WFP Emergency Report
Issued weekly by the United Nations World Food Programme
Report No. 32 / 2005 - Date 05 August 2005


This report includes:

(A) Highlight
(B) Middle East,Central Asia and Eastern Europe: (1) Afghanistan
     (2) Iran (3) Occupied Palestinian Territories (4) Pakistan
     (5) Russian Federation (Caucasus) (6) Tajikistan
(C) East & Central Africa: (1) Burundi (2) Congo (3) Congo, DR
     (4) Eritrea (5) Ethiopia (6) Rwanda (7) Somalia (8) Sudan
     (9) Tanzania (10) Uganda
(D) West Africa: (1) Benin (2) Burkina Faso (3) Chad (4) Cote d'Ivoire
     (5) Guinea (6) Liberia (7) Mali (8) Mauritania (9) Niger
(E) Southern Africa: (1) Angola (2) Lesotho (3) Madagascar (4) Malawi
     (5) Mozambique (6) Namibia (7) Zambia (8) Zimbabwe
(F) Asia: (1) Bangladesh (2) Korea (DPR) (3) Myanmar
(G) Latin America and Caribbean: (1) Regional (2) Bolivia (3) Colombia
     (4) Cuba (5) Guatemala (6) Nicaragua



(A) Highlight

(a)  WFP is now providing emergency food assistance to all people in the
five zones most affected by Niger's hunger crisis. WFP's expanded
emergency operation in the country plans to reach a total of 2.5 million
food insecure people.

(b)  WFP is preparing immediate response actions to address a serious
increase of food deficit and malnutrition problems in northern Mali and
eastern Mauritania.

(c)  Despite heavy rains, WFP in July dispatched over 48,000 tons of
commodities to Darfur and another 6,000 tons by airlifts or airdrops.

(d)  A WFP mobile team was deployed to complete distributions to 31,207
beneficiaries in the Zam Zam camp in Sudan's North Darfur region, where
the Sudan Liberation Army denied access to the Sudanese Red Cross,
national NGO's and Government linked agencies.

(e)  WFP has provided 1,400 tons of food to an estimated 65,000 people
affected by the "clean-up operations" of the government of Zimbabwe.

(f)  Completed demining activities in Angola's Kuando Kubango province
enable WFP to access vulnerable people in the region.

(g)  Increased violence and road blockades in Colombia hamper WFP food
distributions and at the same time create additional need for food
assistance.

(h)  WFP's Executive Director urged the Myanmar government to review and
reform policies that impede humanitarian efforts to combat growing
hunger and poverty.



(B) Middle East,Central Asia and Eastern Europe: (1) Afghanistan (2)
Iran (3) Occupied Palestinian Territories (4) Pakistan (5) Russian
Federation (Caucasus) (6) Tajikistan

(1) Afghanistan

(a)  The security situation remains volatile in the east, southeast and
south of the country. Although there was a slight decrease in the number
of incidents, there are still threats of improvised explosive device
(IED) attacks, landmines and ambushes against the coalition forces,
government and aid workers. On 31 July, a convoy of the United Nations
Office for Project Services (UNOPS) was ambushed in the southern
province of Hilmand, wounding a local driver and a policeman.

(b)  Flash floods have washed away a bridge in Wardooj in northeastern
Badakhshan province, hampering food aid deliveries to nearby areas in
the province.

(c)  WFP carried on its humanitarian activities in the areas that were
unaffected by security incidents, assisting over 272,300 beneficiaries.


(2) Iran

(a)  Between 1- 26 July 2005, 261 Iraqi refugees living in refugee camps
were repatriated with UNHCR assistance. There was no spontaneous
repatriation.

(b)  The total number of Afghan refugees that have returned to
Afghanistan since 9 April 2002 amounts to 1,228,455 of whom 807,745 were
UNHCR assisted and 420,710 were spontaneous. Between 1-26 July, UNHCR
assisted 8,884 returnees while 20,339 repatriated spontaneously. No
Afghans living in camps repatriated during that period.

(c)  A new Tripartite Agreement between Iran, Afghanistan and UNHCR was
signed at the end of June; the previous agreement had expired on 21
March. The extension of the agreement, known as the Joint Programme,
outlines the voluntary repatriation process. The agreement, which will
expire in March 2006, foresees that some 200,000 Afghan refugees will be
voluntarily repatriated during this period.

(d)  Following the phasing down of food assistance to Afghan refugees in
camps at the end of 2004, WFP continues to assist some 7,000 Iraqi
refugees living in camps and Afghan refugees repatriating to
Afghanistan. Considering the availability of food commodities and the
continuing needs of Afghan refugees in camps, discussions are being held
with the Government and UNHCR to continue distributing food commodities
to Afghan refugees in camps.

(e)  During July, WFP assisted 37,395 refugees and 8,865 returning
refugees under its protracted relief and recovery operation (PRRO). The
PRRO is fully resourced up to the current termination date of 30
September. WFP is in the process of extending the PRRO in time.


(3) Occupied Palestinian Territories

(a)  The situation in the occupied Palestinian territories (oPt) remains
increasingly tense in the run-up to disengagement.

(b)  In the Gaza strip, 2 UN workers were kidnapped for 5 hours before
being released unharmed. This is the third kidnapping, involving members
of the international community in recent weeks. Clashes have continued
between militant groups and the Palestinian Authority (PA) security
apparatus; injuries have been reported. Militants continue targeting
Israeli settlements with rocket/mortar fire; one rocket went astray and
landed on a Palestinian house, killing a 3 year old child.

(c)  In the West Bank, in Hebron, there was an increase in clashes
between militants and the Israeli Defense Force (IDF). The IDF carried
out a military operation in Jenin, during which one unarmed Palestinian
was killed and 7 others wounded.

(d)  In Israel, large scale disengagement protest action continues.
Access to Erez crossing point was affected during some of these
protests. Further protests blocked main arterial routes and caused
disruption to traffic. Protest action over the route of the protective
barrier continues with a strong response from the Israeli security
forces to any sign of violence.

(e)  The IDF convened a meeting of the International Community in Jenin,
to present various scenarios for West Bank disengagement. Based on the
new information, and in close cooperation with UNRWA, WFP will finalise
the Country Programme within the framework of the UN interagency Country
Programme.

(f)  As long term divisions of the Gaza Strip and IDF incursions have
become increasingly likely, WFP has started pre-positioning Sep/Oct
allocations in the warehouses of the Ministry of Social Affairs (MSA) in
the southern section of the strip.

(g)  Meanwhile, as part of WFP's emergency operation in oPt, from 28
July to 4 August, some 935 tons of food were distributed to 6,350 Social
Hardship Cases (SHC) in the West Bank; to 17,440 SHC and New Poor (NP)
in the Gaza strip, and to institutions throughout oPt.

(h)  Violence did not cause disruptions to monitoring activities.
Assessment of all current institutions was started in preparation for
the start of WFP's protracted relief and recovery operation (PRRO). This
should be completed by end August 05. Furthermore, WFP is assessing the
possibility of creating an early warning mapping system of food
insecurity, to highlight areas of particular vulnerability during the
disengagement..


(4) Pakistan

(a)  Above average summer temperatures across Pakistan and Afghanistan
have led to massive snowmelt, the largest seen in over 100 years. This
has resulted in heavy flooding of rivers. The situation has been
compounded by heavy monsoon rains across the country. Punjab, Sindh,
Northern Areas and North West Frontier (NWFP) provinces are most heavily
affected.

(b)  WFP approved an emergency operation (EMOP) on 14 July, through
which some 7,900 families in NWFP and Northern Areas are assisted with a
food ration, completing the assistance provided by the Government and
other actors. Distributions have started already, in collaboration with
the International Rescue Committee and Islamic Relief.


(5) Russian Federation (Caucasus)

(a)  Rebel attacks in the North Caucasus have become more frequent and
more intense. A Russian air force helicopter in Chechnya crashed on 16
July, killing 8 people. On 19 July, at least 15 people, mostly local
police officers, were killed and 35 injured in the bloodiest attack
since security forces killed Aslan Maskhadov. Following the attack,
President Putin ordered an acceleration of plans to tighten borders in
the region.

(b)  On 29 July, internally displaced people (IDPs) in Grozny, Chechnya,
blocked the road, demanding the release of an IDP arrested during a
mopping-up operation in the IDP temporary accommodation centre. It was
reported that the local police used force to unblock the road.

