World Food Programme Emergency Report 2004
Issued Weekly by the United Nations World Food Programme
Report No. 46 of 12 November


(A) Highlights
(B) Middle East, Central Asia and Eastern Europe: (1) Afghanistan,
     (2) Iraq
(C) East and Central Africa: (1) Burundi, (2) DR Congo,
     (3) Djibouti, (4) Eritrea, (5) Ethiopia, (6) RoC, (7) Rwanda,
     (8) Somalia, (9) Sudan, (10) Tanzania. (11) Uganda

(D) West Africa: (1) Chad, (2) Cote d'Ivoire, (3) Liberia
(E) Southern Africa: (1) Regional, (2) Lesotho, (3) Madagascar,
     (4) Malawi, (5) Mozambique, (6) Namibia, (7) Swaziland, (8) Zambia,
     (9) Zimbabwe
(F) Asia: (1) Bangladesh, (2) DPR Korea
(G) Latin America and the Caribbean: (1) Bolivia, (2) Colombia, (3) Cuba,
     (4) Guatemala, (5) Haiti, (6) Nicaragua.


>From David Kaatrud, Director of the Analysis, Assessment and Preparedness
Service (ODA).  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 (ODAP).  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
Brenda.Barton@wfp.org, telephone +39 06 6513 2602. The address of WFP is
Via Cesare Giulio Viola 68, Parco dei Medici, 00148 Rome, Italy.


A)  Highlights

- A heightening of the conflict in Cote d'Ivoire continues to severely
affect humanitarian interventions throughout the country. While UN forces
are putting in place plans to evacuate UN non-essential civilian staff,
WFP has been forced to temporarily suspended most of its activities.
However, distributions in wfp towns in the south are ongoing.

- Recent assessment in Djibouti estimates that 11,000 people are in need
of emergency assistance.

- Increased insecurity continued undermining WFP's ability to effectively
operate inside the three Darfur states


B)  Middle East, Central Asia and Eastern Europe: (1) Afghanistan,
(2) Iraq

1)  Afghanistan

(a)  The general security situation in Afghanistan remained relatively
calm, except for a number of incidents, which occurred mainly in the
Eastern region. The number of security incidents in the South, South East
and East, which have notably been prone to terrorist attacks, showed a
marked decrease over the week.

(b)  Information received concerning the infiltration of insurgents to
conduct terrorist attacks against the International Security Assistance
Force (ISAF) and international compounds in Kabul, led UN security to
undertake necessary measures to mitigate the threat.

(c)  The whereabouts of the three abducted UN electoral workers remains
unknown. Negotiations for their release are going on in liaison with the
host Government and in close contact with UN headquarters.

(d)  From 4 to 10 November, over 358,135 beneficiaries received about
2,900 tons of food.

(e)  After the successful implementation of the first-phase of deworming
campaign in August, treating 4.5 million schoolchildren throughout the
country, a second phase was launched in November. The Ministry of Health,
the Ministry of Education, UNICEF, WHO and WFP are closely collaborating
in this initiative which is intended to improve physical and intellectual
growth of the schoolchildren, to reduce morbidity among them, and to
enhance effectiveness of school feeding activities. The second phase
targets primary school age population in 14 main urban centres. In Mazari
Sharif 139,000 children were treated on 6 November, concluding the second
phase of the campaign there.

(f)  HAO in Hirat met with Mr. Saddiqui, Hirat's Director of the Rural
Rehabilitation Department (RRD), to discuss ways to enhance RRD's
monitoring capacity. A proposal for training RRD staff from Hirat and
other provinces in monitoring is being finalized. The training will be
organized by WFP and is scheduled between 22 and 24 November.


2)  Iraq

(a)  The Iraqi Interim Government declared a 60 day state of emergency in
Iraq prior to a major offensive launched by the Multinational Force and
Iraqi forces in Falluja. The increase in hostilities has led to major
outpouring of IDPs from the city. The total population of Falluja is
estimated at 300,000 persons. Of these, approximately 250,000 are
estimated by UNAMI, the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq
(UNAMI), to be evacuating the city.

(b)  The Public Distribution System (PDS) is the regular source of food
rations for people in Iraq, though the ability of the PDS to respond to
the current crisis in Falluja is a concern. IDPs are cut off from food
stocks in Falluja as the city has been sealed off. In addition, the
Ministry of Transport's capacity to transport the food out of Falluja to
IDP locations is uncertain. Furthermore, it is unclear whether the ration
card system is flexible enough to respond to large-scale displacement. WFP
continues to monitor the situation



C)  East and Central Africa: (1) Burundi, (2) DR Congo, (3) Djibouti, (4)
Eritrea, (5) Ethiopia, (6) RoC, (7) Rwanda, (8) Somalia, (9) Sudan, (10)
Tanzania. (11) Uganda

1)  Burundi

(a)  The number of returnees from Tanzania has reduced during the last few
weeks. Last week, 457 returnees from Tanzania arrived through transit
points at the border provinces of Muyinga, Ruyigi and Makamba. UNHCR
estimates that around 2,000 returnees will be returning per month under
current circumstances.

(b)  Alarming statistics about the level of crime in Burundi were released
by the President. Some 300 assassinations, 72 ambushes, 31 car-jackings
and car thefts and some 460 other armed robberies have been reported over
the past three months. UN Operations in Burundi (UNOB) added that six to
ten people are killed daily due to banditry. The President requested for
exemplary punishment of armed bandits caught in the act. Security
personnel have been urged to increase efforts to fight rising crime. UNOB
and WFP have condemned acts of pressure and extortion of food from WFP
beneficiaries in Bujumbura Rural province.

(c)  The price of fuel has risen by 10 percent on the local market and
will slightly affect WFP operations. Prices of other basic commodities and
services, including food, are also likely to increase.

(d)  Between 1 and 7 November, WFP distributed close to 1,000 tons of food
aid to approximately 147,000 beneficiaries through different programme
activities. WFP also provided food to over 55,000 persons in Kirundo
province, including families returning from Rwanda where they had fled in
September and October following rumours threatening their security.

(e)  The 457 returnees coming from Tanzania received a three-month return
package provided by WFP. A total of 24 tons of food aid was distributed in
collaboration with German Technical Cooperation (GTZ) and UNHCR.  The
returnees, who had to spend the night at Nyabitare transit site in Ruyigi
province before proceeding to their communes, were provided cooked food
rations as well.

