WFP Emergency Report
Issued weekly by the United Nations World Food Programme
Report No. 35 / 2005 - Date 26 August 2005


This report includes:

(A) Highlights
(B) Middle East,Central Asia and Eastern Europe: (1) Afghanistan
     (2) Iran (3) Iraq (4) Libyan Arab Jamahiriya
     (5) Occupied Palestinian Territories (6) Pakistan
(C) East & Central Africa: (1) Burundi (2) Congo, DR (3) Eritrea
     (4) Ethiopia (5) Rwanda (6) Somalia (7) Sudan (8) Tanzania (9) Uganda
(D) West Africa: (1) Chad (2) Liberia (3) Niger
(E) Southern Africa: (1) Angola (2) Lesotho (3) Malawi (4) Mozambique
     (5) Swaziland (6) Zambia (7) Zimbabwe
(F) Asia: (1) Bangladesh (2) Indonesia (3) Korea (DPR) (4) Maldives
     (5) Myanmar (6) Sri Lanka
(G) Latin America and Caribbean: (1) Bolivia (2) Colombia (3) Cuba
     (4) Ecuador (5) Guatemala (6) Haiti



(A) Highlights

(a)  In Niger, WFP has thus far dispatched a total of 5,868 tons of food for
the first round of general distributions, enough food to feed 346,913 people.
During the past week, UN Secretary General Kofi Annan and WFP Senior Deputy
Executive Director Jean-Jacques Graisse have visited Niger on separate
missions.

(b)  In Chad, WFP completed general food distributions in three northern camps
despite difficulties caused by heavy rainfall.

(c)  Severe fuel shortage in Sudan has begun to affect the WFP-Humanitarian Air
Services. The shortage of jet fuel is expected to continue into September.

(d)  A WFP-chartered vessel is still being held by hijackers off of the coast
of Somalia despite an agreement reached earlier in the month with community
leaders on behalf of the hijackers.



(B) Middle East,Central Asia and Eastern Europe: (1) Afghanistan (2) Iran (3)
Iraq (4) Libyan Arab Jamahiriya (5) Occupied Palestinian Territories (6)
Pakistan

(1) Afghanistan

(a)  During the reporting period (August 19-25), WFP continued food
pre-positioning in areas that become inaccessible with the onset of winter. The
plan this year is to position a five-month food ration (23,000 tons) to ensure
continued food supply to half a million vulnerable Afghans living in 68 food
insecure districts that are normally cut off due to severe winters. Security
constraints arising from the parliamentary elections and the early onset of
winter in some parts may hinder the full implementation of the pre-positioning
plan.

(b)  People living in these isolated areas will be assisted, through various
activities including, where feasible food for work, school feeding, food for
training and assistance to TB Patients.

(c)  During the reporting period WFP implemented its regular projects in
collaboration with the government and cooperating partners assisting 228,900
food insecure people.


(2) Iran

(a)  Since the beginning of August, WFP assisted 36,965 Afghan and Iraqi
refugees living in camps and 3,406 refugees returning to their home country.
Although food assistance to Afghan refugees in camps was to be officially be
phased out at the end of 2004, the distribution of bread continues due to the
availability of wheat flour stocks and as per agreement with the Government and
UNHCR.

(b)  Between 1 and 23 August 2005, UNHCR assisted 3,406 Afghan refugees in
returning to Afghanistan, while 7,079 repatriated spontaneously. Some 170
refugees living in Niatak camp in Sistan & Baluchestan Province repatriated
during the reporting period.  Since 9 April 2002 to date, 1,253,991 Afghans
have returned home, including 815,254 with UNHCR assistance and 438,737
spontaneously.

(c)  Sufficient food resources are available to meet Protracted Relief and
Recovery Operation (PRRO) 10213.0 food requirements until the end of 2005.


(3) Iraq

(a)  A total of 22,357 tons of commodities have so far been dispatched into
Iraq under WFP's emergency operation 10360.0 which started in September 2004.
Of the total dispatched so far, some 15,524 tons have been distributed -
benefiting 1,436,140 beneficiaries.

(b)  Food for Education (FFE) - preparations are under way to preposition High
Energy Biscuits and vegetable oil for distribution when schools reopen in
September.  During the last school year about 8,886 mt of High Energy Biscuits
and vegetable oil were delivered to various schools in Iraq with approximately
5,201 tons of HEBs and 806 tons of vegetable oil distributed to 806,558 school
children.

(c)  In terms of Vulnerable Group Feeding, a total of 13,471 tons of various
commodities including wheat flour, vegetable oil and pea-wheat blended food
have been delivered into Iraq with 9,517 tons distributed to 629,582
beneficiaries.


(4) Libyan Arab Jamahiriya

(a)  WFP continues to supply food aid to Sudanese refugees in Chad and the war
affected populations in Darfur via the Libya corridor. The corridor provides a
flexible surface transport and air bridge capability.

