Mission (CFSAM)
report has highlighted a need for 24,300 tons of food aid between April
2003 and March 2004. The CFSAM found that the country is undergoing a
serious socio-economic crisis due largely to the continuing spread of
HIV/AIDS. Economic access of food for some of the population remains very
difficult, despite a combination of better, however below average,
domestic cereal production and improved commercial import capacity. The
CFSAM estimates that 157,750 people will require food aid for six months
(July to December), and 217,000 people will require further food aid for
three months (January to March). An extremely targeted approach for food
aid is required, focused primarily on mitigating the effect of HIV/AIDS,
and also including direct support to households unable to access available
food and agricultural inputs.

(b)  From 16 to 23 June, approximately 519 tons of WFP food was
distributed to 33,877 beneficiaries.


4)  Mozambique

(a)  The FAO/WFP Crop and Food Supply Assessment Mission report was
released on 20 June. The report indicates an estimated cereal production
of over 1.8 million tons for 2002/03, 2.5 percent above last year's level.
However, in the southern and certain central provinces, prolonged dry
spells and high temperatures resulted in an almost total failure of the
maize crop. Elsewhere, the season was normal in Zambezia (centre) and in
all northern provinces, where a bumper crop has been harvested. Severe
difficulties in marketing surplus production from the north and centre to
the south, due to high transport costs and local municipal taxes, will be
aggravated this year by limited export opportunities to neighbouring
countries. Cereal prices at the end of the marketing year 2002/03 were
below their levels of a year ago. They are expected to remain depressed in
the north but to rise in the south in 2003/04, reflecting surplus and
deficit situations under current marketing conditions. Emergency food aid
requirements are estimated at 156,000 tons for some 949,000
drought-affected and vulnerable people in southern and parts of central
provinces. Most of the food aid will have to be imported, but a portion of
it could be procured locally. Assistance with agricultural inputs for the
next cropping season will also be necessary.

(b)  From 17 to 23 June, WFP distributed 1,565 tons of food in
collaboration with implementing partners. WFP's partners in Inhassoro and
Vilankulos Districts (Inhambane Province) have increased food
distributions to meet the needs of newly identified vulnerable
populations. Initial assessments indicate that food reserves for these
people are nearly exhausted. WFP will undertake additional assessments in
the area.


5)  Malawi

(a)  From 19 to 25 June, WFP distributed 179 tons of food in collaboration
with implementing partners. WFP and implementing partners (IPs) are
finalizing implementation plans for future Post Distribution Monitoring
exercises. Following further discussions with WFP's implementing partners,
Food for Work project proposals have been submitted and are under review.


6)  Zimbabwe

(a)  The joint FAO/WFP Crop and Food Supply Assessment Mission report was
released on 19 June. Key findings indicate that in spite of a higher
agricultural yield, compared with last year, there is a cereal deficit of
1.3 million tons, of which 980,000 is maize. Maize production is estimated
at 803,000 tons, 61 percent higher than last year but 46 percent lower
than in 2000/01. Taking into account anticipated commercial maize imports
of 370,000 tons, there is a food aid requirement of 610,000 tons of maize.
Approximately 47 percent of the country's population, 4.4 million people
in rural areas and 1.1 million people in urban areas, will require food
assistance in 2003/2004. One of the major reasons for the decreased number
of beneficiaries this year results from the 2002 Population Census figure
of 11.6 million people, compared with almost 13 million used in last
year's assessments. Access to cereals remains problematic for many people.
The Government controlled price of maize meal was raised four fold in late
May, making it too expensive for most of the population. According to
health officials, over 4.2 million people, or 36 percent of the
population, are HIV positive. HIV/AIDS is currently claiming over 2,000
lives a week and has created 780,000 orphans. The pandemic is also having
a devastating effect on the farming community, with loss of labour and
skills due to the death of the most productive age group.

(b)  Grain availability has not recorded any significant improvement due
to farmers' unwillingness to sell their stocks to the Grain Marketing
Board (GMB). The little harvest that people have received in parts of
Manicaland seems to be running out as witnessed by the resurgence of
coping strategies such as illegal gold panning and selling firewood in
order to buy food. The non-availability of maize on the markets continues
to worsen food security in most districts of the Midlands Province. The
price of grain has increased 35 percent over the month. The food security
situation is rapidly deteriorating in parts of Mashonaland. In Guruve, Mt.
Darwin, Centenary and Rushinga Districts, most people are eating one meal
per day. In Mashonaland West Province, the GMB has suspended sales to the
public in Hurungwe, Karoi and Magunje areas after it was discovered that
people were re-selling the maize at ten times the GMB price. Post
distribution meetings carried out in Matebeleland Provinces also reveal
that the food security situation remains critical.