(f)  WFP received some 1,400 tons of food during the week but still faces
maize shortfalls.  Shortfalls of other commodities are also expected in
the coming months. As a result, WFP is using commodity substitution to
cover the gaps and to ensure planned distributions.


2)  D.R. Congo

(a)  Over 4,000 people were reportedly displaced to Minova (North Kivu
province) and environs, to escape violent confrontations occurring in
areas bordering South Kivu province. Opposing factions within the army of
the transitional Government were said to be the cause of the
confrontations. Rutshuru, Masisi and Walikale territories remained highly
insecure. In the Ituri district, insecurity continued to grow. Several
incidents were reported including looting in Kandroma, the rape of a
female in the internally displaced persons (IDPs) camp near Bunia airport
and hijackings of civilian cars on the Bunia-Komanda axis.

(b)  The main highlights of WFP activities during last week were: i) the
release of approximately 180 tons of food to feed some 19,500 people,
mainly vulnerable groups. This activity was coordinated from Goma, North
Kivu province ii) The completion of food distributions (a total of 43
tons) to almost 3,500 Angolan refugees in the Bandundu province. The
Angolan refugees in the Bandundu province are a residual caseload, who
cannot yet return home due to the ongoing insecure situation, the
resumption of the rainy season and the school period.

(c)  In Kisangani, the unloading of some 870 tons of food newly arrived by
barge from Kinshasa has not yet commenced. The delay is due to prolonged
power cuts in the town.


3)  Djibouti

(a)  Due to the persistence of drought and the probable food deficit in
the Northwest Pastoral and Southeast Pastoral sub-zones caused by abnormal
rainfall during Karan/Karma (the main rainy season this year), the
Minister of Interior launched a joint UN Agencies and Djibouti Government
mission, following a meeting held on 25 October. The objective of the
joint mission carried out in the five districts from 27 October to 4
November, was to assess the impact of the failed rainfall on the global
food security of the affected population and to evaluate their emergency
needs.

(b)  Based on a WFP VAM Consultant's report released just after the field
trip and on the joint mission findings, potential food security hazards
affecting both zones are related to a decrease in milk and butter
production, a decline in animal condition and sale price, and a gradual
increase in staple foodstuff. The mission estimates that approximately
11,000 people are currently in need of emergency assistance; among them
some 70 families settled at Bahour (Damerjoog) are in urgent need of food
aid intervention.

(c)  The mission concluded that a six-month food assistance between
November 2004 and April 2005 will be necessary in order to ensure
pastoralists maintain present herd sizes by preventing further herd
depletion due to sales for purchase of food.

(d)  WFP estimates food requirements for the next six months at 604 tons
of mixed commodities, including 421 tons of cereals, 126 tons of pulses,
35 tons of vegetable oil and 22 tons of sugar to cover the needs of the
2,270 families identified in the most severely drought affected zones.
Based on current in-country food stocks and the estimated food requirement
to support the ongoing voluntary repatriation of refugees, WFP will not be
in the position to fully cover the drought affected population needs,
unless reduced rations are provided and other bilateral donors are called
for immediate intervention. WFP is waiting for the Government of
Djibouti's (GoD) official announcement after the joint mission findings,
to decide whether or not to submit a proposal for an emergency response.


4)  Eritrea

(a)  Fuel still remains in short supply. WFP sub offices are close to
running out of diesel, and thus, monitoring visits are being reduced or
stopped. WFP has written to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to request the
balance of its fuel requirements for November. This is particularly
essential for assisting the Crop and Food Security Assessment Mission that
is scheduled to arrive on 15 November.

(b)  This Crop and Food Security Assessment Mission will be fielded from
15 November to 3 December4. A team consisting of FAO and WFP experts as
well as national and international consultants, will assess the harvest
expected from national production. Their work will be observed closely by
officials from the Ministry of Agriculture and representatives from the
EU, USAID and FEWS Net.

(c)  According to verbal information from the Ministry of Agriculture in
Gash Barka, this year's harvest will be significantly lower than last
year's. Sorghum and pearl millet are wilting, and farmers have started to
feed the plants to the animals, as fodder is one of the main concerns in
the western region of Eritrea. Prices for livestock are declining, since
farmers are selling their animals before they get emaciated.

(d)  On 5 November 2004, a donation of 61,200 tons of wheat was officially
handed over to Eritrea. About 38,500 tons of this consignment is in
support of WFP's emergency operation (EMOP), and another 22,700 tons was
donated to the Eritrean Grain Board for monetization. This is the single
largest donation of wheat since Eritrea's independence in 1991.The
ceremony took place in the presence of the Director of the Eritrean Grain
Board, the donor's Embassy, officials from the Eritrean government and of
WFP.

(e)  The resourcing situation for both the PRRO and the EMOP has remained
unchanged. As of 10 November 77 percent of the total resource requirements
for the EMOP operation are covered. For the PRRO, WFP mobilised food
commodities equaling about 50 percent of the planned food requirements.


5)  Ethiopia

(a)  In order to evaluate the food supply prospects for 2005, following
the main Meher rainy season, as well as to identify the number of people
in need of food assistance, several assessment missions are currently
ongoing in the country.

(b)  The yearly joint FAO/WFP Crop and Food Supply Assessment Mission for
Ethiopia is taking place from 10-28 November 2004, and six different teams
covering all regions and zones of the country are currently deployed to
the field. The main objectives of this mission are to estimate the crop
production following the Meher season, to assess the overall food supply
situation and estimate grain import requirements for the 2005 marketing
year.

(c)  Simultaneously, 23 teams, composed of 13 different partner agencies,
including the government's Disaster Prevention and Preparedness Commission
(DPPC), WFP Ethiopia, USAID, FEWS-Net and various NGOs, were deployed to
the field on 6 November for the 2004 National Multi-agency Meher and
Pastoral Area Emergency Needs Assessment. The purpose of this mission is
to assess the 2005 food security situation in both crop growing areas and
pastoral regions/zones of the country. The mission will also identify the
number of people who will require relief food assistance in 2005 in
addition to the 5-6 million chronically food insecure expected to be
assisted under the Government's Safety Net programs. The Meher assessment
will be ongoing until 26 November.

(d)  Finally, WFP Ethiopia is participating in a joint UN/Government
mission being undertaken in resettlement areas of Oromia region from 9-26
November 2004. The mission, composed of four teams, will cover seven
different zones of the region and will examine the overall situation in
the resettlement sites with special emphasis on issues of humanitarian
concern. The food security situation will be closely assessed by the WFP
members of the mission.