(b)  Since the end of April 2005, WFP has dispatched 12,882 tons of commodities
by surface means to Chad. Due to exceptionally heavy rains experienced in Chad
during August, no convoys have been dispatched from Libya to Abeche. WFP
Convoys W009 and W010 that were held up in Chad for nearly four weeks due to
the rains and poor road conditions have now started making their way to Abeche
for off-loading. A convoy of 775 tons will leave Libya for the North Eastern
refugee camps in Chad on the 27 August.

(c)  The airlift operation began with one IL-76 aircraft on the 7 May and a
second aircraft started on 13 June. By 25 August 2005, some 10,183 tons had
been dispatched by air to Darfur. Both aircraft were put out of action on the
19 August, one due to a bird-strike to one of its engines, the second due to an
engine failure. The first aircraft has had the engine replaced and was
operation again on the 25 August; the second aircraft is currently under
maintenance.

(d)  With the confirmation of a new contribution this week, funding levels for
Special Operation (SO) 10417.0 stand at 11% of the USD 4.5 million requirement.


(5) Occupied Palestinian Territories

(a)  The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) completed the withdrawal of Israelis from
the Northern West Bank settlements and Gaza Strip within six days; the removal
of settler infrastructure continues. The short duration of the operation and
strong coordination between all parties on humanitarian issues has to date
reduced the humanitarian impact of the disengagement.. Thus in the Gaza Strip,
disengagement was completed well ahead of schedule with a minimal humanitarian
impact. However, internal security in GS remains an issue of concern to WFP and
is limiting field operations - especially in the case of international staff.

(b)  Land confiscation, leveling and house demolitions to make way for the
Barrier construction continue in the West Bank. Access to/from Tulkarem remains
very limited for the local population (see Shufa village below).. In the West
Bank, WFP (in coordination with UNRWA) made an Emergency distribution of one
month's food rations to 720 people in the northern West Bank village of Shufa (
a rural area of Tulkarem) to alleviate the humanitarian situation resulting
from over a month of limited movement in the area.

(c)  In the Gaza Strip, WFP provided Ard El- Insan (AEI) with 18 tons of
High-Energy Biscuits (HEBs) to be distributed to poor and needy malnourished
children attending their clinics in Gaza Strip. Upon WFP's request, AEI has
agreed to keep part of HEBs as a buffer stock for emergency distribution
through other humanitarian organizations (such as ICRC, MDM, MSF, and UNICEF).
There was no disruption of monitoring activities; monitoring of distributions
and assessment of institutions continued. WFP completed the West Bank mapping,
highlighting the most vulnerable villages for a possible emergency intervention
in the event of extended curfew/closure.

(d)  Preparations for a study of the Bedouins in the Gaza Strip continue in
cooperation with IMG (International Management Group). The study is intended to
support targeting of this group, and the report should be completed by
mid-October, depending on access to the Gaza Strip.

(e)  WFP delivered 613.196 tons of food during the reporting period (August
19-25).


(6) Pakistan

(a)  Food distribution to 850 families in Northern Area - 280 families in
Ghizer, 100 families in Gilgit, 460 families in Ghanche and 10 families in
Skardu districts- has been completed. A WFP mission visited Skardu and Ghanche
districts and met with beneficiaries, local representatives and the Aga Khan
Rural Support Programme. Beneficiaries explained that WFP's assistance enabled
them to cope for at least one month. Many have lost their houses and belongings
and infrastructure in the area has been damaged or destroyed.

(b)  Food distribution to the remaining 220 families in Nowshera district, NWFP
that have not yet received their planned ration was finalized on 23 August
2005. This completed the distribution to all planned 7,000 families in three
districts of NWFP (Peshawar, Charsadda and Nowshera).

(c)  Distributions under Emergency Operation (EMOP) 10472.0 have now been
completed. 7,850 families received 510.25 tons of wheat flour, vegetable oil
and yellow split peas.



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

(1) Burundi

(a)  The number of Burundians returning from exile continues to increase. Last
week, WFP assisted around 3,500 returnees, mainly coming from Tanzania. UNHCR
has increased the number of convoys from the main refugee camps. WFP continues
to provide food rations to all returnees. The increase in numbers of returnees
from Rwanda and Tanzania coupled with the presence of Rwandan asylum seekers
have resulted in an increased beneficiary caseload for food assistance.

(b)  WFP is preparing a nation-wide distribution of the Seed Protection Rations
(SPR). The number of beneficiaries to be assisted has been coordinated with FAO
and other partners involved in seeds distributions.. It is expected that over
179,000 families will benefit from this food aid operation. WFP and FAO staff
conducted joint missions in five communes of Gitega, Muyinga, Kirundo and
Bujumbura Rural provinces to sensitise local authorities and FAO partners on
the targeting criteria for the forthcoming SPR campaign. The seed protection
programme will be launched next week in several provinces. WFP plans to use
around 8,000 tons of commodities for this operation.

(c)  Last week, WFP distributed 1,190 tons of food aid to some 79,700
beneficiaries. WFP continues to apply food ration cuts and other measures to
ensure sufficient stocks for the forthcoming distribution of the SPR and for
any new emergencies. In view of the usual emergency distributions currently
underway and the increase in the number of returnees, food aid needs will be
increasing while the pipeline is relatively poor.  More substantial food
shortfalls are expected in mid-December and will continue afterwards.