7)  Zambia

(a)  From 18 to 23 June, WFP and implementing partners distributed 1,369
tons of food. A total of 154,000 beneficiaries in 600 health centres are
receiving food from WFP.

(b)  WFP has received a proposal from its implementing partner, Project
Concern International, to extend the Urban Intervention programme from 01
July 2003 to 31 March 2004. The programme, which targets orphans,
vulnerable children (OVC) and their caretakers in Lusaka District, is
currently working with 85 implementing partner agencies, mainly community
schools and drop-in centres, and provides a daily meal to 34,639 children
and 18,804 caretaker households. In the extension phase, the intervention
will be increased to reach a target of 60,000 OVCs and 26,000 caretaker
households. During the next phase of the project, WFP proposes to
distribute 1,206 tons of high-energy protein supplement (HEPS) and 120
tons of vegetable oil as a school ration in order to increase school
enrolment and attendance of OVCs and to motivate street children to attend
HIV/AIDS programmes. OVC caretakers and households will receive 11,798
tons of maize and will also be incorporated into the HIV/AIDS education
and awareness programme.


8)  Angola

(a)  In Kuando-Kubango, approximately 7,500 people, formerly from the
Matungo and Capembe Gathering Areas in Mavinga, have been stranded at the
airport of Menongue town for more than 30 days. The people are awaiting
transportation to other municipalities within the province and to other
provinces. While the acquisition of food is not a problem at this time,
poor sanitary conditions in the area are leading to malaria and diarrheic
illnesses, especially amongst children. The government is experiencing
significant transportation difficulties in the refugee relocation
operation, resulting in lengthy delays in onward transportation.

(b)  In Huambo Province, the NGO Halo Trust completed de-mining of the
Chinguar-Chinhama road. Three anti-tank mines were found and an UNFSO is
pending. The flow of people in to Huambo Province from the various
ex-gathering areas in the country continues unabated, with 11,092 people
(1,940 families) registered in the previous week by WFP and implementing
partners. In Bengo Province, WFP and InterSOS carried out a rapid food
needs assessment in Quicabo Commune of over 10,000 people reported at risk
of food insecurity as a consequence of drought in the area. As a result of
the drought, families are setting up houses in other villages located
along the Lifune River. WFP will provide assistance to the population
beginning in July. In Zaire Province, the repatriation operation of
Angolan refugees from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has begun.
Simultaneously, in Luvo, 60 kilometres from Mbanza Congo on the border
between Angola and DRC, the government has started a joint repatriation
exercise with humanitarian agencies. A Memorandum Understanding between
the Government of Angola and UNHCR was signed and 316 persons arrived at
Kiowa Transit Centre for transport to their places of origin. WFP is
undertaking the registration of the returnees and monitoring the provision
of food in the centre.

(c)  The non-food item (NFI) transportation component of WFP's Special
Operation 10149.1 'Logistic Services to the Humanitarian Community'
remains critically under-funded with USD 2,432,768 still required against
a total Special Operation cost of USD 6,877,902. WFP's transportation of
seeds, tools and materials to support the repatriation of Angolan refugees
is crucial at this time.


9)  Namibia

(a)  The Government has imposed a ban on the importation of maize in order
to encourage local purchase during the harvest season. The ban will
continue until the end of July according to the Agronomic Board. The new
directive is affecting the import of 1,400 tons of maize earmarked for
distribution to refugees in Osire and Kassava camps under WFP's new EMOP.
Discussions are currently underway with government counterparts in order
to obtain a waiver for the import of WFP maize. While the Government has
suggested that WFP purchase locally, the price of Namibian maize is more

than double the price of that available in South Africa. Due to a lack of
maize for July, the ban will negatively affect WFP food distributions for
refugees.

(b)  The Namibia Early Warning and Food Information System undertook a
crop assessment mission to the northern cereal producing areas for the
2002/03 cropping season in May. The mission visited Caprivi, Kavango,
Ohangwena, Omusati, Oshana and Oshikoto regions. Findings indicate that
despite good rainfall in November and the first weeks of December 2002,
prolonged dry spells were experienced in most of the communal regions from
mid-December to the first half of January 2003. February and March also
saw below normal rainfall. Apart from dry-spells, the report highlighted
the shortage of seeds particularly in Caprivi and Kavango regions. Quelea
birds (particularly in Omusati region), damage by elephants (most notably
in Kavango), and late flooding in the Caprivi region further exacerbated
the situation. Given the reduced area planted and the low average yield
estimate, the forecasted cereal production together with operating stocks
give a total availability (domestic supply) of 148,700 tons for the
2003/04 marketing year against the national cereal food requirement of
288,400 tons, resulting in a shortfall of 139,700 tons. As commercial
millers plan to import approximately 116,400 tons, the shortfall should be
fully covered through additional commercial imports.