(e)  While emergency needs are being assessed by the various missions
mentioned above, a number of areas remain under close monitoring for
potential deteriorating food security conditions. Such areas include main
crop growing zones of Southern, Central and Eastern Tigray region, lowland
parts of North Wollo and parts of South Wollo in Amhara region, lowland
part of East and West Hararge, lowlands of Bale and all parts of Borena in
Oromia region, and the lowland parts of South Omo, Zale and Gofa in
Southern Nations, Nationalities and Peoples Region (SNNPR). The food
security prospects for Somali region remain mixed with the situation in
some zones likely to deteriorate, while in other zones it is expected to
improve. Zones of concern remain Gashamo in Dagahbur zone, Bokh, Galadi
and parts of Danot districts in Warder zone, Duhun district in Fik zone,
E.lmey and Danan in Gode zone, W.lmey in Afder zone, and parts of Aware,
Dagahbur and Garbo district. Areas where the food security situation is
expected to improve shortly include Liban, Afder, most of Korahe and parts
of Fik and Gode zones, which have so far received medium to good rains.


6)  Republic of Congo (RoC)

(a)  Following repeated attacks on the train, which led to the suspension
of the Railway traffic, Government authorities have reaffirmed their
determination to maintain peace in the affected area. On 22 October, a
press release announced the resumption of the railway traffic. Passenger
and cargo trains are escorted by the military as announced by the
Government. Meanwhile, the Government is trying to accelerate the
Disarmament, Demobilisation and Reintegration operation initiated in March
2004, which according to the local press may only be a partial solution to
the insecurity in the Pool region.

(b)  A joint Logistics and Programme Assessment Mission was carried out
from 19 to 23 October in Plateaux, Cuvette and North Pool regions. The
objective of the mission was to assess the conditions before resumption of
the school feeding programme, since the majority of schools have reopened.
A total of 55 schools were visited, among which 31 are ready to restart
school canteens; 24 were unable to restart due to the deterioration of the
roads, cooking structures or lack of teachers.


7)  Rwanda

(a)  The total number of refugees in the country now stands at almost
42,590.

(b)  There has not been any refugee influx at Kiziba Camp, Kibuye
Province, and the caseload remains at 16,680 refugees. In Nyagatare Camp
in Cyangugu Province, the number of Congolese refugees has increased to
3,260, although there have not been any new arrivals. This is due to
refugees who were already in town but registered later.

(c)  In Kigeme Camp, Gikongoro Province, the number of refugees has
decreased to about 1,000, since 169 refugees spontaneously returned to
Burundi, out of the 700 previously registered for organized repatriation
under UNHCR. Organized repatriation did not take place during the
reporting period.  In Gikonko Camp, Butare Province, 567 refugees were
repatriated to Burundi and the current figures stands at 579. This shows
that there were 73 new arrivals in relation to the previously reported
1,073 refugees at Gikonko.

(d)  New arrivals from DRC comprising 1,675 refugees were reported at
Gihembe Camp, in Byumba Province. Thus, the current caseload is 19,982
refugees. There have not been any new arrivals at Ngenda Camp, Kigali ?
Ngali Province, and the number stands at 1,086 refugees.


8)  Somalia

(a)  The autonomous state of Puntland in the north experienced heavy rains
that have resulted the death of up to 16 people in these areas and in
massive livestock deaths, especially in Nugal Valley, where several
districts were affected. In some areas, up to thousands of healthy shoats
and hundreds of donkeys and horses have died overnight and the communities
do not know the causes of these deaths. Plans of veterinary interventions
from some NGOs are underway.

(b)  The rains in Puntland region have further caused floods in the low
lands especially, in Dangoroyo and Sinu-Jiff areas, that led to food
insecurity in some communities. WFP Somalia has assisted these affected
populations with 104 tons of assorted food commodities. Further, WFP hopes
to participate in an upcoming inter-agency assessment in the area to
investigate the real causes of livestock deaths as well as human mortality
to determine the appreciated food intervention.

(c)  Heavy rains also fell over parts of southern Somalia especially in
Hiran, Juba Valley, Bay and Bakol further hampering humanitarian access in
these already food insecure areas. Floods along Juba valley and adjacent
areas have particularly affected Buale, Jilib and Jamame districts,
damaging crops that were planted early, flooding farms and roads becoming
impassable.

(d)  Despite the heavy rains in most parts of Somalia which resulted in
floods, WFP Somalia continued its emergency relief distributions in the
northwest and northeast of up to 2,000 tons of assorted food commodities
reaching 200,000 beneficiaries.  Pastoralists of these areas were heavily
affected by the aftermath of the drought that lasted for more than three
years and are now facing floods and further massive livestock loses due to
diseases.


9)  Sudan

(a)  Widespread insecurity across the Darfurs continues with reports of
increased tensions between the Government of Sudan (GoS) and the Sudan
Liberation Army (SLA) and between Arab tribes and SLA. The increased
insecurity has seriously undermined WFP's ability to effectively operate
inside the three states of Darfur. WFP is exploring different alternatives
to find ways to ensure the safe delivery of food amidst the increasingly
unpredictable conditions in the Darfurs.

(b)  The UN Humanitarian Coordinator has expressed concerns to the GoS
regarding the involuntary relocation of internally displaced persons
(IDPs) in South Darfur. The involuntary relocation is in 'direct
contravention' of commitments made by the GoS under the joint communique
between the UN Secretary-General and the GoS as well as the Memorandum of
Understanding (MOU) signed between the GoS and International Organisation
of Migration (IOM). IDPs from Al-Geer location were relocated to Al Sureif
location on 2 November. Reports that IDPs in Otash and Kalma camps are
increasingly being pressured to move out were also received.

(c)  WFP assisted some 1.16 million beneficiaries in October, reaching 73
percent of its 1.6 million target. Regarding the past week, as of 8
November, some 8,700 tons of food have been dispatched by road, rail and
air from hubs in Khartoum and El Obeid to the Darfur state capitals. Some
4,700 tons of food were dispatched to Cooperating Partners to support an
estimated 269,000 beneficiaries (based on dispatches) with a balanced and
complete food basket in November.  Access to IDP locations remains limited
with the closure of roads as a result of insecurity. In the meantime,
warehouses in the state capitals are reaching maximum capacity with
incoming stocks.