(2) Congo, DR

(a)  In North Kivu province, uncontrolled armed soldiers increased their
attacks on the local population in the south of Lubero and Rutshuru
territories. They reportedly continued to kidnap civilians. In response, a
United Nations Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUC) contingent
was sent to Nyamilima to patrol and protect the surrounding areas from gunmen
attacks.

(b)  In Ituri district, military operations by uncontrolled gunmen were also
reported in the south of Bunia, around the Marabo-Gety-Boga axis as well as at
some 60 km north of Bunia on the Djugu-Pimbo road. Humanitarian workers were
advised to restrict their movement in these areas due to the insecurity.

(c)  WFP supplies of maizemeal (MML) were low in the East, therefore resulting
in reduced MML rations for about 3,180 internally displaced persons (IDPs) and
21,875 persons targeted with safety net food packages in the Rutshuru territory
(North Kivu province). The food distributions were carried out by CARITAS. The
inter-agency (OCHA/WFP/CARITAS) needs assessment mission undertaken in the
Miriki-Luofo axis (Lubero territory) in mid August indicated that some 11,750
persons including returnees from Miriki and IDPs from Kamandi were in need for
food.

(d)  Reportedly, in South Kivu province, the number of Congolese returning from
camps in Tanzania and Zambia has been increasing. At the refugee interagency
committee meeting, UNHCR indicated that up to 6,000 returnees would need to be
fed for one month before their reinstallation. Consequently, WFP in Uvira
planned for 50 tons to be used for that purpose.

(e)  From its Lubumbashi warehouse (Katanga province), WFP sent by train 35
tons of food to supply the recently established WFP office in Mbuji-Mayi in
Kasai Oriental province. Food insecurity in this central province mainly
resulted from the protracted isolation due to insecurity. WFP has planned a
monthly distribution of 100 tons, of which 25 will be directed to malnourished
children in Kabinda. Additional activities include food-for-work for market
gardening promotion, school feeding and vulnerable groups feeding (particularly
street children and orphans).

(f)  The IDPs resettlement continued in Ituri district. Through its
implementing partners, WFP provided 19 tons of food to 781 IDPs who left the
IDP camp near Bunia airport to resettle in their various areas of origin. The
food supplied would cover their needs for two months. Near Lake Albert, 3,703
returnee families were provided with 233 tons of food.


(3) Eritrea

(a)  On 22 August 2005 the United Nations Secretary-General's Special Envoy for
the humanitarian crisis in the Horn of Africa, Mr. Martti Ahtisaari started a
two-day consultation visit to Eritrea. The envoy will meet with senior
government officials, representatives of UN agencies and non-governmental
organizations (NGOs) in the capital, Asmara, to exchange views on how best to
supply the country's humanitarian needs for the rest of 2005 and in 2006.

(b)  In addition, plans for the return and re-settlement of internally
displaced people (IDPs) and rural expellees living in camps, as well as the
reintegration of about 120,000 returnees from Sudan will be reviewed, the UN
Office for Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported. The envoy and his entourage
left Asmara for Addis Ababa, Ethiopia on Thursday, 25 August.

(c)  According to the office of the Ministry of Agriculture (MoA) for
Gash-Barka region in the western part of the country, 98 percent of the total
251,500 hectares (ha) planned land for cultivation was successfully ploughed
and sown. Smaller areas in the sub-zones of Molki and Shambuko will be
cultivated soon with short-period crops like chickpeas. Out of the total area,
159,776 ha have been cultivated with sorghum, 50,907 ha with sesame, 21,132 ha
with pearl millet and the remaining 13,521 ha was sown with finger millet,
barley, maize and cotton. Crops in the region are in good condition and in
comparison with last years' harvests, prospects are good. Meanwhile, groups of
elephants have destroyed about 36.5 ha of sorghum and sesame crops at the
vegetative stage, according to the MoA.

(d)  WFP commitment coverage for all operations has remained unchanged. The
coverage for Emergency Operation (EMOP) 10261.01 has reached 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 PRRO 10192.1, whose implementation is to start on 1 September,
stands at approximately USD 42.6 million, representing 20 percent of the total
cost of the project.


(4) Ethiopia

(a)  The food security situation in lowland areas of East Hararge zone of
Oromia region continues to be of concern. While improved food security was
observed in other areas of the region lately, delayed food deliveries, mainly
due to transport problems, and weak implementation of relief operations in
terms of targeting and utilization of blended food, has created a serious
situation in lowland East Hararge and efforts are being made to expedite
distributions.

(b)  The situation in lowland parts of Sidama, Kembata-Tembaro, Alaba and
Wolayta of Southern Nations, Nationalities and Peoples Region (SNNPR) is also
serious, especially in Sidama zone. Immediate food needs in five "hot spot"
districts (Hulla, Dale, Dara, Shebedino of Sidama zone and Boloso Sore of
Wolayta zone) are being addressed by the Disaster Prevention and Preparedness
Commission (DPPC). WFP is assisting the SNNPR regional authorities to submit
food utilization reports of previous relief food allocations for the remaining
districts of the region, which is delaying the despatch of further food
allocations. WFP is closely monitoring this situation and engaging with
regional and federal authorities in order to prevent interrupted food
deliveries from worsening humanitarian conditions for the population in these
areas.