(c)  As part of its emergency operation, WFP released 13 tons of food in
early July, in support of the Dining Hall project, through which daily
hot meals are served to 1,600 vulnerable people of Grozny city.
Furthermore, with the assistance of cooperating partners, over 18 tons
of food were distributed through the Tuberculosis programme - to 645 in
and outpatients in Ingushetia and Chechnya.

(d)  During the second half of July, WFP and partners finalized the
5-6th general food distribution cycles in Chechnya. No distribution took
place in Ingushetia where the May-June distribution cycle had already
been completed early June. The July distribution was postponed until 8
August due to the delayed arrival of food commodities to WFP warehouses.

(e)  Also during the second half of July, about 2,950 food-for-work
(FFW) participants received 465 tons of food commodities for the works
implemented in May and June. Additionally, over 13 tons of food were
released to the food-for-training project, benefiting among 209 trainees
attending vocational courses in June-July.

(f)  The school-feeding programme, suspended at the end of May, will
resume in September, with the coverage of three more northern districts
of Chechnya (Nadterechny, Naursky and Shelkovskoy).

(g)  WFP's emergency operation (EMOP) is 78 percent resourced. Starting
as of September 2005, pipeline breaks are expected for wheat flour,
vegetable oil, sugar, salt and high-energy biscuits, resulting in the
reduction of WFP food rations.


(6) Tajikistan

(a)  The Ministry of Emergency Situations reported on 28 July that the
flooding situation in Hamadoni district of Khatlon province is not
improving. Rising water levels in the Surkhob River are washing away the
riverbank protection facilities and are threatening to damage the only
bridge connecting Farkhor district with other locations and to flood
Somonchi village of Farkhor district. The Ministry, in cooperation with
other organizations, continues to undertake mitigation measures to
prevent further flooding and has requested assistance to ensure that
additional fuel and oil to operate the heavy machinery required are
available.

(b)  WFP is distributing food to some 4,115 flood affected people in
Hamadoni district. Other assistance continues to be provided by a
variety of organizations; e.g. drinking water and other water facilities
for the evacuated population.  As supplies are ample, disaster affected
areas in Penjikent district of Sughd province and Nurobod district of
Rasht Valley will also be assisted.



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

(1) Burundi

(a)  Road ambushes, mainly followed by robbery of civilian passengers,
were reported in Bubanza and Cibitoke provinces. Killing of civilians,
attributed to either Front for National Liberation (FNL) or bandits,
were reported in several locations. UN operations remained suspended in
the northern areas of Bubanza province due to insecurity.

(b)  Last week, WFP distributed 1,095 tons of food aid to 98,745
beneficiaries.

(c)  The level of WFP provided food distributions increased, due to
improved stocks. Most distributions assisted the lifesaving nutritional
centre programme and HIV/AIDS patients, while a few supported
food-for-work (FFW)/food-for-training (FFT) activities.  Suspension of
targeted distributions and ration cuts continue in order to ensure
sufficient stocks for the seeds protection campaign.

(d)  WFP continued to monitor the food security situation in the
hunger-affected provinces of Ngozi, Muyinga and Kirundo, that host a
noticeable number of asylum-seekers from Rwanda. Increased FFW
activities in these areas are expected to stabilize the situation.

(e)  WFP supplied biscuits for 2,570 Rwandan asylum-seekers dispersed
with host families in Kirundo, Ngozi, Cankuzo and Muyinga provinces.
Further food assistance is under preparation.

(f)  A household vulnerability study, to complement the results of the
Crop and Food Supply Assessment, will be completed this week, to help
WFP determine the areas of intervention and the level of needs.

(g)  WFP continues to face serious food pipeline constraints due to
insufficient funding. Various food aid activities have been put on hold,
or their rations halved. Only a few key projects are implemented at full
capacity. The problems come at a time when the most vulnerable people in
Burundi need food support.


(2) Congo

(a)  WFP has launched a nutrition programme for people living with
HIV/AIDS in Point-Noire, Nkayi and Dolisie in Kouilou, Bouenza and Niari
regions respectively.  A total of 500 WFP beneficiaries will be covered
by this programme with basic indicators for body mass index for adults,
and the weight and size for children from 0 to 5 years old.  The
nutrition programme was launched in Brazzaville in June this year.

(b)  During the last two weeks, WFP was able to transfer a total of
almost 315 tons of food from Pointe-Noire to the extended delivery
points of Brazzaville and Nkayi. This transfer has led to an increase in
food distributions compared to the previous month.


(3) Congo, DR

(a)  On Tuesday 2 August, Medecins sans Frontieres-France (MSF-F)
officially suspended all activities outside of Bunia, the capital city
of Ituri district.  The resurgence of insecurity, compounded with the
kidnapping of two MSF-F staff in June this year, prompted this
decision.. This is the second time, since the beginning of 2005, that an
international NGO has suspended humanitarian activities in this troubled
area due to breaches of humanitarian principles by uncontrolled armed
factions. In February 2005, the withdrawal of aid workers from areas
such as Tche, Kakwa, Gina left more than 100,000 persons without medical
care for ten days and resulted in high mortality in these areas during
that period.

(b)  In addition, over 1,500 peasant farmers and their families have
fled from Bule (Djugu territory), an area 70 km northeast of Bunia, to
seek refuge in Fataki, Rule and surrounding areas. The villagers
reportedly escaped violence linked to a recent attack by Union pour le
Congo (UPC) militiamen on Forces Armees pour la Republique Democratique
du Congo (FARDC) position in Bule, a small locality that serves as a
major breadbasket for Bunia. The closure of the market in Bule would
most likely have an adverse effect on food security in Bunia and
exacerbates instability in this part of Ituri district.

(c)  In Katanga province, WFP targeted food insecure people through
several activities including vulnerable group feeding, food-for-work,
food-for-training and school feeding. A total of 535 tons of food was
provided to various implementing partners, to feed 9,250 people,
including demobilized soldiers and street children.

(d)  In the province of North Kivu, persistent conflict, particularly in
Lubero and Rutshuru territories, prevented humanitarian access to
thousands of internally displaced persons (IDPs). However, WFP
dispatched over 235 tons of assorted commodities to Cooperating Partner
(CP) to cover the food needs of 29,620 beneficiaries previously assessed
in these areas. Under the escort of United Nations Mission in the
Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUC), WFP undertook post-distribution
monitoring in Kiwanja (Rutshuru) in the IDP community. Most of the
internally displaced persons (IDPs) interviewed indicated the loss of
their belongings and requested WFP's assistance when resettlement
begins. Reports from implementing partners in Lubero territory indicated
that 7,250 displaced families from Nyakakoma, Ishasha and Nyamilima were
fed last week with 60 tons of food.


(4) Eritrea

(a)  The National Food Information System (NFIS) reported a promising
onset of the Kremti rainy season. The Ministry of Agriculture has
extensive plans to improve food production by increasing the planted
area and distributing agricultural inputs. However, the protracted
effects of war and poor rainfall during the past years will not vanish
easily. There are still three critical months ahead.

(b)  The administration officers of several UN organizations in Eritrea
are now requesting ration cards for their international staff members.
With these cards, the staff members will be able to purchase oil, flour,
coffee, tea, noodles and pulses in the fair-price shops. The quantity
assigned to each person will depend on the family size.

(c)  WFP field officers report promising rainfall from all over the
country. Vegetation coverage is improving and animals are recovering
from the effects of the drought. Crops have been planted and are growing
satisfactorily due to the favourable weather conditions. However, one
field office cautioned that even an excellent harvest would cover only 3
- 5 months food needs due to the extremely small size of farmers'
fields, which is about 0.5 ha in the sub-region of Adi Tekelezan in the
north-central part of the country.

(d)  WFP commitment coverage for emergency operation (EMOP) 10261.01
reaches approximately USD 60 million or 80 percent of the total cost to
WFP. Coverage for the protracted relief and recovery operation (PRRO)
10192.0 remains at USD 44.1 million, representing 85 percent of
operational requirements. The contributions registered under the PRRO
10192.1, whose implementation is to start on first September, increased
to approximately USD 42.6 million, representing 20 percent of the total
cost of the project through a new contribution of about USD 6 million.