(d)  WFP's barge operation in Upper Nile was completed. The Zeraf corridor
barge operation was conducted from 20 to 31 October, following assessments
in coordination with concerned authorities on the ground. The mission
served eleven locations along the river namely, Warjok, Kaldak, Atar,
Dial, Dour, New Fanjak, Bichukhuol, Kuarkhan, Pakan, Wichmon and Tonga. No
major security incidents linked to the operation were reported.  A total
of 470 tons of mixed food commodities were distributed to some 27,000
beneficiaries in the eleven locations along the corridor. Reports on
actual distribution figures are being finalized.

(e)  A joint FAO/WFP Crop and Food Supply Assessment Mission is scheduled
to visit the country from 17 November to 9 December. The Mission's
objective is to assess the outcome of the 2004 main cropping season and
estimate production and import requirements in 2005, including food aid
needs. The Mission will consult with national authorities and relevant UN
and other agencies in Khartoum to collect necessary information before
undertaking field trips to areas affected by conflict, particularly
greater Darfur and areas affected by poor seasonal rains. The visit also
includes important crop production areas in the country.

(f)  Programming and coordination issues between the Northern and Southern
Sectors of Sudan are currently taking place as part of the preparation and
finalization of the next phase of the Operation Lifeline Sudan (OLS) EMOP
10048.03. The draft project document is scheduled to be signed by WFP's
Executive Director on 15 December.

(g)  Confirmed contributions received to date against the EMOP 100339.0,
Food Assistance to Population affected by War in Greater Darfur, amount to
USD 167,700,208, representing 82 percent of the total requirement. In
order to overcome the shortfall in cereals expected in January due to late
arrivals, WFP is considering sending a portion of this commodity earlier.

(h)  EMOP 10048.02, Food Assistance to Population Affected by War and
Drought, as well as the supporting Special Operation 10368.0, Emergency
Road Repair and Mine Clearance of Key Transport Routes in Sudan in support
of EMOP 10048.02, also urgently require donor contributions to cover
shortfalls. The total contributions received against EMOP 10048.02 amount
to USD 239,512,276 with a funding shortfall of 34 percent against
operational requirements and 25 percent in terms of tonnages. The Special
Operation, which received USD 10,316,329 up to date, faces a funding
shortfall of about 68 percent.


10)  Tanzania

(a)  Only 1,358 Burundian refugees repatriated in October as compared to a
monthly average of 8,652 from January to September 2004. The primary
reason for the decline in repatriation appears to be the postponement of
the Burundian elections (originally due in October 2004) until 2005. Many
refugees plan to remain in Tanzania until elections have been held.

(b)  Members of the Defence and Security Committee of the Tanzanian
National Assembly made a visit to refugee camps in Kibondo and Kasulu to
assess the security situation and the impact of refugee presence in the
districts

(c)  The annual Joint Assessment Mission (JAM) was conducted in all
refugee camps in western Tanzania. Participants included representatives
of WFP, UNHCR, Ministry of Home Affairs, ECHO and USAID. The mission made
several recommendations, which have been presented to Government and
donors, including relaxation of legal restrictions on refugee movement,
re-opening of refugee markets and an increase in the general distribution
ration.

(d)  Lack of donor contributions and the late arrival of a major confirmed
contribution have forced WFP to reduce with 25 percent the maize rations
in the Tanzania component of the regional PRRO, Food Aid for Relief and
Recovery in the Great Lakes Region. The Tanzania component faces pipeline
breaks in several commodities from February 2005. Donors have been alerted
and a press release circulated internationally.


11)  Uganda

(a)  The protracted Lord's Resistance Army (LRA) insurgency in the
northern Acholi and Lango regions (Gulu, Kitgum, Pader and Lira) continues
to take its toll on the population in the four districts. Over 1.4 million
displaced persons, forced to seek shelter in over 100 congested camps,
with limited social services, continue to depend on WFP food assistance
for survival.

(b)  The security situation in Gulu, Kitgum, Pader and Lira districts
remained relatively stable. However, rebel ambushes and attacks on
civilians outside of IDP camps continued. In a new development, the rebel
Lord's Resistance Army (LRA) has expressed willingness to hold dialogue
with the Government of Uganda, and has proposed that talks to end 18 years
of civil conflict in northern Uganda be held outside the country. Previous
efforts to bring the rebels to round table talks with the Government,
which were led mainly by religious leaders in northern Uganda (the Acholi
Religious Leaders Peace Initiative), yielded no results. However, to date
no talks have been scheduled.

(c)  WFP has completed verification of IDPs in all 25 rural camps in Lira
district, confirming that most IDPs previously residing in makeshift camps
in the municipality, have now settled closer to their homes. The new rural
IDP population in Lira now stands at about 279,090 people, up from some
215,360 in October.

(d)  WFP food distribution continues to reach over 1.4 million displaced
persons, 150,000 refugees and other vulnerable persons. During the period
1 to 5 November, close to 4,000 tons of WFP relief food assistance were
distributed to some 390,000 persons including IDPs, refugees, school
children and other vulnerable persons.

(e)  Based on the recommendations of a rapid Emergency Food Needs
Assessment (EFNA) conducted in Adjumani, Moyo and Yumbe districts in
September following a prolonged dry spell that affected the West Nihle
region during May-August 2004, WFP provided some 1,400 tons of food
assistance to 146,000 persons.

(f)  Based on the recommendations of an assessment of the impact resulting
from a hailstorm that destroyed crops in four parishes in Kumi district in
early October, WFP will provide one-off relief assistance for 2,263
people.

(g)  A delegation from the German Government visited a food distribution
activity at Rhino Camp Refugee Settlement on 3 November.

(h)  WFP faces a shortfall of over 21,540 tons of food commodities (8,839
tons cereals, 3,439 tons pulses, 5,453 tons fortified blended foods, 64
tons vegetable oil and 17 tons sugar) representing a funding gap of USD 10
million, required to maintain the food pipeline necessary to continue
providing relief assistance to IDPs and refugees through April next year.



D)  West Africa Region: (1) Chad (2) Cote d'Ivoire (3) Liberia

1)  Chad

(a)  The situation in Chad was still tense during the past week. The
military in Adre allegedly conducted house-to-house searches for weapons.
Residences of national and international employees working for UN and NGOs
were also searched.  Strikes by teachers and truck drivers reportedly took
place to protest against late payments and non-respect of commitments.
Difficulties of communication were reported for Eastern Chad as
authorities confiscated satellite phones from some UN agencies and NGOs,
like UNHCR, UNOPS and CARE, following a presidential decree issued last
week. Reportedly, afterwards the order was reviewed to allow the use of
satellite phones by the humanitarian community.