(c)  The distribution of WFP food for the flood-affected people in the
Caprivi region started on 17 June and will continue until the first week
of July. A total of 12,000 people in 22 villages in Kabbe Constituency
will receive a two month ration while a third month ration will be
provided in July/August as per the approved IRA-EMOP. Food delivery has
been arranged by the Government of Namibia and delivered by helicopter and
boat where necessary. The water is currently receding and most areas are
now accessible by road. WFP is present in the region and monitoring food
distributions along with the Namibian Emergency Management Unit.



E)  Asia: (1) DPR Korea

1)  DPR Korea

(a)  There has been abundant rainfall reported in most provinces. Though
the rain is good for the transplantation of rice and maize crops, it has
hampered and damaged early crop harvesting of wheat, barley and potato
crops in some areas. Reports of the early crop harvest have generally been
positive and comparable to last year. Farmers are reportedly taking
measures to protect the maize crops from expected hailstorms and typhoons
during the rainy season. These consist of binding maize stems with sticks
in order to strengthen their resistance and reduce the impact of
unfavourable weather.

(b)  Assessments by WFP in Kowon County, South Hamgyong, indicated that
parts of roads and railway tracks were washed away by heavy rains on 15
June, while 125 houses were damaged and 275 families became homeless. Upon
request from the authorities, WFP will provide 120 tons of cereals to
Kowan county and 102 tons to Rakwon County under the Food For Work scheme,
for rehabilitation of roads, bridges, culverts and stone lines, as well as
an additional 27 tons of cereals to the affected families in these two
counties.

(c)  Almost 3 million beneficiaries will not receive cereal distributions
in the month of July due to the delay in the arrival of the recent 100,000
tons maize contribution. This distribution gap will affect children in
nurseries, kindergartens and primary schools, pregnant and nursing women,
the elderly and caregivers in child institutions in most provinces.
Children in orphanages and paediatric hospitals across the country will,
however, be covered during July. The second 50 percent instalments for
some Food For Work projects completed in the spring will also be delayed.
Approximately 4 million beneficiaries are targeted under the vulnerable
group feeding activities under WFP's EMOP for 2003.

(d)  Cash contributions of USD 15,000 and USD 200,000 have been
respectively received and confirmed. These new funds will mainly be used
for establishing strategic warehouses at the 3 ports of Nampo, Hungnam and
Chongjin to store expected shipments from August onwards. Pipeline
shortfalls of about 74,000 tons are projected for the remainder of the
year . Expected arrivals include 100,000 tons of maize, 11,000 tons of
rice and 40,500 tons of wheat. A further 58,000 tons of cereals, 5,500
tons of pulses, 5,000 tons of corn-soya milk, 3,000 tons of sugar and
2,500 tons of oil are required to avoid breaks in the food pipeline.



F)  Latin America and the Caribbean: (1) Colombia, (2) Ecuador, (3)
Guatemala, (4) Honduras

1)  Colombia

(a)  WFP released the, "Vulnerability Analysis of Food Insecurity among
People Displaced by Violence in Colombia", which was conducted between
December 2002 and April 2003. The WFP study finds that eighty percent of
Colombians displaced by violence live in extreme poverty and do not have
access to sufficient nutritional foods. The readily available foods are
often low in calories and lack important micro-nutrients and this is
taking its toll on the overall health of displaced persons. Unable to find
permanent work and a steady income, these displaced families do not have
the means to improve their diets over time and pull themselves out of this
downward spiral of poverty. The WFP findings are to serve civil society,
Government and the international community in targeting their programmes
and budgets to nutritional interventions among the displaced population


2)  Ecuador

(a)  On 22 June, seism and a few emission tremors were registered at the
Tungurahua Volcano. The volcano remains in strong activity and even though
the visibility was poor, the seismic signals registered reveal almost
permanent emissions. The Civil Defence has declared Yellow Alert in the
Baños County and Orange Alert for the rest of population and sectors
located within the risk zone. A total of 916 families were affected by an
ash fall. Assistance is also required for livestock. The International
Cooperation and a local embassy donated 3000 masks and 916 food rations.
Seismic activity remains low at the Guagua Pichincha Volcano, although, on
22 June, a few hydrothermal tremors were detected. On the same day, it was
possible to observe 20 meters high fumaroles over the summit of 1660. On
19 June, a vapour column reaching 300 meters of altitude was observed at
the Reventador Volcano. On 20 June, rains swelled the Reventador and
Montana rivers and on 22 June, the road near the Reventador River was cut
off due to the swelling of the river.