(5) Ethiopia

(a)  The food security situation in some areas, notably in pockets of
Southern Nations and Nationalities People's Region (SNNPR), Oromiya and
Amhara Regions, is still of concern. In SNNPR, the affected areas are
mainly located in lowland part of Sidama (Dara, Dale, Shebedino, and
Boricha) in Wolayta zone (Boloso Sore and Damot Woide) in
Kambata-Tambaro zone (Kedida-Gamela and Kacha- Bira) and Alaba (special
woreda). In Oromiya, the lowland parts of East Hararghe and Bale Zones
are the most affected, although the food security situation has improved
in a number of districts in Bale. In Amhara, the most critical areas are
located in Wag Hamra.

(b)  In the recent Awash River flooding, 800 households were reportedly
affected in five Kebeles of Det-Bahri of Dupti woreda (Afar region).
Disaster Prevention and Preparedness Commission (DPPC) arranged to
supply the flood victims with food and non-food items. The full damage
caused by the floods is not yet known, but DPPC has sent a team from its
Early Warning Department to make a rapid assessment.

(c)  The July relief programme dispatches to Afar, Amhara ,Oromiya and
Tigray regions is on-going while dispatches to Somali region are still
being processed as the request came in late. The SNNPR allocations are
still under discussion among the regional and federal DPPC. The only
woreda in SNNPR that received July dispatches (including corn-soya blend
and high energy biscuits) is Hulla, an area of concern.

(d)  WFP Ethiopia continues to distribute CSB through supplementary
feeding activities in Ethiopia, such as the EOS/CSI (Targeted
Supplementary Feeding).  After it was noted that a small percentage of
bags had poorly mixed vitamins and minerals, out of 16,000 tonnes in
stock, 4,700 tonnes have been set aside for reblending to bring the
fortification levels to normal standards. However, the unaffected stock
(11,300 tonnes) as well as CSB purchased locally (Famix) is currently
being distributed.

(e)  The total number of EOS/CSI beneficiaries for the August food
allocation is 382,890 in five regions (SNNPR, Ahmara, Oromyia, Tigray,
Somali).  The figure includes an additional 59,400 beneficiaries in
SNNPR, following the results of recent nutritional screening. A total of
10,705 tonnes of commodities (corn-soya blend and oil) are currently
being dispatched.

(f)  The implementation status of the Productive Safety Net Programme
(PSNP) as of 30 July has improved. The flow of resources to the
beneficiaries has improved significantly in comparison with the first
half of the year. For July-September, 67 percent, 75 percent, 97 percent
and 100 percent (cereal) of the food requirement has already been
dispatched to Amhara, Oromiya, SNNPR and Tigray regions respectively.
This represents a total of about 50,170 tons of commodities. The
allocation includes pre-positioning in areas that are inaccessible
during the rainy season and woredas that shifted from cash to food.

(g)  After the first and second tranches of cash transfers of April and
May, the third cash transfer for three months (June-August) to the PSNP
regions (Amhara, Oromiya, SNNPR, Tigray and Harari), amounted to more
than USD 34 million, according to information provided by the federal
Food Security Coordination Bureau (FSCB).

(h)  The Natural Resources Sector of the Ministry of Agriculture and
Rural Development (MoARD) established a technical task force, composed
by the federal FSCB and international organisations involved in the
implementation of natural resources management. The task force will
organize training in Community-Based Public Works and Watershed Planning
for the PSNP from 22 August until the end of October. The main
objectives of the training will be to assist the PSNP beneficiaries
prepare realistic community plans that will contribute towards the
achievement of food security and to equip development agents with
techniques and approaches in Public Works planning, with particular
emphasis on watershed management. The training will cover all of the 192
safety net Woredas (and involve 576 woreda agricultural experts who will
then train development agents in their respective woredas). Preparations
are underway to develop training modules and assign trainers.

(i)  Regarding refugees, a nutrition survey carried out from 19 to 22
July 2005 in Shimelba camp (Tigray Region) hosting Eritrean refugees
indicates that the Global Acute Malnutrition (GAM) rate (WFH <-2 Zscore)
is 16.4 percent while the Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM) rate (WFH <-3
Z score) is 1.1 percent. While these rates are lower than findings from
2004 surveys, they remain a matter of concern as refugees in this camp
normally receive around 2,100 kcal per person per day. In view of this,
WFP and partners plan to undertake an in-depth study of the
socioeconomic environment and cultural practices of the Eritrean
refugees with a particular focus on the Kunama community where the
highest malnutrition rates are recorded. In the meantime, the relaxed
admission criterion to the supplementary feeding centre introduced
earlier will be maintained until the high malnutrition rates decrease to
levels that are more acceptable.

(j)  Another nutrition survey that was carried out in Dimma camp,
hosting Sudanese refugees, between 16 and 31 July, indicates a GAM rate
of 9.8 percent and a SAM rate of 0.3 percent. Compared to results from
recent nutrition surveys in other refugee camps, these rates are
considered satisfactory.


(6) Rwanda

(a)  Sensitization of local authorities on the forthcoming refugee
verification exercise started. The verification will take place in two
Congolese refugee camps in Byumba and Kibuye between 16 - 21 August.

(b)  During the past week, the number of asylum seekers from DR Congo to
Nkamira transit camp decreased from last week's 106 to 54.  Some 1,115
asylum seekers are currently sheltered in the camp waiting for
transfer.. Since no refugees can be transferred to Ngarama due to lack
of space, its refugee population remained at 4,740. There was no
movement in Gihembe or Kiziba camps and the refugee population is 20,575
and 18,340 respectively. Currently Rwanda shelters 44,770 Congolese
refugees.

(c)  The voluntary repatriation of Burundian refugees continued in
parallel with new arrivals. Some 585 refugees from Gikonko went back to
Burundi while 115 refugees entered Nyamure and Gikonko camps. Burundian
refugee population now stands at 4,260 in Nyamure and 1,165 in Gikonko.
Kigeme remained stable with 1,215 refugees. The number of Burundian
refugees in Rwanda stands at 6,640.

(d)  The WFP provided monthly food distribution was completed in Gihembe
camp. About 340 tons were distributed to 20,575 refugees. No
distribution took place in the rest of the camps.

(e)  Some 140 returnees crossed Gisenyi and Cyangugu borders from DR
Congo. A one-month returnee package amounting to 3 tons of food was
provided to 94 returnees in Nkamira camp.


(7) Somalia

(a)  The Special Representative of the UN Secretary General (SRGS) to
Somalia, Francois Lonseny Fall, had concluded a meeting in the town of
Jowhar with President Abdillahi, Prime Minister Gedi and other senior
Somali officials, who pledged to work with the UN to overcome the
dispute between members of Somali Government over the government's
relocation and the deployment of foreign peacekeepers that delayed the
establishment of central authority in the country.

(b)  Hijackers are still holding the m.v. Semlow, loaded with relief
rice for the tsunami victims in Somalia, which was hijacked on 27 June.
In an effort to secure the release of the vessel, WFP accompanied by
three ambassadors of Kenya, Tanzania and Sri Lanka (countries where all
the hostages are from), travelled to the town of Jowhar, Somalia and met
with the President and Prime Minister of Somalia's Transitional Federal
Government.


(8) Sudan

(a)  The Sudanese Vice President, John Garang, died in a helicopter
crash on his way to Southern Sudan from Kampala on 30 July. The incident
has raised concerns about the future of the comprehensive peace
agreement signed in January 2005 between the Sudan Peoples Liberation
Movement/Army (SPLM/A) and the Sudanese government, which effectively
ended 20 years of civil conflict war. Possible impact on the internally
displaced persons (IDPs)/refugee's situation is also being closely
monitored.

(b)  DARFUR:

(c)  This week saw continued banditry, targeting humanitarian and
commercial vehicles. Most transporters are aware of the increased and
continuous risk involved when transporting commodities to Darfur. As a
positive development, restrictions to UN movement on the road from Nyala
to Menawashi were lifted on 28 July, as fighting around Shangil Torbay,
North Darfur, has ceased.

(d)  Aid agencies working in South Darfur have officially opposed a
recent relocation of some 2,000 new arrivals from Al Serief Camp to Al
Salam camp due to inadequate conditions in the camp. This occurred while
discussions between the Government of Sudan (GoS) and the humanitarian
community on the appropriateness of Al Salam camp were ongoing.