(b)  UNHCR reported an unchanged number of 195,507 registered refugees in
the camps. Some 2,000 people arrived in the Adre region following recent
clashes/security incidents in Sudan. Chad's National Commission for
Refugees' Reinsertion (CNAR) reported another 280 spontaneous refugees
located in Goz Beida. In the northern camps growing violence was reported
due to alcohol consumption. Authorities are reportedly taking action on
this matter. Massive collection of firewood by the refugees is increasing
tension in and around Iriba.

(c)  A new 18-month EMOP for the assistance of Sudanese refugees and local
host communities, as recommended by the recent Joint Assessment Mission
(JAM), is being prepared. Also based on recommendations by the JAM, a
Rapid Emergency Food Needs Assessment Mission is set to be launched in
mid-November. The team will assess the needs of host populations whose
living conditions have dramatically deteriorated due to the sharing of
their limited resources with refugees. This will allow WFP to provide
necessary assistance to the most affected host communities. The mission
will cover the regions of Borkou, Ennedi, Tibesti, Wadi Fira and Ouddai.

(d)  The first cycle of distributions for the month of November under EMOP
10327.0, Emergency Assistance to Sudanese Refugees in Eastern Chad, has
commenced in Bredging, Treguine and Farachana camps and is ongoing in the
other camps. WFP distributed a total of about 450 tons of food to over
53,465 beneficiaries from 5 to 11 November. This comprises of 400 tons for
some 42,765 refugees under General Food Distribution activities, and over
47 tons to over 10,700 beneficiaries under the Blanket Supplementary
Feeding programme.

(e)  First convoys carrying some 1,200 tons of sorghum have arrived from
Nigeria. Over 340 tons of sugar have crossed the Chad-Libyan border and
are expected to arrive in Abeche next week. Given expected pipeline breaks
in pulses and corn-soya blend (CSB), WFP will not be able to provide full
rations for the November distribution cycle. WFP and UNHCR agreed to
reduce the rations to 15 gppd for pulses and 25 gppd for CSB under General
Food Distribution activities, and 100 gppd for CSB under the Blanket
Supplementary Feeding programme. The situation is expected to return to
normal around December with the arrival of approximately 7,700 tons of
mixed commodities through both the Douala and Benghazi corridors.

(f)  WFP UN Humanitarian Air Services (UNHAS) delivered over a ton of
medical supplies for MSF Belgium from N'Djamena to Abeche during last
week. MSF B has expressed great satisfaction with WFP's humanitarian air
service. As of 19 November 2004, a weekly regional air service will be
initiated on the N'Djamena-Yaounde-Bangui routing.

(g)  The Government of Chad has provided free office space in Iriba,
Farchana and Goz Beida, while lease contracts have been signed in Guereda.
Upgrading works have already started in Iriba and Guereda. WFP has
completed a security assessment of these offices.


2)  Cote d'Ivoire

(a)  On 6 November, after Ivorian warplanes hit a French military base in
the central town of Bouake (which killed nine French troops and one US
civilian), French forces responded by destroying the Ivorian military
aerial fleet and seizing control of the international airport in Abidjan
as well as the airport in Yamoussoukro.  This caused massive anti-French
riots and looting in Abidjan. On 7 November, France deployed troops on the
streets of Abidjan and flew in hundreds of extra soldiers in an effort to
contain the rioting in the country.  As of Monday night, the southern
sector of the city has been secured by French troops, but other areas of
the city (including Plateau, where the WFP office is located), are still
insecure.

(b)  Under heavy international pressure to end the unrest, on Sunday night
the President of Cote d`Ivoire, Laurent Gbagbo, appealed on television for
an end to the anti-French violence.  However, new clashes erupted Monday
in Abidjan between French troops and thousands of demonstrators, who
accused the French of wanting to topple President Laurent Gbagbo.

(c)  According to the ICRC, more than 410 people were wounded in Abidjan
during the weekend.  An estimated 800 foreigners have sought refuge at the
United Nations Operation in Cote d'Ivoire (UNOCI) headquarters and another
1,200 civilians at the French military base. The numbers increased over
the last few days.

(d)  Calm in Abidjan was restored on Wednesday afternoon. However, some
Jeunes Patriotes are still congregating at the radio station in Plateau
and the TV station in Cocody and are also still manning roadblocks at the
entrance to Plateau. The Jeunes Patriotes have announced that they will
march to Bouake on Friday 12 November. The spokesman for the Forces
Nouvelles, stated that there is no longer any doubt that Cote d'Ivoire is
moving towards civil war. He also announced a protest march in Bouake for
Friday.

(e)  The UN Security Council has drafted a resolution calling for an arms
embargo on Cote d`Ivoire, a travel ban and asset freeze against those
blocking peace, violating human rights, and preventing the disarmament of
combatants. However, the vote was delayed until Monday after African calls
to give mediators more time to ease the country's political crisis.
President Thabo Mbeki of South Africa was in Abidjan on 10 November to try
to mediate a political solution.

(f)  Security phase IV was declared on 5 November throughout the country.
No missions are authorized in the country.  All commercial flights into
Abidjan were cancelled and the airport remains under French military
control. The international community started leaving Abidjan on 10
November with commercial airliners commandeered by France as well as with
military jets.  It is estimated that 2,000 foreigners have left the
country on 10 and 11 November. Non-essential UN staff were evacuated on 11
November from Abidjan to Accra, Ghana.  UN staff in Guiglo will also be
evacuated on 12 November.

(g)  On Friday 12 November water and electricity services, that had
stopped functioning in Korhogo, Guiglo, Man and Bouake, could be used
again. Lack of these services caused a deterioration of sanitary services,
and hospitals have not been able to operate. Force Nouvelles have
requested for UN humanitarian staff to remain in the northern part of the
country; UNOCI has also made this request.

(h)  WFP food distributions are ongoing in the southern sub-offices of
Guiglo, Tabou and Bondoukou, but are limited to the towns as, due to
insecurity, distributions can not be made to surrounding areas.  The
Ivorian Army (FANCI) is ensuring security at the distributions and for the
camp residents. WFP in Korhogo has delivered food to partners for
supplementary feeding and patients in social institutions.

(i)  The possibility to renew distributions in the North is handicapped by
lack of petrol, as usually WFP transported petrol itself from the south
across the buffer zone. Trucks are also a problem as most private
companies have had their trucks requisitioned by the Forces Nouvelles. The
stock situation in Korhogo and Man is limited and the WFP is exploring
options for supplying its sub-offices there.