(c)  Emergency food requirements were revised last week, following the results
of the mid-year "belg" (short rainy season) and pastoral areas emergency needs
assessment. Total relief requirements for August are now for 62,000 tons of
food for 3.3 million food-insecure people. Beneficiary numbers will stand at
over 3 million until October, when requirements come down to about 2.3 million.
After the main harvest expected in October/November, it is estimated that just
under one million people will need relief assistance. Resources are available
to cover the country's emergency food requirements until the end of 2005.


(5) Rwanda

(a)  During the reporting week (August 20-26), no asylum seeker entered into
Rwanda from either DRC or Burundi. The voluntary and organized repatriation of
Burundian refugees continued this week and 1,377 Burundian refugees were
repatriated. These include 238 from Kigeme, 792 from Nyamure and 347 from
Gikonko. The Burundian refugee population has now dropped by almost 19 percent
from 6,122 the previous week to its current level of 4,970 in three camps.

(b)  UNHCR has signed a tripartite agreement between the Governments of Rwanda
and Burundi for the voluntary repatriation of Burundian refugees residing in
Rwanda. The Tripartite Commission has adopted a vigorous plan of action,
envisaging the repatriation of 500 to 750 Burundian refugees on a weekly basis.
All returning refugees upon arrival will be provided by UNHCR and its partners
a "repatriation package", which includes three-month food rations provided by
WFP and other relief items such as plastic sheeting, cooking sets, water jerry
cans, etc.

(c)  There were no changes in the number of Congolese refugees. Currently
Rwanda shelters 44,908 refugees in four camps.

(d)  Almost 67 tons of food commodities were distributed to 3,587 refugees in
Nyamure camp as part of their 30-day ration. A 15-day ration comprising 6 tons
of mixed food commodities was also distributed to 784 people in Gikonko transit
camp.

(e)  UNHCR, in cooperation with WFP and the Rwandan Government, has started
conducting a verification exercise in two of the Congolese refugee camps that
will last until 09 September 2005. The exercise will try to determine the exact
number of refugees and to issue identity cards to all those registered.

(f)  A total of 192 returnees crossed from DRC to Rwanda through Cyangugu
through Nyagatare transit camp. They were transferred to their respective
places of origin after receiving a one-month reduced returnee food package from
WFP. Due to pipeline constraints, returnees can still not be provided with the
originally planned three-month food packages.


(6) Somalia

(a)  WFP continues to appeal to the transitional Federal Government of Somalia
to press the hijackers of its chartered ship, the Semlow, to release its
ten-man crew and cargo.  The hijacking is now approaching its ninth week.


(7) Sudan

(a)  DARFUR

(b)  Insecurity persists in Darfur with attacks and looting against
humanitarian and commercial vehicles in South and West Darfur.  In one
incident, on 19 August, it was reported that a commercial truck carrying WFP
food and some passengers was stopped by four armed men at a location near
Kerenek in West Darfur. Even though, WFP food was not looted, the occupants
were robbed and the truck arrived in Kerenek the next day. In a separate
incident and on the same day a WFP-contracted truck was attacked along the El
Obeid-Nyala road, South Darfur although the exact quantity looted remains
unknown at this time. In addition, three commercial trucks, contracted by WFP,
were also hijacked in El Fasher, North Darfur. One truck and driver were
released; however, two trucks and drivers are still being held by the
hijackers.

(c)  While the overall situation remains calm and stable in North Darfur,
security advisories are routinely shared with all staff members in both the
Area Office as well as the Field Offices. Nevertheless, in South Darfur, the
situation remains tense between the Sudan Liberation Army (SLA) and Government
of Sudan (GoS) troops in the area between Donkey Deresa and Ladob, and the road
between Nyala and Donkey Deresa continues to be closed to UN movement.
Dispatches to Sabun El Fagour in Eastern Jebel Marra in South Darfur are now
accompanied by African Union (AU) escorts.

(d)  As predicted, heavy rains have posed serious challenges for road
deliveries into the Darfurs. West Darfur remains inaccessible due to
overflowing wadis and airdrops to this State have been prioritized. Rains in
North Darfur have also affected dispatches into Nyala, South Darfur, which is
currently being reached via El Fasher, North Darfur.

(e)  A severe fuel shortage in the country has begun to affect WFP-Humanitarian
Air Services (HAS) passenger services. On 20 August, a passenger flight was
unable to fly due to lack of fuel in Khartoum. Cargo deliveries via air have
also been affected, with the cancellation of 40 percent of deliveries. The
situation has become a cause for serious concern among humanitarian agencies.
The lack of jet fuel is expected to continue into September.

(f)  WFP delivered 4,229 tons of food into Darfur via airlifts and airdrops
between 1 and 22 August, representing 46 percent of the plan for August.. Some
1,786 tons of food was airlifted from Al Khufra, Libya and is included in this
figure.