(b)  Heavy rains in April caused various earth slides, which disturbed
provincial commercial traffic. In June rains were stronger yet, and caused
rivers to overflow, thus damaging crops and houses of the indigenous
populations living along the banks of the Pastaza, Bobonaza, Arajuno, Oso,
Curaray, Puyo Rivers.


3)  Guatemala

(a)  Tremors caused by the activation of the fault-line of "Frutal"
started last week and continued to shake Guatemala this week. The National
Institute of Seismology, Meteorology, and Hydrology (INSIVUMEH) registered
a total of 29 tremors between 16 and 18 June, with magnitudes ranging from
2.0 to 3.7 on the Richter scale. INSIVUMEH considered these tremors normal
and they are expected to continue for the next two weeks. No injuries or
damage was reported.

(b)  There were press reports of light damage to pea, marrow and green
bean crops in the department of Chimaltenango brought about by heavy
rains. Technical officers of the Department of Agriculture have expressed
concern over the effects of the rainy season and forecast few but heavy
downpours of rain. In the municipality of Ocós, San Marcos, it was
reported that 24 families lost their homes due to the overflowing of the
Naranjo River banks. On 18 June 03, access to the town of San Juan
Ostuncalco, Quetzaltenango, was reportedly obstructed by a landslide on
the road to San Marcos. Another landslide affected the road between Zunil
and Quetzaltenango, according to press reports. The frequency of
landslides is increasing due to the rainy season. Due to the
above-mentioned tremors and heavy rains, the authorities have declared
yellow alert. WFP continues to monitor the situation through media
reports, information from the National Institute of Seismology,
Vulcanology, Meteorology and Hydrology, and CONRED (Coordinadora Nacional
para la Reducción de Desastres).


4)  Honduras

(a)  The Committee for Permanent Contingency (COPECO) has reported serious
damages caused by heavy rains, mainly in the central, south, and east
areas of the country involving 945 victims, 1,000 people with no access to
communication, 17 destroyed houses, 207 damaged houses, and 50 damaged
businesses in seven departments. The National Meteorological Service (SMN)
forecasts more rain and estimates that creeks and rivers are likely to
overflow. In San Lorenzo, Department of De Valle, 25 persons were
evacuated. COPECO requested WFP to provide food aid assistance to 143
persons in five affected communities for a period of six days, totalling
2,145 tons of maize, beans, and oil, which will be distributed by COPECO
staff. WFP and COPECO visited the areas most affected by the floods.

(b)  In the Department of Santa Barbara (west zone), WFP distributed
138,614 tablets against parasites to 69,307 children and in the
municipality of Las Vegas, tablets will be distributed to 1,200 children.
The Ministry of Heath and WFP provided beneficiaries with guidance and
instructions on the use of this medication and on its side effects.

(c)  WFP signed a project agreement involving the Ministry of Health, the
National Association of Persons Living with HIV/AIDS in Honduras
(Asociacion Nacional de Personas Viviendo con VIH/SIDA en Honduras), the
National AIDS Forum (Foro Nacional de SIDA), the Joint United Nations
Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), and CARE International in Honduras. The
name of this project is "Alianzas Inter-Institucionales para el
Mejoramiento Alimentario y Nutricional de las Personas Viviendo con
VIH/SIDA" and the main objective is to 'protect, preserve, and improve the
health and economic condition of the persons, families, and homes severely
affected by HIV/AIDS". The initial pilot phase of 15 months will benefit
300 HIV/AIDS affected families (2000 persons) in the five worst hit
municipalities of San Pedro Sula, Villanueva, El Progreso, La Lima, and
Distrito Central (Tegucigalpa).



G)  Eastern Europe and the Caucasus: (1) Georgia

1)  Georgia

(a)  The Regional Field Security Coordinator's Office (RFSCO) carried out
a Threat Assessment Mission to Samegrelo and Upper Svaneti regions on 04
and 05 June and issued operational guidelines for those regions. On 17
June a jubilee concert attended by the President of Georgia, the State
Minister and other officials was held to celebrate the famous Georgian
bass singer Paata Burchuladze, who in his speech supported WFP's
operations in Georgia.

(b)  During the first weeks of June a total of 395 tons of food aid was
distributed. 267 tons of mixed commodities, covering June to August, was
delivered to 8,300 persons through soup kitchens and institutions under
the Ministry of Heath, Labour and Social Welfare, while 128 tons of food
was distributed to 1,770 Food For Work participants covering 38,960
workdays accomplished. In order to use up the balances of food
commodities, PRRO 6122.01 was extended until 30 June.


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

(End WFP Emergency Report No 26).


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