(j)  The ports in Abidjan and San Pedro have reopened and vessels are
arriving in Abidjan. WFP has 1,700 tons of food in the Abidjan port and
about 1,630 tons in the San Pedro port. The quantities in San Pedro have
just arrived but the quantities in Abidjan have been there since days
before the current troubles, due to a strike of customs officials.

(k)  WFP is reviewing contingency plans throughout the region, should
large population movements occur.  WFP commodity stocks in the sub-region,
as well as commodities which are currently en-route to the region, are
also being reviewed in case there is a need to shift commodities around
the region.


3)  Liberia

(a)  The situation in Monrovia and its environs remain tense, though
normalcy is gradually returning to major parts of the city.  The rest of
the country has remained relatively calm during the past week.  The
planned official end of the disarmament process on 31 October took place
without any incident. On 3 November, Liberia's three warring factions
signed a joint declaration on the completion of disarmament and
demobilization of all their combatants, and the disbandment of their
military forces and command structures.  By 6 November, a total of over
96,325 ex-combatants had been disarmed and some 85,240 demobilized since
December 2003. November continues to be the grace period when weapons and
ammunition can be handed in at any UNMIL check point voluntarily without
prosecution or benefits.

(b)  The current political tension in Cote d'Ivoire has already led to
movement of over 6,000 Ivorian refugees into Nimba County in Liberia.
The majority of the caseload, largely women and children, crossed over the
border from Binhouye area in Cote d'Ivoire. The Special Representative of
the Secretary General/Humanitarian Coordinator, along with Representatives
of UNHCR, UNICEF, WFP and the Special Representative of the Secretary
General, LRRRC, visited Buutuo (Nimba County) on 9 November to assess the
situation and to agree on the humanitarian response. In particular,
discussions have been held on options of supporting the refugees in case
they need to remain in Liberia for security and safety.

(c)  Early this week, WFP had pre-positioned 100 tons of various food
commodities in Saclapea to respond swiftly to large scale influxes of
refugees, returnees and third nationals into Nimba County. Similar
measures were taken for Zwedru for Grand Gedeh and Harper for Maryland and
the Southern counties in general. On 9 November, WFP sent a ton of
high-energy biscuits with a UNMIL helicopter to Buutuo for immediate
distribution to arriving refugees.

(d)  The resettlement of IDPs in Liberia commenced on 8 November, with a
first convoy of some 500 IDPs. WFP provided them with a total of 14.5 tons
of various food commodities at Sinje Transit site.  At UNHCR distribution
centres in the counties of return, all returnees will be provided with a
resettlement assistance package that includes blankets, sleeping mats,
cooking sets, and a transport allowance, as well as a four-month food
ration provided by WFP. A total of over 1,135 IDPs will be resettled
during the first week of the exercise.  Moreover, some 600 Liberian
refugees are expected to arrive in the Country in the coming days
including 300 from Nigeria and 308 from Guinea.

(e)  The distribution of general food rations, disrupted as a result of
recent violence in Monrovia, resumed during the past week. A total of
13,270 beneficiaries received about 129.560 tons of food in Mount Barclay
and Ricks Institute IDP Camps. Distribution is ongoing in Sawegbeh for an
additional 4,095 spontaneous returnees and for some 1,365 IDPs.

(f)  The recent civil unrest in Monrovia and suburbs prompted the
Transitional Government to close all schools. Therefore, no school feeding
activities were carried out during the past week.

(g)  WFP Liberia requires additional pledges and resources estimated at
USD 20.6 million to avert shortfalls of 24,140 tons of cereals; over 2,880
tons of pulses; some 980 tons of veg oil; about 4,195 tons of corn-soya
blend; some 255 tons of salt; and almost 35 tons of sugar, from November
this year through June 2005.



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

1)  Regional

(a)  The projected cereal deficit in the Southern African region is
slightly higher (13 percent) compared to last year.  Production is
estimated at 24.072 million tons (against 22.752 million tons last year),
while total availability - production plus opening stocks is - 28.315
million tons (against 26.616 million tons last year) according to the
latest Southern Africa Food Security Brief. The report indicates that
trade continues to play an important role in filling import requirements
in the food deficit countries.  During September and October, retail food
prices were reportedly rising in response to dwindling household supplies,
raising concerns about growing food access problems among vulnerable
populations.

(b)  The Updated Rainfall Outlook issued by the Southern African
Development Community's Drought Monitoring Centre suggests that for the
period November - January, Angola, Zambia, Malawi, north and central
Mozambique, north and central Zimbabwe will have an enhanced chance of
receiving normal to above normal rainfall. Lesotho, Swaziland, southern
Mozambique, and southern Zimbabwe are forecast to have an enhanced chance
of receiving below normal to normal rainfall.

(c)  Contributions are urgently sought to support local and regional
procurement of food for the first six months of WFP's regional PRRO 10310,
Assistance to Populations in Southern Africa Vulnerable to Food Insecurity
and the Impact of AIDS. The PRRO will start in January 2005. Food
distribution needs in the first two quarters of 2005 are 102,000 tons and
56,000 tons respectively. During the first quarter peak, WFP aims to
assist 2.8 million people.


2)  Lesotho

(a)  WFP plans to assist 510,000 of the 948,000 drought affected people up
until the next harvest in May 2005, along with 120,000 chronically poor
and food-insecure people under activities in Lesotho that form part of the
regional PRRO.


3)  Madagascar

(a)  WFP is closely monitoring tropical cyclone Arola, located
approximately 250 nm southeast of Diego Garcia.


4)  Malawi

(a)  In the first half of 2005, WFP proposes to assist a peak caseload of
1.17 million drought-affected people in southern Malawi, out of the 1.34
million who are estimated to have insufficient home production or
purchasing power to meet their food needs through to the next harvest. WFP
will also assist 168,000 chronically poor and food-insecure people in the
country, under the regional PRRO 10310.


5)  Mozambique

(a)  WFP and Save the Children (US) plan to start a six-month emergency
intervention programme in the coastal areas of northeastern Nampula
province, to provide corn-soya blend supplement for pregnant and lactating
women and children under five years of age, affected by drought and
cassava brown streak disease. The provincial Governor and local health
authorities have expressed their support for the planned intervention,
which will also include de-worming activities and supply of vitamin A rich
foods. A Field Level Agreement with Save the Children is in the process of
being signed and the activities are planned to start in two weeks.