(g)  During the week, WFP, OCHA and United Nations Mission in Sudan (UNMIS) met
with the highest ranking SLA commander for South Darfur to negotiate food
access to Al Mazroub, Jad Elsid and Abu Karinka IDP camps. An agreement was
reached that WFP would distribute food to the IDP camp population and the most
vulnerable village residents.

(h)  During the reporting week (August 20-26), a total of 2,852 tons of
assorted food commodities were dispatched to 201,627 beneficiaries in various
locations in West Darfur. Another 18 tons, targeting 1,798 beneficiaries under
supplementary feeding programmes, were also despatched. Despite the difficult
weather, German Agro Action (GAA) completed general food distributions of 870
tons of food to 44,591 beneficiaries in six locations in North Darfur.
Distributions of 370 tons were also completed in four sites of rural Kebkabiya
to 19,413 beneficiaries. Distributions are ongoing in Hashaba, Kutum North and
Kabkabiya rural areas.

(i)  In West Darfur, registration exercises in El Geneina camps and town did
not take place as planned due to the movement of large numbers of people from
surrounding villages into the camps for registration, and conditions presented
by the Deputy Wali that the IDPs in town and surrounding villages be registered
prior to the distribution within the camps. Due to increasing concerns for IDPs
in the camps and the factors highlighted above, the implementation of general
food distribution prior to registration was adopted in Geneina, Sisi and
Kerenek. Simultaneous distributions in these three areas assisted the return of
people to their respective locations.

(j)  In South Darfur, a joint WFP/OCHA/World Vision (WV)/International
Organisation of Migration (IOM)/Humanitarian Aid Commission (HAC) team
completed a headcount exercise in Al Salaam new camp on 16 August a total of
2,138 individuals were registered for food assistance. In the new Serif camp, a
verification exercise of new arrivals by WFP and International Islamic Relief
Organisation (IIRO) recorded 3,145 individuals, bringing the total caseload to
13,862 beneficiaries. WV conducted a needs assessment in a new location called
Banat where some people from Mosey A location have resettled. Some 1,085
individuals were counted. The assessment revealed that there is need for
humanitarian assistance, and food aid is considered as one of the main
priorities.

(k)  In North Darfur, GAA completed the head count in Mellit rural where the
final beneficiary figure dropped by 9 percent compared to the previous
caseload. African Humanitarian Action (AHA) completed verification of
beneficiaries in rural El Fasher areas.

(l)  WFP, Save the Children US (SC-US) and HAC are undertaking food security
assessments of 24 villages in West Darfur. By 20 August, fifteen villages had
been assessed. The remaining nine villages are inaccessible at present due to
bad weather and swollen Wadis. Preliminary reports indicate that an estimated
60,000 people are in need of assistance. Many of these villages are food
insecure and will be registered simultaneously with the El Geneina camps.

(m)  As of 22 August, WFP faces a shortfall of USD 148 million, representing 26
percent of USD 561.5 million required for EMOP 10339.1. The Special Operation
for logistics support in Darfur continues to face a shortfall of USD 23
million. One hundred long haul trucks must be procured urgently to augment
current logistics capacity.

(n)  WFP-HAS still faces severe funding shortfalls, which led to the
cancellation of non-food item deliveries in June. The funding shortfall remains
critical at USD 12 million out of total requirements of USD 36 million in 2005.
In the absence of new contributions, flights services will have to be curtailed
starting October.


(o)  SOUTH, EAST AND TRANSITIONAL AREAS

(p)  WFP offloaded some 495 tons of mixed food commodities from a barge that
was waiting for security clearance to complete distribution along the upper
Sobat corridor, Upper Nile. The barge operation has been suspended since 31
July as per advice from Military Intelligence and HAC following heightened
insecurity in the region. A security assessment is underway along the Sobat
corridor to resume the barge operation from 1 September..

(q)  Mabia returnees, Bahr El Ghazal, travelling through Zangabara road,
continued to arrive at Billi and still more are expected. WFP's CPs in Raja,
International Rescue Committee (IRC) and OCHA, registered 636 new arrivals. The
registered returnees are elderly IDPs and other vulnerable groups who were
travelling across swampy country and rivers on IOM trucks. As of 20 August,
4,177 returnees had been registered in Billi and Deim Zubair and a total of 36
tons of food distributed to 4,124 returnees in Diem Zubier.

(r)  The inter-agency rolling assessment team commenced in selected locations
in Kassala, North Kordofan, West Kordofan and White Nile states during the
reporting week. In Kassala, the team comprised of members from WFP, OCHA, FAO,
IRC, GOAL, Ministry of Agriculture (MOA) and ACCORD, conducted assessments in
three locations, namely Hadalia, Fedayeib and Dabelaweit, where good pasture
indicators pointing to good harvest probabilities, were reported. However, poor
coping mechanisms among IDPs remain a major obstacle. In the Kordofans, the
team comprised of representatives from WFP, HAC, MOA and Cooperating Partners
(CP) focused on assessing drought-affected areas, pastoral and agro-pastoral
economy areas and sample locations in West and North Kordofan states.