(e)  WFP dispatched a total of over 48,065 tons of commodities to the
Darfurs in July, a slight decrease (4 percent) over dispatches in June.
Heavy rains affected dispatches during the month, although a general
reduction in rains allowed WFP to accelerate dispatches during the last
two weeks of July. The road from El Obeid to Nyala, South Darfur,
remains difficult and most transporters continue to re-route dispatches
to South Darfur via El Fasher, North Darfur.

(f)  Over 6,345 tons of the food commodities were delivered into Darfur
via airlifts and airdrops in July, representing a 14 percent decrease
from air deliveries in June. Airlifts from Al Khufra, Libya are included
in this figure. Cargo deliveries from both Khartoum and El Obeid were
severely hampered by shortages of jet fuel during the month. However,
the arrival of a new jet fuel shipment in Port Sudan is expected to
increase jet fuel supply in El Obeid for air deliveries in August.

(g)  Following disruptions on 16 July in Mornie camp, West Darfur,
Government of Sudan (GoS) police and African Union officers assisted
tribal leaders with the registration process to quickly identify those
without ration cards.  Food distributions started on 27 July and will
continue through next week.  A field security officer will remain in
Mornie until the food distribution is completed.

(h)  Save the Children US (SC-US) distributed some 375 tons of food to
beneficiaries in Mornie, Romalia, Umshalia and Hajer Tama in West Darfur
during the week. In Habilah, distributions to 50,610 beneficiaries in
Furbaranga and Gemeiza are ongoing, although roads to these areas are
deteriorating due to the rains. Catholic Relief Services (CRS) and
Sudanese Red Crescent (SRC) also completed food distributions in Kulbus
and Umtajok respectively.

(i)  WFP participated in a joint assessment in Buram, South Darfur on 27
July, following an appeal from Humanitarian Aid Commission (HAC) to
assist 1,551 flood-affected households as well as an additional 44,000
individuals across Buram locality. Preliminary findings indicate that
scarcity of food supplies in the market has increased prices. In
addition, household level food stocks from last year's harvest are
non-existent. WFP recommended a three-month food distribution
intervention to the affected population.

(j)  During the week, the Sudan Liberation Army (SLA) in North Darfur
reported that national NGOs and agencies linked to the Government are
not welcome in areas under their control. In Zam Zam camp, access has
been denied to the Sudanese Red Crescent (SRC) following threats by the
SLA on 11 July. One SRC vehicle was also detained. A WFP mobile team was
deployed to complete distributions to 31,207 beneficiaries in Zam Zam
camp while discussions continue between OCHA and the SLA on the Sudanese
Red Crescent's renewed access to the camp. It should be noted that the
humanitarian community in El Fasher is dealing with immediate
humanitarian needs in this camp in the absence of key national
organizations. All non-essential activities have ceased and only
activities dealing with food, water and health are being conducted with
the assistance of additional WFP, UNICEF and international NGO staff.

(k)  WFP borrowed USD 68 million from available internal funding
mechanisms to overcome critical food pipeline breaks under the Darfur
emergency operation. Procurement of commodities began in March/April
and, as a result, pipeline breaks of 42,110 tons of food between July
and December 2005 have been prevented.

(l)  As of 28 July, the emergency operation still faces a USD 161
million shortfall (29 percent) out of a total value of USD 562 million.
Cash contributions are urgently needed to overcome this shortfall, which
includes outstanding internal cash loans, representing USD 33.5 million
at full cost recovery and 12,647 tons borrowed from other operations in
Sudan.

(m)  The Special Operation for logistics support in Darfur continues to
face a shortfall of USD 23 million. The procurement of additional
long-haul trucks is on hold until funds are made available.

(n)  WFP-Humanitarian Air Services (HAS) still faces severe funding
shortfalls, which have led to the cancellation of non-food item
deliveries in June, despite the start of the rainy season, when demand
for air deliveries increases. WFP is also unable at this stage to
activate the fourth helicopter in Darfur. The funding shortfall remains
critical at USD 15 million out of total requirements of USD 24 million
in 2005. To ensure continued air services through the rainy season in
Sudan, the operation urgently requires an initial USD 5 million.


(9) Tanzania

(a)  WFP food distribution continues to reach 397,475 refugees. During
the past week, WFP has discontinued general assistance to host community
beneficiaries until the pipeline situation improves. However, WFP
continued to reach the most vulnerable refugees and host community
beneficiaries through hospital in feeding, supplementary and therapeutic
feeding programmes.

(b)  The protracted relief and recovery operation for refugees in
Tanzania continues to face serious pipeline problems. In the current
distribution cycle (4 - 31 July), refugees have to cope with reduced
rations, providing just 1,348 Kcal, which is 64 percent of the standard
2,100 Kcal level recommended by the 2004 refugee Joint Assessment
Mission in Tanzania. Ration levels of between 1,252 - 1,437 Kcal are
forecast until August 2005. On 15 August, full cereal rations will
resume.

(c)  WFP and its partners in Tanzania plan to undertake a nutritional
survey of refugees in August. The survey will provide more data on the
nutritional status of refugees following almost one year of reduced food
rations.

(d)  A new was confirmed for USD 8.4 million. While the new contribution
helps WFP's position until the end of 2005, the pipeline is not covered
for the next 6 months and WFP continues to appeal to donors for urgent
assistance to avoid future pipeline breaks.


(10) Uganda

(a)  Four of Uganda's main foreign donors have issued an unprecedented
direct appeal to the rebel Lord's Resistance Army (LRA) to contact
urgently the mediator of stalled peace talks, officials said on 4
August.  In a radio message being broadcasted throughout
conflict-affected northern Uganda 18 times a day, the United States,
Britain, the Netherlands and Norway are asking LRA leaders to contact
the chief peace mediator, Ms. Betty Bigombe. The broadcast also
announces the creation of a special radio monitoring post at which the
rebels can pass a message to Ms. Bigombe to re-establish contact with
her.

(b)  A national referendum on the change of the political system in
Uganda was held on 28 July.  A majority (92.5%) voted in favour of
allowing the return of multi-party politics.

(c)  Damage from a fierce storm has left some 5,000 war-displaced people
with minimal shelter and destroyed food supplies at a camp in northern
Uganda, UN and local officials said Friday. The storm hit Parabongo IDP
camp in Gulu district on 28 July, blowing away the roofs of up to 1,000
huts, destroying household items and food stocks. WFP, together with
partners, are conducting an assessment to verify the number of families
in need of immediate assistance.

(d)  Following an outbreak of dysentery among nationals displaced in
Maasa village in Adjumani district, WFP will provide a one-off food
assistance to the affected population.  District authorities and NGO
partners conducted a rapid assessment and attributed the outbreak to
congestion and poor sanitation. Some 4,200 nationals are currently
displaced in Maasa following LRA attacks that begun in April 2005.
District authorities and agencies are making relevant interventions to
contain the situation. WFP is installing a water tank at Maasa Primary
school.

(e)  WFP, together with sister UN agencies, district authorities and NGO
partners participated in the Consolidated Appeal Process 2006 workshop
in Lira on 25-26 July; members agreed on the way forward for preparation
of the CAP 2006 document.

(f)  WFP food distribution continues to reach 1.4 million displaced
persons, 192,000 refugees and other vulnerable persons. During the past
week, WFP distributed 3,720 tons of relief food assistance to 334,475
persons, including IDPs sheltering in camps in Gulu, Kitgum, Pader and
Lira districts, refugees, children in nutrition centres and other
vulnerable persons.

(g)  WFP faces a shortfall of over 26,920 tons of food commodities with
a funding gap of USD 13 million, required to maintain the food pipeline
necessary to continue providing relief assistance to IDPs and refugees
through December. Unless new contributions are confirmed urgently, the
nutritional status of 1.4 million internally displaced persons in
northern Uganda, mostly women and children, will be jeopardized.


(D) West Africa: (1) Benin (2) Burkina Faso (3) Chad (4) Cote d'Ivoire
(5) Guinea (6) Liberia (7) Mali (8) Mauritania (9) Niger

(1) Benin

(a)  The situation of arrivals of Togolese refugees in Benin is
stabilizing. Most refugees now register in Cotonou, and are likely to be
refugees coming from host families and seeking to join Agame and Come
camps. A consultative group has been set up to examine the relocation of
the Come camp. An urgent decision is needed, as no temporary
infrastructure can be built if the camp is to move again.