6)  Namibia

(a)  According to the Namibia Early Warning and Food Information Unit, an
infestation of African migratory locust in the floodplain areas of the
northeastern Caprivi region in September poses a threat to early-planted
crop. The Ministry of Agriculture Water and Rural Development has been
spraying the locust-infested areas. However, the Ministry needs additional
resources to fully control the outbreak. Namibia is not a member of the
International Red Locust Control Organisation (IRLO), and cannot readily
benefit from available expertise and resources to tackle infestations.

(b)  The national cereal domestic utilization forecast for the current
marketing year (2004/2005) is 317,100 tons. Cereal production together
with operating stocks is estimated at 170,000 tons. National import
requirement in cereal supply is calculated to be 147,600 tons to cover the
shortfall. Taking into account the commercial mills import capacity of
66,500 tons, the uncovered cereal deficit of about 80,000 tons will have
to be met by additional commercial food imports and/or food assistance.


7)  Swaziland

(a)  For 2005, WFP proposes to provide emergency food assistance to a peak
number of 168,500 people out of the 262,000 who the Vulnerability
Assessment Committee (VAC) estimated to have insufficient crops or income
to meet their food needs through to the next harvest in the second quarter
of 2005. An additional 120,500 chronically ill poor and food-insecure
people will be assisted.

(b)  The total cereal requirement for the 2004/2005 marketing year is
estimated to be 214,000 tons. According to the 'Food Security Update'
report of the National Early Warning Unit, released in October, at least
118,500 tons of cereal imports would be required to cover the domestic
shortfall. The domestic cereal availability is only 95,900 tons,
comprising forecasted gross harvest and opening stocks.

8)  Zambia

(a)  A locust outbreak was reported on the Zambian side of the Zambezi
river. If not immediately controlled, the infestation could become a major
threat this month, when the planting season begins.  The Famine Early
Warning Systems Network (FEWS-Net), reported that Zambia's Ministry of
Agriculture and Cooperatives lacks the capacity to gather information on
the locust infestation and asked for "immediate logistical support" to be
provided to control the outbreak.


9)  Zimbabwe

(a)  The price of maize in Harare city rose by 28 percent over the last
week, as a result of increasing transport costs and diminishing supply. In
addition, the Grain Marketing Board (GMB) has stepped up activities to
confiscate maize being transported into the city. As a
government-specified strategic commodity, individuals - including private
traders - are allowed to transport only 150 kg of maize. Any quantity
above that is confiscated at roadblocks erected by the GMB and police at
main arteries into urban areas. A 20 percent price increase was also
recorded in Mutare, in Manicaland province, where private traders are able
to import the commodity from Mozambique.

(b)  Maize prices remained stable in Bulawayo city [southern Matebeleland
South province], attributed to a steady supply from one district that had
a good harvest, as well as a steady supply of GMB subsidized stocks. The
situation in Masvingo has improved over the past few weeks, as the GMB has
increased supplies to the province.

(c)  Urban households are finding it more difficult to meet their food
requirements, as confirmed by recent FEWS-Net and NGO reports. An
additional 50 children have turned up in recent weeks at a WFP-supported
child-feeding centre in the poor suburb of Mbare in Harare. The city's
Social Services Department reports that the weakening social safety nets,
in the context of HIV/AIDS and national economic stress, has rendered the
poor extremely vulnerable to food insecurity. Those people targeted under
the home based care programme or outreach projects for orphans and
vulnerable children are relying on the WFP food rations to feed the entire
household.



F)  Asia: (1) Bangladesh, (2) DPR Korea

1)  Bangladesh

(a)  The monsoon rains in Bangladesh have stopped, but some low-lying
areas still face detrimental effects of water logging. The country is
entering its main lean season for which normal adverse conditions are
greatly exacerbated by damages and losses sustained by flooding. Concern
has been raised about consequences (on flood victims) of cold spell that
normally arrives in Bangladesh in December and adds to suffering of
ultra-poor.

(b)  The EMOP 10380, Assistance to Flood Affected People in Bangladesh, is
in process of changing emphasis from relief to recovery/rehabilitation.
The joint WFP/UNICEF Supplementary Feeding programme (SFP), which forms
part of the EMOP, is about to start.

(c)  The resourcing level of the EMOP remains severely inadequate,
representing only about 30 percent of the total programmed needs.


2)  DPR Korea

(a)  Harvesting of vegetables for winter 'kimchi' (Korean dish) has been
completed in many counties, and cabbage and radishes can now be seen being
distributed, transported and piled up everywhere.

(b)  From 6 to 12 November, 18 out of 19 Local Food Production factories
operated. Production for the first week of November was over 1,400 tons,
which is equivalent to the weekly EMOP requirement.

(c)  With the recent arrival of large contributions, WFP is now able to
feed the entire caseload of beneficiaries for the first time in 2 years.
Substantive new pledges, including 100,000 tons of maize from Republic of
Korea, will allow WFP to continue this support through May 2005, with the
exception of oil, that will run out as early as January for some
beneficiary groups.



G)  Latin America and the Caribbean: (1) Bolivia, (2) Colombia, (3) Cuba,
(4) Guatemala, (5) Haiti, (6) Nicaragua.

1)  Bolivia

(a)  The frost on 27 and 28 October damaged about 50 percent of the total
agricultural production (mainly maize, beans and peas) and affected the
communities in the municipalities of Tarata, Arbieto and Cliza located in
the Cochabamba valleys.  The Civil Defense and the Cochabamba Prefecture
will carry out a loss and damage assessment during the forthcoming days.

(b)  In the context of the IR-EMOP 10395.0, WFP distributed about 255 tons
of food in the municipalities of Camiri, Gutierrez and Charagua, Santa
Cruz Department.

(c)  Arrangements for immediate distribution of food rations under EMOP
10392.0, Prolonged Drought in the El Chaco Region, are underway.  This
EMOP is programmed to distribute about 2,605 tons of food to some 6464
families in El Chaco region of the Santa Cruz Department and to nearly
1850 families in the Department of Chuquisaca. Currently, food monitors
are supervising food distributions in the municipalities of Boyuibe and
Cuevo, Santa Cruz Department, where more than 600 families will receive
food rations.

(d)  WFP is holding meetings with the international donor community in an
intensive manner in order to mobilize the required resources to face
growing emergency needs in the country.


2)  Colombia

(a)  The second rainy season in Colombia left 12 people dead, 29 injured
and at least 105,000 homeless in 90 municipalities.  This follows the
effects of the earlier rainy season (April and May), which left 10 people
dead, 13 injured and over 106,000 homeless in 17 provinces.