(s)  During the reporting period, a total of 440 tons of food was delivered by
air. Main constraints continue to be adverse weather conditions and the serious
shortage of jet fuel supplies in El Obeid while many areas in South Sudan have
become completely inaccessible by road due to the rains. With the arrival of a
fuel shipment in Port Sudan, air deliveries are expected to improve next week
and WFP plans to airdrop food in Wau, Gogrial and Malual in Bahr El Ghazal as
well as Lafon and Torit in East Equatoria in the coming days.

(t)  Meanwhile, WFP was able to airdrop food into Tima and Julud during the
week after more than 30 days of delay due to poor weather conditions. So far,
36 tons of food has been airdropped to Seraf Jamous. Food distributions to
targeted beneficiaries in Tima and Julud will commence once all required
commodities are in place. During the week, airdrops were carried out in ten
locations in Blue Nile and Upper Nile. Food distributions (757 tons) were
carried out in five locations, reaching some 38,900 beneficiaries.
Distributions are ongoing in Wadega, Taam, Kiunger, Nyadin and Oriny. Of the
total distribution, 82 tons of food was distributed to 2,500 returnees in
Kurmuk.

(u)  During the reporting period (August 20-26), some 1,610 children were
admitted into supplementary/therapeutic feeding programmes in Aweil South, Bahr
El Ghazal, representing a 22 percent increase from the week before.. In Aweil
East, some 2,052 children were admitted into both therapeutic and supplementary
feeding programmes, representing an increase of 11 percent from the previous
week.

(v)  WFP is in consultation with Medecins sans Frontiere - Belgium (MSF-B) on
providing food assistance to a supplementary feeding centre the NGO plans to
open in South Bor. This follows high rates of malnutrition (39..9 percent GAM,
5.9 percent SAM) reported in an Action Contre la Faim - US (ACF) survey carried
out the area in May 2005

(w)  As of 22 August, EMOP 10048.3 valued at USD 302 million, has received USD
177.3 million, representing approximately 59 percent of the total operational
requirements. Urgent contributions are immediately needed to repay outstanding
internal loans of USD 34.7 million and borrowings made to meet pressing food
requirements during the hunger season as well as for expected returns
particularly after the rainy season. Cash contributions are particularly
required to enable the operation to repay loans and for maximum flexibility.

(x)  To date, the Special Operation 10368.0 for emergency road repairs and mine
clearance of key transport routes in Sudan in support of this emergency
operation, has received a total of USD 71 million. With the recent approval of
a USD 93 million budget revision, the special operation faces a staggering
shortfall of USD 112 million out of USD 183 million total requirement. This
operation is currently in the second of three phases for which lack of funding
may hamper completion of a number of road repair projects. Urgent cash
contributions are critical in order for ongoing repair works to be completed as
well as initiate phase three of the operation by November 2005.

(y)  In addition, WFP is seeking support to augment barge capacity under the
Special Operation (SO) 10412, emergency repairs and upgrading of rail and river
transport infrastructure in support of WFP food aid operations in Sudan. The
SO, valued at USD 23 million, has not received any contributions to date. The
cross line barge operation that WFP is currently undertaking in Upper Nile
state would also significantly benefit from donor support to this SO.


(8) Tanzania

(a)  UNHCR has confirmed that 8,999 refugees repatriated to their home
countries between 1 and 21 August 2005. The successful election process in
Burundi is considered the most important factor behind the large number of
refugees repatriating, although refugees have mentioned movement restrictions
and food reduction in Tanzania as other factors.

(b)  WFP is currently providing refugees with a general distribution ration
equivalent to 1,813 Kcal, or 86 percent of the approved ration level. Assuming
timely arrival of incoming shipments, it is anticipated that between 86 - 93
percent of the normal ration can be provided between now and the end of October
2005.

(c)  General food distribution continues to reach 396,755 refugees. WFP
continues to implement therapeutic, supplementary and camp-based hospital
feeding with 100 percent ration levels. Due to resource shortages, however,
food-for-work and food-for-training activities in the host communities
surrounding the camps remain suspended.

(d)  WFP and its partners in Tanzania are planning to undertake a nutritional
survey of refugees in the beginning of September. The survey will provide more
data on the nutritional status of refugees following almost one year of reduced
food rations.

(e)  While the pipeline situation for the coming six months has improved, WFP
is not yet in a position where full rations can be provided. Significant
shortfalls in the first half of 2006 also need to be addressed.


(9) Uganda

(a)  The security situation in northern Uganda remained unpredictable,
especially in Gulu, Kitgum and Pader districts. Lord's Resistance Army (LRA)
insurgents continue to move in small groups abducting civilians, looting
household items and crops from fields, further compromising the affected
populations' access to agricultural land.

(b)  The LRA has responded poorly to a recent initiative by Uganda's main
donors asking LRA leaders to contact the chief peace mediator, Ms. Betty
Bigombe. Launched by Uganda's four main donors (the United Kingdom, the
Netherlands, Norway and the United States of America) at the beginning of
August, the initiative involves broadcasting radio messages to the rebels
throughout conflict-affected northern Uganda 18 times a day inviting them to
contact the chief mediator of the peace process. The messages also announce the
creation of a special radio monitoring post at which the rebels could pass
messages to the chief mediator to re-establish contact.