(b)  Malnutrition is increasing, but no accurate data are available to
clarify the exact levels and extent.

(c)  The NGO Terre des Hommes has expressed concern about the attraction
of schools in camps: many children indeed prefer to stay in the camps in
September, when no school fees are paid, rather than going back to
Togo..

(d)  The NGO Caritas is assessing refugees in host communities along the
Togo-Benin border.  The INSAE/government of Benin census is still under
preparation and resources have not yet been secured. Findings from this
census are critical to allow WFP to target a realistic number of
refugees in need of assistance. So far, refugees outside the camps have
not benefited from food aid, mainly due to lack of resources and also to
absence of proper information about the number and location of
refugees..

(e)  WFP food distribution took place in Agame. The current food basket
contains maize, oil and beans. The next distributions will also include
corn-soya blend.

(f)  WPF, Catholic Relief Services and the Red Cross will examine the
possibility to improve the food ration to support people living with
HIV/AIDS. These people are under ARV treatment in 2 medical centres, but
need an improved diet to complement the effect of their treatment.


(2) Burkina Faso

(a)  Although the situation in Burkina Faso is not as severe as in
Niger, Mali and Mauritania, some 500,000 people were affected by crop
losses in 2004. WFP has been stepping up its assistance for vulnerable
groups through feeding centres. Those areas which have been assessed as
food insecure will require heightened vigilance. Donor support is
critical to enable WFP to continue vulnerable group feeding and to
prevent an increase in malnutrition.


(3) Chad

(a)  The overall security situation is fairly calm in the refugee camps
as well as along border. Some concerns were raised over the consequences
of Sudan's First Vice-President John Garang's death and possible
demonstrations among the refugee population in the camps. Slight
sabotage was brought to WFP Aircraft in Abeche by unknown individuals.
The matter is still under investigation and the aircraft has been
repaired and is now operational.

(b)  The rainy season is posing enormous threats to the movement of WFP
food and vehicles due to swollen river beds (wadis). Accessibility to
refugee camps remains somewhat difficult, particularly in southern areas
(Goz Beida) where camps are accessible only by plane. Central areas
(Farchana, Adre) are accessible most of the time, except during
rainfalls for light vehicles. Northern areas (Guereda, Iriba, Bahai)
remain accessible.

(c)  An outbreak of Hepatitis E in Kerfi chiefdom (some 40 km south east
of Goz Beida) has reportedly killed at least 36 people according to
local authorities in Abeche. The area has a total of 35 villages with a
population of over 15,000 people and is in proximity of the
south-eastern refugee camps. Due to logistical constraints because of
the rainy season, UNICEF, WHO and the Governor have appealed for
assistance in airlifting most urgently needed health, water and
sanitation supplies to Goz Beida.. WFP's Humanitarian Air Services plane
airlifted around 150 kg of medical supplies to Goz Beida. Animal
transport (horses and camels) will be used to transport the items to the
affected area.

(d)  The nutritional situation is stable in all camps. Malnutrition has
decreased in Touloum and Iridimi camps (around 12.5 percent global acute
Malnutrition (GAM) as compared to 16 percent GAM in May-June). Blanket
Supplementary Feeding (BSF) will stop in all camps except in Djabal,
where malnutrition levels and admissions in supplementary feeding
centres remain relatively high. A nutritional survey is set to commence
in late August / early September to determine whether or not BSF should
continue in the camp.

(e)  The target caseload for the next distributions as agreed by WFP and
UNHCR totals 198,500 refugees. The slight increase is explained by the
latest UNHCR regularisations by registration committees. The second
phase of the registration exercise (personal data collection and photos)
is expected to start during the current week in Mile and Kounoungou.

(f)  WFP commenced general food distributions for the month of August in
southern and central camps and expects to cover northern camps around
mid-August. Under the Blanket Supplementary Feeding programme, WFP
supplied some 38 tons of food to a total of 8,500 refugees in Touloum,
Iridimi and Djabal. August distributions will proceed in northern camps
around the 15th of the month.

(g)  WFP food-for-work activities, assisting the local population, are
ongoing in northern and central areas. In Farchana, at least 15,000
plants were distributed during the second half of July as part of an
environmental protection project. WFP seed protection distributions are
also underway.. Some 32 tons of sorghum were distributed together with
seeds to the local population in Touloum and some 37 tons to
beneficiaries in Amnabak.


(4) Cote d'Ivoire

(a)  An increase in malnutrition has been noted in children from
villages around Bangolo, south of Man.  Although it is the lean season,
the rate of malnutrition is also high when compared with figures from
this same period last year.

(b)  From 21-27 July, approximately 600 tons of various food commodities
were distributed to over 40,000 beneficiaries in Cote d'Ivoire.

(c)  Lean season distributions are ongoing in vulnerable areas in the
north and west of the country. These general distributions are intended
to help stave off short term hunger in this period before the harvest
when food stocks are exhausted.

(d)  A new contribution was confirmed this week for about USD 2.4
million, which will be used to purchase 3,300 tons of food. Assuming
that the situation in Cote d'Ivoire remains stable, no major pipeline
breaks are anticipated before the end of the year, although further
contributions should be confirmed now to avoid pipeline breaks in early
2006.  On average, due to the time needed for procurement, shipping,
customs clearance and internal transport, there is a delay of 5-6 months
between the time a contribution is confirmed and the time the food is in
the sub-offices ready for distributions. Therefore, in order to ensure a
healthy pipeline in early 2006, the immediate confirmation of new
contributions is critical.


(5) Guinea

(a)  Guinean refugee camps now host approximately 63,000 individuals who
are currently being assisted by WFP;  3,305 are from Cote d'Ivoire and
the remainder from Liberia. From 11-24 July, some 1,345 Liberian
refugees were voluntarily repatriated. Since the beginning of the
repatriation campaign in November 2004, over 14,500 Liberians have
returned home

(b)  The offer of double rations to encourage Liberian refugees to
register for voluntary repatriation remains operative in the Kissidougou
camps. There, from 11 to 24 July, 280 refugees received double rations
prior to their repatriation.

(c)  WFP provided 460 tons of food to 31,240 refugees during the last
monthly general food distribution at Kountaya, Kouankan and Kola camps.

(d)  On 18 July, a mission to identify new schools to join WFP's
protracted relief and recovery operation for the coming school year
began its work.. Under this programme, an expansion is previewed to
include an additional 31,000 students, who will receive hot meals in
school.  WFP in Guinea continues to face food shortages for the coming
months; immediately needed food amounts to about 600 tons.


(6) Liberia

(a)  From 24 to 30 July, over 60,400 benefiaries in Liberia received 535
tons of food. In particular, WFP distributed some 29 tons of assorted
food commodities to 3,230 IDPs though general food distribution and over
360 tons of commodities to 11,240 IDPs and refugees.

(b)  During the same period, some 39,465 school children (22,565 boys,
16,900 girls) received 38.5 tons of WFP food assistance in Bong county
and a total of 84.6 tons of WFP assorted food commodities was delivered
to 3,555 project participants through the Food Support for Local
Initiatives (FSLI) in Cape Mount, Bomi, Nimba, and Lofa counties.

(c)  During the same period, some 1,525 returnees from Guinea,
Ghana,Cote d'Ivoire, and Sierra Leone, disembarked in, Cape Mount, Lofa,
Grand Gedeh, Maryland, and Montserrado counties. WFP distributed about
51 tons of assorted relief food commodities as a first tranche ration to
the resettled returnees.

(d)  Distribution of the second tranche two-months food ration to
returnees and IDPs, which completes the four-months resettlement food
package, continued in Montserrado, Bong, Bomi, Capemount, Gbarpolu,
Grand Gedeh and Lofa counties. A total of 1,250 beneficiaries received
42 tons of assorted relief food commodities.

(e)  In Margibi and Montserrado counties, a therapeutic centre received
2.5 tons of food to benefit 200 beneficiaries. In addition, in Nimba
county, two hospitals received 2.8 tons of WFP food commodities, for a
total beneficiary population of 274.