(b)  The security environment remains uncertain and volatile.  On 7
November, a bomb exploded along President Alvaro Uribe's route in the
southwestern city of Pasto, causing only minor damages in some buildings
nearby. According to information provided by the Colombian Ministry of
Defense, one of the largest insurgent groups in Colombia has ordered the
assassination of President Uribe. (c)  Colombia has lifted arrest orders
on three main leaders of an illegal armed group to allow them to
coordinate the demobilization of 3,000 members of their troops. A
presidential resolution signed on 30 October, established that the move is
part of the country's peace process under which some 20,000 members of
this group will lay down their arms before the end of the year.  Peace
talks with this group have been held in a safe haven located in Santa Fe
de Ralito, northern province of Cordoba since June 2003.  WFP implements
various activities in this province in the context of PRRO 10158,
Assistance to People Displaced by Violence.

(d)  On 2 November, approximately 300 people from the northern
municipality of Tibu displaced to the province of Norte de Santander,
fearing attacks and retaliations from illegal armed groups after a planned
paramilitary demobilization of 1,600 rebels in Tibu.  The displaced people
are temporarily settled in the cities of Cucuta and Bucaramanga.  WFP has
a strong presence in these provinces, with 165 supported activities in
more than 18 municipalities, including Tibu, where the Programme supports
5 projects.

(e)  A total of over 185 tons of food was distributed in pre-school and
school feeding activities to some 40,125 children in 8 provinces in the
context of the PRRO 10158.

(f)  Last week, WFP started to apply questionnaires to measure WFP's
enhanced commitments to women in 15 provinces to more than 300 focal
groups of beneficiaries and implementing partners in order to establish
the gender baseline.


3)  Cuba

(a)  The drought that is affecting eastern Cuba is extending towards
central Cuba causing significant losses in agriculture.  Planting was not
done, due to lack of water for roots, vegetables, cereals and fruits.
The dams are almost dry; therefore, water is being distributed to the
population by water tanks and railroad.  Irrigation is kept to the minimum
necessary.  In some areas, the water reserve will be exhausted in 9 days.
The dry season started, which means that rain will be almost inexistent.
The Government is constructing aqueducts to carry water from the main
river to the main cities.

(b)  WFP approved an Immediate Response project for 3 months to assist
vulnerable population in the most affected municipalities in three
Provinces of Holguin, Las Tunas and Camaguey.  This assistance is coming
to an end, however; the nutritional situation of the population continues
to be precarious. The Government increased for three months the regular
food ration distributed to the whole population by adding a ration of rice
and beans.


4)  Guatemala

(a)  Strong and persistent rains in the provinces of Izabal and Alta
Verapaz caused the overflowing of several rivers which led to flooding of
houses and business and damage of crops. Around 400 families were
evacuated to temporary shelters. The National Coordinating Committee for
Disaster Reduction, CONRED, declared a yellow alert and provided initial
assistance to the affected families. A significant descent in temperatures
as a result of a cold front has raised concern over eventual damage to
crops.

(b)  On 3 November, several thousand members of the extinct Civil
Self-Defence Patrols (ex-PAC), blocked dozens of roads throughout the
country, to demand compensation payment for services rendered to the state
during the civil war. Congress has announced the approval of a bill that
will sanction the compensatory payment.


5)  Haiti

(a)  The entire country remains in UN security phase III.  The ex-FAdH
(Forces Armees d'Haiti, an army dismantled by Aristide) is still
attempting to establish a strong role in the nation's security and to be
recognized by the current government. Their armed troops are still
patrolling in Verrettes and Les Cayes.

(b)  The security situation was particularly tense in Gonaives with
intensive organized armed gang activities affecting aid organizations. On
3 November, a convoy of WFP trucks escorted by MINUSTAH was attacked by
angry mobsters throwing stones.  Also, a private truck company's truck,
carrying 30 tons of WFP rice, was hijacked and looted at the entrance of
Gonaives. WFP food deliveries were stopped for a few days, however,
deliveries resumed with increased security measures. Each escorted convoy
to Gonaives is now limited to 20 trucks.

(c)  In Port au Prince, the situation in the vicinities of Bel Air, Cite
Soleil and Martissant, Carrefour is still tense with some reported
shooting incidents of unidentified gang members. However; normal traffic,
school and commercial activities continue to be observed in the capital.

(d)  WFP managed to retrieve 30 containers that were held for two months
at the Port-au-Prince port, thus increasing the receipt of commodities
even throughout the long weekend. The announced backlog of containers at
Freeport Bahamas arrived in Port au Prince (169 units) and Cap Haitien (80
units). CAP-SO and Port au Prince secured the required capacity to process
these volumes.  Procedures are being finalized to expedite the clearance
at Port au Prince taken into account that a given quantity of the
commodities may require fumigation. Additional warehousing capacity at
Port au Prince has been secured and at least 50 percent of the useful
space will be ready by the end of this week.

(e)  WFP provided the distribution of about 179 tons of food in schools
and health centres in the North and North East provinces.

(f)  Since the onset of the floods in Gonaives and Port de Paix crisis,
WFP distributed a total of some 2,305 tons of food commodities in Gonaives
and other affected areas. From 31 October to 6 November, CARE, WFP's
implementing partner, distributed a total of 110 tons of food commodities
(one-week rations) to 24,000 beneficiaries affected by floods on the
outskirts of the city of Gonaives.  Also, over 15 tons of food were
distributed in Bassin Bleu and Vital Andrieu.


6)  Nicaragua

(a)  Municipality elections took place on 7 November. No major incidents
or electoral irregularities has been reported. The elections were
characterized by a significant abstention rate (52 percent),
organizational problems, and confusions which inhibited some voters from
executing their right to vote.

(b)  The National Institute of Territorial Studies (INETER) has declared
the Telica volcano in alert as increased activities have been detected
during the last couple of days. The volcano is located just 9 km from
Leon, the second largest town in Nicaragua.

(c)  The security mission to assess the overall security situation of the
country will end today. Emphasis was placed on the Northern Atlantic
Region (RAAN) of the country where PRRO 10212.0, Targeted food Assistance
for Persons affected by Shocks and the Recovery of Livelihoods, is
assisting school children in areas prone to floods. (d)  WFP continued to
distribute food under PRRO 10212.0 covering a total of 78,960 school
children in the RAAN and the municipality of Matagalpa. In addition, over
10,025 vulnerable children under 2 years of age; some 8,730 expectant and
nursing women and 2,000 poor rural families are also being assisted in the
northern and central regions of the country.


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

END WFP Emergency Report No. 46, 2004


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