(c)  Under the WFP/FAO partnership providing support to formerly displaced
persons for sustainable food security, 5,105 households from seven parishes in
Batta, Lira district, received seeds and agricultural tool kits during the past
week. In Teso region, 4,148 households received seeds and agricultural tool
kits in Obalanga sub-county, Katakwi district.

(d)  WFP food distribution continues to reach 1.4 million displaced persons,
192,000 refugees and other vulnerable persons. During the past week, WFP
distributed 3,374 tons of relief food assistance to 352,717 persons including
internally displaced persons (IDPs) sheltering in camps in Gulu, Kitgum, Pader
and Lira districts, refugees, children in nutrition centres and other
vulnerable persons.

(e)  WFP faces a shortfall of 29,000 tons of food commodities (19,300 tons
cereals, 4,000 tons pulses and 5,700 tons fortified blended foods) 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
2005. Unless new contributions are confirmed urgently the nutritional status of
1.4 million IDPs in northern Uganda, mostly women and children, will be
jeopardized.



(D) West Africa: (1) Chad (2) Liberia (3) Niger

(1) Chad

(a)  During the reporting period (August 19 - 24), the overall security
situation was relatively calm in the refugee camps and border areas, with some
minor incidents reported, but having no impact on humanitarian operations. In
the Iriba area, there are unconfirmed reports of movements of young rebels who
cross the border from Sudan to visit their families in the camps. Local
authorities and humanitarian partners have requested the gendarmerie to
investigate these reports.

(b)  Heavy rains and swollen rivers (wadis) continue to hamper all travel by
road in the eastern region.

(c)  The target estimated caseload as agreed by WFP and UNHCR stands at 198,500
refugees in twelve camps.

(d)  WFP general food distributions in northern camps faced delays due to
access constraints caused by heavy rainfall. Distributions were however
completed in Mille, Kounoungou and Iridimi camps. The remaining camps, Touloum
and Amnabak, which had faced delays due to a swollen river (Wadi Absounout),
should be covered during the current week.

(e)  Under the Blanket Supplementary Feeding (BSF) programme, WFP supplied
14.43 tons of food to a total of 3,258 beneficiaries in the Djabal camp.. WFP
also supplied a total of 22.125 tons to some 5,000 beneficiaries in local
villages surrounding Bredjing and Treguine camps.In the Iriba zone, WFP and IRD
(International Relief & Development) are proceeding with the identification of
BSF beneficiaries in Kobe Department. Distributions are scheduled to commence
in September 2005. MSF Luxembourg has requested IRD to conduct a screening to
detect cases of malnutrition and transfer them to the health centres as
necessary. A joint WFP/IRD/MSF meeting will be held during the current week to
discuss modalities of implementation.

(f)  WFP Cooperating Partner ACF (Action Contre la Faim), conducted Food Basket
Monitoring in Mille and Kounoungou Camps during the general food distributions
of 15-21 August. Lack of staff and inaccurate ration measurements were among
the main findings. WFP is following up on the matter and is looking into ways
to reinforce the distributing partners' capacities.

(g)  Discussions are ongoing between WFP, UNHCR and UNICEF in Abeche to work on
a joint programme to support schools in various local communities. The list is
expected to be released shortly.

(h)  WFP Food-for-Work (FFW) activities in favour of local populations are
underway in the targeted zones of Abeche, Farchana, Iriba, Guereda and Bahai.
Distributions are expected to take place next week in the Farchana zone to
participants involved in a number of FFW activities, including airstrip
rehabilitation, planting of trees and women's literacy.

(i)  Under the Seed Protection programme, access difficulties caused by heavy
rainfall did not allow WFP to conduct sorghum distributions in the Iriba zone.
The distributions are scheduled to take place during the current week given
favourable weather conditions. In the Guereda zone, preparations are underway
to conduct Seed Protection distributions in 52 villages as of 1 September, in
cooperation with SECADEV and UNHCR.

(j)  The overall nutritional situation remains fairly stable in the refugee
camps.

(k)  In Treguine, death rates (4%) and abandonment rates (18% in July) in the
nutritional centre are raising concerns within the IFRC team. The Federation
has noted that most of those who have abandoned the centre are from among the
local population. IFRC is currently investigating the situation and
WFP-Farchana is following up.

(l)  Latest reports by UNICEF indicate that the situation of Hepatitis E in the
canton of Kerfi (near Goz Beida) is steadily coming under control. The past two
weeks have seen a decrease in the number of new cases, with only 23 cases
detected out of a total of 347 consultations.

(m)  A special authorisation given last week by the Ministry of Transport was
finally received by local authorities to release a WFP convoy (Convoy W009) at
Biltine, carrying some 1,400 tons of wheat for Sudan via the Libyan corridor.
The first trucks are expected in Abeche during the current week. A WFP convoy,
carrying some 1,900 tons of wheat for Sudan via the Libyan corridor, is
currently en route to Abeche.  On the Douala corridor, some 140 tons of CSB,
104 tons of Peas, 104 tons of Beans, 165 Veg. Oil and 72 tons of Sugar are
currently en route to Chad.