(f)  WFP's pipeline for Liberia will be healthy until December 2005.  A
new contribution of 1,500 tons of lentils, 4,343 tons of bulgur wheat,
487 tons of MML, 1,000 tons of corn-soya blend, 300 tons of salt and 150
tons of sugar has been confirmed. However, WFP is still facing a break
in pulses.


(7) Mali

(a)  Like Niger, Mali began facing a food deficit problems in the
northern part of the country during the last quarter of 2004, as a
result of drought and locust infestation which reduced agricultural
production significantly. Now, at the height of the lean season, the
availability of food has been further reduced, causing people to sell
off their animals and other assets on a large scale, as well as to go in
for unusual migration. The cost of millet in Gao is almost double the
2004 price and this increase is hampering people's access to staple
food.

(b)  A recent nutritional survey conducted in the affected areas by the
Malian Government and WFP indicate acute malnutrition rates of up to 16
percent in Gao and Kayes. The worst-hit provinces are Gao (Bourem) on
the Niger river, Kidal in the remote Adrar des Iforras hills of the
northeast and in the regions of Kayes (Nioro) and Koulikoro (Nara) near
the border with Mauritania.  This serious situation warrants an
immediate response and WFP is now reorienting its programmes in Mali to
address the most urgent needs; WFP will add a component of supplementary
feeding for children. These distributions will be delivered through the
health centers.

(c)  WFP has already been distributing food in the worst affected parts
of northern Mali, having borrowed from its own reserves to buy and
position food in the critical areas.  Now the agency's supply line is in
jeopardy, unless fresh contributions are forthcoming.


(8) Mauritania

(a)  In Mauritania, up to 600,000 people were affected by locust
infestations and to a lesser extent by drought. As donors have responded
positively to WFP's appeal, most of its plans could be fulfilled; WFP
distributions have prevented a food crisis and a worsening of the
situation among the most vulnerable households.

(b)  Nevertheless, extreme care must be taken to ensure that no food
gaps undermine the achievements made so far. In the easternmost region
of the country, bordering Mali, which is not covered by WFP's current
relief operation, food shortages have become serious with high levels of
malnutrition reported.  WFP plans to expand its current programme to
address the immediate needs identified in recent assessments.


(9) Niger

(a)  In response to the deteriorating situation in Niger, WFP has
expanded its emergency operation in the country to reach 2.5 million
beneficiaries at a cost of USD 57.6 million.

(b)  WFP is now providing general food rations to all people in the five
affected zones in August and September, based on the government's
assessment. Previously, WFP had been delivering assistance through
feeding centres for malnourished children. In addition to these general
distributions, some 480,000 children under five and pregnant and nursing
women will receive a supplementary food ration. As a further safety net,
a contingency ration for 30 percent of the targeted population will also
be provided for a period of three months after the harvest, subject to
findings of the planned Crop and Food Supply Assessment mission and
supporting WFP Vulnerability Assessment Mapping surveys.

(c)  The operation is 36 percent funded, having received USD 20.6
million in contributions. The current shortfall is USD 37 million and a
further 58,940 tons are needed. The urgent provision of food is crucial;
if assistance is not provided quickly, WFP expects to see a massive
liquidation of property and livestock with a severe impact on the
current agricultural season and thus the long-term well-being of the
population, with loss of life among the most vulnerable groups.

(d)  A recent outpouring of donor support has enabled purchases of
various commodities in the region; some are now being discharged and/or
are in transit to Niger.  In an effort to move food quickly, WFP has
organised several loans from other WFP programmes in the region.  The
agency is in the process of rerouting vessels to discharge commodities,
and has made a fourth allocation of USD 10 million from emergency
funding to buy cereals, which are now available in the Port of Lome.

(e)  Despite these efforts, shortages of almost all commodities are
expected in the next five months.  To avert such shortfalls during
August, WFP is speeding up the discharge and delivery of Niger-bound WFP
commodities in and/or approaching ports in the region.  Additional donor
support will avoid these immediate and future shortfalls.



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

(1) Angola

(a)  According to the Angolan Consulate in Matadi (Democratic Republic
of the Congo) and local authorities, approximately 100,000 refugees have
expressed their intention to return to Angola.  UNHCR is proceeding with
registration activities of the voluntary repatriation exercise, which is
due to end this year.  UNHCR estimates roughly 55,000 Angolans will
return in 2005 under the organized exercise, while an unknown number
will return independently.  WFP continues to provide support to the
repatriation exercise.

(b)  During July 2005, WFP and cooperating partners distributed 9,000
tons of food to approximately 740,000 people throughout the country.
Nearly 51 percent of the beneficiaries were targeted through general
food distributions - mainly internal and external returnees, refugees
and other vulnerable beneficiaries.  An additional 24 percent of food
recipients are engaged in food-for-work and food-for-assets programmes
and another 25 percent receive assistance through school-feeding
projects.

(c)  In July, the road from the town of Menongue to Cuito Cuanavale
Municipality (Kuando Kubango Province) was opened to UN agencies,
following demining activities undertaken by Halo Trust.  The road was
closed in March 2004 following a mine incident.  With the reopening, WFP
has gained access to approximately 6,000 people, predominantly
returnees.  The reopening of the road will also enable WFP to monitor
the area and assess food needs of the population. Halo Trust is
currently demining the road from Menongue to Bie Province, an area where
many returnees have chosen to settle.

(d)  The Angola protracted relief and recovery operation (PRRO), Support
to Return and Resettlement, continues to be severely under funded.
Urgent contributions are required to avoid ongoing commodity disruptions
in September and October.  From November onwards, major shortfalls will
take place in all commodities.  The PRRO requires USD12 million, or
17,500 tons of food through the end of 2005.  Without immediate new
contributions, WFP will have to introduce additional distribution cuts
in all rations.


(2) Lesotho

(a)  According to the Lesotho Vulnerability Assessment Committee and
FAO/WFP Crop and Food Supply Assessment Mission findings, households in
the Southern Lowlands and Senqu River Valley have shown clear patterns
of chronic vulnerability and predictable hunger.  WFP, in partnership
with the government and cooperating partners, is planning to undertake a
retargeting exercise in order to identify and assist the most vulnerable
households..

(b)  During 27 July to 2 August, WFP and collaborating partners
distributed food to approximately 10,300 people enrolled in mother and
child heath care, patients in HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis clinics and home
care programmes, as well as to school-feeding and food-for-work
participants..


(3) Madagascar

(a)  In July 2005, the average market price of rice increased from
MGA710 (USD0.37) to MGA900 (USD0.46) per kilo.  In May, rice prices were
approximately MGA700.  An increase in the price of imported and domestic
rice occurs as commodities become scarce on the local market.  Some
wholesalers are withholding commodities in expectation of increased
market prices during the lean season.  It is anticipated that there will
be a 200,000 ton production deficit of domestic rice that will need to
be covered by imports. Currently farmers are building up their
contingency stocks in anticipation of severe shortages of rice,
comparable to those experienced in 2004.


(4) Malawi

(a)  According to the Director of Meteorological Services in Malawi, the
2004/05 maize harvest is the lowest since 1992 with a production of
about 1.3 million tons, representing 37 percent of the country's needs.
The national Vulnerability Assessment Committee estimates between 4.2
million people will not have enough food during the coming year.  This
figure will increase to 4.6 million, should maize prices increase.
Food assistance is estimated at 270,000 to 415,000 tons respectively.
The country's central and densely populated southern regions are
currently the most critically affected.  At the end of July, the
government placed a ban on maize and fertilizer exports as part of a
series of emergency measures to combat the threat of famine and has
launched a "Feed the Nation" campaign in order to collect donations.

(b)  From 27 July to 3 August, WFP dispatched approximately 1,800 tons
of food through cooperating partners.


(5) Mozambique

(a)  The scarcity of rainfall continues to have an effect on the
southern provinces of the country.  In Maputo Province, food security
has deteriorated drastically and the number of food insecure households
continues to rise. Many families have lost their livestock due to the
lack of water and pasture.  In Inhambane Province, farmers have prepared
their fields and are waiting for rain to begin sowing.  In the most
affected provinces, people are now relying on cassava and wild
vegetation.

(b)  Due to insufficient stocks in WFP's pipeline, cooperating partners
are not receiving adequate stocks to complete distributions.
Food-for-work and vulnerable group feeding activities remain critically
affected.


(6) Namibia

(a)  WFP and UNHCR will conduct a beneficiary verification exercise
during 16 and 17 August in Osire refugee camp.  Current figures indicate
the number of refugees residing in the camp is approximately 6,500.


(7) Zambia

(a)  During a recent field trip to Zambezi and Chavuma, WFP staff
reported that many households have run out of food, especially on the
west bank of the Zambezi River.  Many households are now limited to one
meal a day and people are relying heavily on wild fruit and vegetation
for sustenance. The situation, aggravated by pipeline breaks, is rapidly
deteriorating and is expected to worsen in the coming months. While
urban areas continue to enjoy relatively stable prices for food, the
food security situation in rural areas remains precarious. The
government's Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit (DMMU) has
developed a Cabinet Memorandum requesting emergency funds to support 1.2
million people until February 2006.  A response is expected from the
government by the end of August.

(b)  During July, WFP provided food assistance to approximately 84,000
people out of 94,000 in five refugee camps and settlements.  The
voluntary repatriation of Angolan refugees is ongoing, although at a
much slower pace than originally anticipated.  Since the recommencement
of the return exercise in May 2005, only 6,500 Angolans have been
repatriated. UNHCR has altered the refugee return figures from an
initial 34,500 to approximately 16,000 people.  Consequently, WFP has
revised beneficiary planning figures accordingly.  WFP continues to
facilitate the repatriation exercise by providing hot meals at
departure/transit centres as well as providing dry food packs
(Humanitarian Daily Rations) during refugee's travel time.

(c)  Critical food shortfalls for the current regional protracted relief
and recovery operation (PRRO) in Zambia are foreseen at the end of
August. Currently there is no vegetable oil in stock with limited
amounts of cereals and HEPS.  Although recent contributions have been
received, these are unlikely to arrive before the end of 2005. Cash
contributions are urgently required to provide food for September's
beneficiary distributions.


(8) Zimbabwe

(a)  Government authorities have officially closed transit camps in
urban areas, removing remaining people to rural areas, nearby farms,
alternative holding centres, Social Welfare centres and homes for the
elderly, the latter being for destitute children and adults.  WFP has
provided 1,400 tons of food to an estimated 65,000 people affected by
the government's "clean-up operations", working primarily through the
International Organization for Migration (IOM).  There have been some
reports of strain on the rural communities with the influx of the
displaced.

(b)  The limited availability of maize in the provinces of Matabeleland,
Manicaland and Mashonaland continue to be observed. In Bulawayo Urban,
the price of maize on the parallel market remains constant in local
currency at ZW$3.425 per kilo, although the ZW$ decreased to USD0.20 per
kilo after a currency devaluation of 95 percent (from USD0.38). Informal
vendors in Mashonaland Provinces are reported to be returning
sporadically and in small numbers in urban centres, although monitored
and vacated by police periodically.  In Manicaland, limited Grain
Marketing Board (GMB) maize grain deliveries in districts have not been
able to be undertaken due to the ongoing shortage of fuel.

(c)  Long queues are observed at numerous locations throughout the
country for the purchase of basic and scarce commodities such as maize
meal, cooking oil and sugar, with maize meal selling on the open market
for as much as ZW$5,600 (USD0.32) per kilo in Manicaland.  Long queues
for fuel at petrol stations continue to be observed, with the parallel
market for fuel selling as high as ZW$60,000 (USD3.42) per litre.

(d)  On 3 August, WFP received a letter from the Ministry of Health and
Child Welfare, permitting the use of South African corn-soya-blend (CSB)
stocks through ongoing targeted programmes.  School Feeding and Child
Supplementary Feeding programmes had largely been suspended since
mid-May following problems with some stocks.  As schools are currently
on term break, school feeding will resume when schools reopen in
September.

(e)  Home Based Care and Orphan and Other Vulnerable Children programmes
continue in three districts and one urban area, although fuel shortages
have presented challenges in the smooth implementation of the July
distribution cycle.



(F) Asia: (1) Bangladesh (2) Korea (DPR) (3) Myanmar

(1) Bangladesh

(a)  The overall flood situation remains fairly normal and within the
capacity of the Government and other local relief agencies to respond.
As is usual, the situation has caused a significant increase in the
price of cash crops, fruit and vegetables (mainly rice and wheat flour).
WFP is expecting to receive over 3,765 tons of wheat from the Government
of Bangladesh stocks for distribution among 125,565 households,
participating in flood recovery activities in the northern part of
Bangladesh.

(b)  Daily over 600,000 primary school students continue to receive high
energy biscuits as part of WFP's emergency operation (EMOP) in the
country. Food-for-work/Food-for-asset (FFW/FFA) is on going in four
districts, through various micro-level livelihood activities.

(c)  Also as part of the EMOP, from 27 July until 3 August, around 6,060
households have received 30 kg of rice.


(2) Korea (DPR)

(a)  The ongoing rainy season continues to cause problems around the
country. In addition to the flooding in Pukchang, Tokchong and Maengan
counties at the end of June, WFP received reports of flooding in Unsan
county (South Pyongan Province) this week. The extent of the damage is
yet to be confirmed and WFP has not received any requests for Emergency
Food Assistance.

(b)  With the arrival in August of cereals purchased from WFP's
Immediate Response Account, WFP will be able to provide cereal rations
to all beneficiaries of its emergency operation (EMOP), with the
exception of 900,000 poor urban households and elderly people. However,
without new donations, beneficiary numbers will drop again in October
when only 4.1 million out of the targeted 6.5 million will receive
cereals. In November and December, WFP will only be able to assist 50
percent of our beneficiaries with cereals.

(c)  The shortfall of oil, which began in March, is still severe and in
August and September up to 2.7 million elderly people, pregnant/nursing
women, and children in nurseries, kindergarten and hospitals will go
without this valuable commodity. WFP has also been forced to cut
distributions of pulses completely to all the EMOP's beneficiary groups
in August and September.


(3) Myanmar

(a)  WFP's Executive Director, James Morris, during his four day mission
to Myanmar, visited WFP hunger alleviation projects in central Magway
Division and had meetings with Prime Minister Soe Win, representatives
of the opposition National League for Democracy and leaders of minority
ethnic groups.

(b)  Mr. Morris, during his visit, urged the Myanmar government to
review and reform policies that impede humanitarian efforts to combat
growing hunger and poverty. He called for a significant relaxation of
controls on the procurement and distribution of food commodities,
including aid, and on access to them for the most vulnerable, not least
in hard-hit, ethnic minority border areas. Morris also called for
improvements in operating conditions for aid agencies, noting that
bureaucratic, fiscal and other constraints hamper the timely local
purchase and distribution of urgently needed food assistance, and the
free movement of humanitarian workers.

(c)  WFP still needs to raise 40 per cent of the projected USD 12
million cost of its two-year programme to support returnees and other
vulnerable groups in North Rakhine State and Magway. Furthermore, just
20 per cent of the USD 8 million required for a 12-month operation to
feed former opium poppy growers and their families in northeastern Shan
State has been secured. Additional contributions are urgently required.



(G) Latin America and Caribbean: (1) Regional (2) Bolivia (3) Colombia
(4) Cuba (5) Guatemala (6) Nicaragua

(1) Regional

(a)  According to scientists at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration's (NOAA) Climate Prediction Center (CPC), Hurricane
Research Division (HRD), and National Hurricane Center (NHC), an
extremely active hurricane season is foreseen, with an expected seasonal
total of 18-21 tropical storms, with 9-11 becoming hurricanes, and 5-7
of these becoming major hurricanes.

(b)  The predicted seasonal totals include the considerable activity
that has already occurred prior to this update (7 tropical storms and 2
major hurricanes). Therefore, for the remainder of the season, we expect
an additional 11-14 tropical storms, with 7-9 becoming hurricanes, and
3-5 of these becoming major hurricanes. These very high levels of
activity are comparable to those seen during August-November 2003 and
2004. Given the forecast that the remainder of the season will be very
active, it is imperative that hurricane preparedness plans are in place
at all levels..


(2) Bolivia

(a)  Bolivia's Finance Minister resigned on Monday over remarks done in
the US about alleged financial ties between coca leader and presidential
candidate Evo Morales with the presidents of Cuba and Venezuela.

(b)  The city of Camiri, located in the Department of Santa Cruz, leads
a strike in demand of the re-foundation of the state owned oil company
YPFB. At least three road blockades stopped some 200 trucks on their way
from Argentina to Santa Cruz and vice versa. As national authorities did
not take any action regarding their demands, protesters announced a
general strike starting on 3 August. They also threatened with the
occupation of gas camps and the closing of valves. The strike may spread
out to other cities, such as Yacuiba and Villamontes.  At the national
level, the health sector announced another three-day strike for the
following days..

(c)  Since the Municipality of Camiri currently blocked by protesters-
is in the centre of the intervention area of WFP's emergency operation
(EMOP), final distributions of 300 tons of food to the municipalities of
Gutierrez, Cuevo, Camiri and Boyuibe had to be re-programmed.  Wherever
possible, implementing partners have been delivering food, taking
alternative roads.


(3) Colombia

(a)  The situation remains tense and volatile in the Province of
Putumayo. According to military sources, a major illegal armed group
(with strong presence in this region) has caused the interruption of
almost all activities in this southern province. Rebels have cut off
electricity and have blockade main roads. A major Colombian newspaper
has said that civil population is terrified and the transport companies
refuse to operate as the illegal armed groups have promised to burn any
buses or trucks that move across this province.

(b)  The Governor of the province said that some 3,500 people had been
forced to flee due to the clashes between the Army and the illegal armed
group at different points of the province. Most of these people have
temporarily settled in the Municipality of Puerto Asis, although some
reports issued by the Ecuadorian Government indicate that an
undetermined number of people have crossed the Colombian border with
Ecuador. Military sources indicate that the situation is under control
and security conditions will be normal soon.

(c)  Due to the situation, the Colombian government was forced to
airlift in basic supplies and some 12 tons of emergency food aid.
Reportedly, much of the food that arrived by plane would be airlifted by
military helicopters to Orito and other Putumayo towns, where food is
growing scarce.  For now, food shortages have not yet hit Puerto Asis,
with a population of about 28,000, though some supermarkets are running
short of fresh vegetables. With the municipal water system
malfunctioning since the power went out, some residents have been using
wells to get their water..

(d)  Currently the province of Putumayo is under UN Security Phase III
and all movements for UN staff are restricted in this part of the
country. WFP does not have any activities in Putumayo. However, if
financial resources are available, WFP will consider expanding its
current protracted relief and recovery operation (PRRO) to this
province.

(e)  A recent mission leaded by WFP to the region of Catatumbo (province
of Norte de Santander) found out that some 66 families from different
remote rural areas of this region were forced to flee due to threats
from illegal armed groups. These families are temporarily settled in
different municipalities of the province and have not received any
humanitarian assistance.

(f)  New displacements have been reported in the Province of Choco,
where at least 60 people (members of indigenous communities) from rural
areas of the village of San Juan were forced to flee due to threats from
illegal armed groups. These people claim that a major illegal group in
their region accused them to be helpers of a rival right wing illegal
group. The families are temporarily settled in the Municipality of Rio
Sucio, waiting for humanitarian assistance.

(g)  Clashes between the Colombian army and members of illegal armed
groups have been reported in nearby rural areas of Quibdo (capital city
of the Province of Choco). According to information issued by the local
government, these clashes are causing food blockades for inhabitants of
these areas. Due to this reason, WFP could not deliver food supplies
that were intended to be distributed to the communities of Winando and
Jitrado, small villages located in the middle of the clashing area. WFP
will deliver these food supplies as soon as security conditions in the
area are cleared.

(h)  Illegal armed rebels detonated a roadside bomb on 1 August, killing
14 police officers.  Outlawed groups are fighting for control of lands
around the Sierra Nevada, which is sacred to local Indians. Illegal
armed rebels have killed more than 300 members of the security forces
this year. WFP develops several food aid activities in this region as
part of its PRRO..

(i)  In the context of the new PRRO 10366, Assistance to People
Displaced by Violence, WFP distributed last week 170 tons in 8
provinces, reaching to 50,050 beneficiaries in school and preschool
feeding activities.


(4) Cuba

(a)  Despite the scattered showers and the rain that Hurricane Dennis
brought on its passage through Cuba on 8 July, the ongoing drought
situation in the eastern part of the country continues causing damage to
food crops and livestock in both, central and eastern Cuba. In the
eastern part of the country, particularly the Provinces of Guantanamo,
Granma, Santiago de Cuba, Holguin, Las Tunas and Camaguey, the drought
has affected water sources, agriculture and cattle and has made the
population extremely vulnerable to food insecurity.

(b)  Shipments for WFP's three-month emergency operation (EMOP) in Cuba
are expected to arrive at the end of August. This EMOP will reach
773,000 people by providing assistance to vulnerable groups (pregnant
and nursing women, children under five years old and elderly people)
affected by the drought, with a complementary food ration of rice, beans
and vegetable oil.

(c)  Distributions from WFP's Immediate Response Account were approved
on 2 July. This Assistance will reach 110,900 people by providing
assistance to vulnerable groups (pregnant women, children under five
years old and elderly people) affected by Hurricane Dennis. The total
cost of this operation is USD 492,264.

(d)  Food is urgently needed since the situation continues to be
critical. The affected population is in need of the complementary food
rations to be provided through these emergency operations.


(5) Guatemala

(a)  The "yellow" alert in the whole country continues, as rainfall
levels are normal according to the National Institute of Seismology,
Vulcanology, Meteorology and Hydrology (INSIVUMEH).

(b)  The Free Trade Agreement (DR-CAFTA) between the United States and
the Central American countries and the Dominican Republic was finally
approved. It is expected to take effect as of 1 January, 2006. In
Guatemala, labour union members and civil organizations carried out a
demonstration on 29 July to protest against the expected adverse impact
on trade, particularly regarding agricultural activity in the rural
areas.

(c)  The Government of Guatemala is currently trying to reach consensus
regarding a rural development policy based on the strengthening of human
development, by increasing investment on health and education, while
reducing investment on infrastructure. No tax reform is envisaged in the
short run; however, tax collection improved during the first half of
2005, compared to previous year.

(d)  As part of the Guatemala component of WFP's regional protracted
relief and recovery operation (PRRO), a total of 60 tons of maize,
beans, corn-soya blend and vegetable oil were distributed to
community-based centres in the Province of Chiquimula, Jalapa, Solola
and San Marcos. Distributions aim at the nutritional recovery of
children under five years old and pregnant and nursing women suffering
from acute malnutrition, and will benefit a total of 720 families (3,600
beneficiaries).


(6) Nicaragua

(a)  On the night of 2 August, a tornado occured in Corinto, where the
main warehouse of WFP is located. WFP reported minor damage to the
infrastructure, not affecting food storage

(b)  On the morning of 2 August, INETER authorities (Institute for
Territorial Studies) reported a tremor of 5.6 Richter and at least 15
tremors with less intensity.  The epicentre was reported to be located
100 kms to the southwest of Managua. Nicaraguan authorities also
reported a second earthquake of magnitude 4.5 about an hour and a half
later. Red Cross and government civil defence officials had no reports
of injuries or destruction in Nicaragua.

(c)  Concepcion volcano, a volcano situated on the island of Ometepe in
Lake Nicaragua, which is popular with adventure tourists, erupted at
least four times last 28 July, spewing ash that fell some 10 miles away.
No one was injured by the eruptions.

(d)  A preliminary WFP mission to the municipality of Waspam in the
Northern Atlantic Autonomous Region of Nicaragua confirms the loss of
harvest due to rat infestation, pests and flooding along River Coco on
the border to Honduras. According to the local authorities, at least 18
communities are facing severe food shortage. A joint mission composed of
WFP, WFP partners and local authorities have initiated a rapid
assessment of the situation, although access to the area is extremely
difficult.

(e)  Approximately 10,365 pregnant and lactating women; 11,160 children
under two years old; 1,790 vulnerable rural families and 62,065
schoolchildren in the Central and Northern Atlantic Region (RAAN)
continue to benefit of food distributions under WFP's protracted relief
and recovery operation (PRRO). Heavy rains continue, especially in the
RAAN and have damaged several roads, making access to some areas even
more difficult.

(f)  If no commodities are announced in the upcoming months or those
that are announced arrive late, the PRRO will face serious pipeline
breaks. Beneficiary numbers will have to be reduced if the situation
prevails.


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

WFP Weekly Emergency Report


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