(n)  WFP has begun the installation of a Wiikhall (rubber warehouse) in Gaga
camp, which should receive the first food stocks in two weeks time..

(o)  Although the overall pipeline situation is relatively healthy for the next
six months, late cargo arrival due to heavy rainfall is causing major
constraints to WFP food deliveries. Consequently, WFP anticipates a shortfall
in cereals in September due to the long lead time to Chad. WFP is exploring
alternative solutions (loan arrangements) to cover the shortfall and be able to
maintain adequate food supply to refugees and host communities.

(p)  In support of the Kerfi emergency operation (Hepatitis E outbreak), WFP
HAS will perform a special flight to Goz Beida during the current week and
airlift around one ton of humanitarian supplies.

(q)  During the reporting period, WFP HAS served a total of 49 passengers on
the N'Djamena-Abeche routing and a total of 190 passengers on the
Abeche-eastern airstrips routing (Iriba, Guereda, Farchana, Bahai and Goz
Beida).


(2) Liberia

(a)  During the reporting period (August 15-22), the security situation in the
country remained generally calm although there have been reports of a rise in
crime rates. Armed men entered the homes of three WFP national staff members
and stole a WFP handset, cash and other personal items. No one was harmed.

(b)  UNMIL in collaboration with LNP has intensified patrols in the city and in
the counties to ensure a quick reaction from the security forces..

(c)  On 20 August, UNMIL reported that a male security guard was murdered at
his job site, at the Liberia Golf Association Complex, near Hotel Africa.  The
victim was found dead in the Generator room by his reliever in the early hours
of the same date.  The Homicide Team from Central Police is investigating the
case.

(d)  The CO Liberia is planning a two-month distribution to cover the election
period in November as a contingency against any restrictions in activities
which may arise from security problems during the period.

(e)  A humanitarian interagency mission that included WFP, conducted an
assessment in Sinoe County in the south east of the country for what is
believed to be thousands of evacuees fleeing a cholera outbreak from a new
diamond area. The mission found that though the initial cholera outbreak had
been contained, the situation was volatile, and it was very likely that another
outbreak was imminent.

(f)  WFP operations were smoothly conducted without any interruptions. A total
of 93.302 Mt of assorted food commodities was delivered to 5,154 project
participants in four counties. Tools and seeds were also delivered to the
project participants. Assessment missions were held during the course of the
week in Bong County and the three Counties in the western region of Liberia. A
variety of tools were delivered to the LWF/WS Agriculture Projects in
Panta-Kpai districts.

(g)  Several convoys with a total of 783 returnees from Guinea, Ivory Coast,
and Sierra Leone, arrived in Cape Mount, Lofa, Maryland, and Montserado
Counties in the North-West of the country. The WFP Sub-offices distributed a
total of 26.07 tons of assorted relief food commodities as first tranche ration
to the resettled returnees. Meanwhile, about 75 per cent of the refugees and 85
per cent of the IDPs who have qualified have received their second tranche
which makes up the total four-month package.

(h)  Although the WFP food Pipeline for Liberia remains stable with no major
breaks expected until December 2005, given the inevitable long supply chain
lead-times, additional funding should be resourced as soon as possible to
ensure timely arrival of commodities for the distributions planned for the
beginning of 2006.


(3) Niger

(a)  WFP has thus far dispatched a total of 5,868 tons of food for the first
round of general distributions, enough food to feed 346,913 people. For the
first round of general distributions, WFP food will reach 1.89 million
beneficiaries and the rest will be covered by the DNPGCA, PLAN International
and Catholic Relief Services (CRS) pipelines. In September, WFP and its
partners will conduct a second distribution to the 1.7 million most food
insecure beneficiaries. A monitoring and evaluation system is being put in
place to follow up on the first round of general distributions.

(b)  WFP and the Government of Benin are holding discussions on the preparation
of a joint technical mission to assess the damage on a bridge connecting Benin
and Niger. A preliminary report from the mission is expected by Monday 29
August.

(c)  With the approval of Special Operation (SO) 10481 and the provision of an
initial $200,000 in funds to start the operation without delay, WFP's passenger
air service is getting underway.  WFP should receive written approval for the
use of an alternate runway in Niamey, which will allow 6 flight rotations per
week (i.e. round trip flights, six days a week), in the coming days. Air
passenger flights should commence next week (week 36), and will serve the
humanitarian community in Niger.

(d)  Stocks of pulses are not sufficient for the general distribution taking
place in August and therefore, pulses rations will be reduced from 15kg per
household per month to 10kgs. Given the short timeframe, new cash contributions
which would enable further local purchases are needed to fill these shortfalls.

(e)  WFP's Niger emergency operation is 49% funded, having received 28 million
US dollars in contributions. The current shortfall is nearly 30 million US
dollars

(f)  The UN Secretary General Koffi Annan left Niger on Tuesday, 23 August,
after a two-day mission to the country. WFP Senior Deputy Executive Director
Jean-Jacques Graisse arrived in Niamey on Tuesday, 23 August and will stay
until Friday, 26 August.



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

(1) Angola

(a)  As of 23 August 2005, 17,000 refugees have returned to Angola since the
beginning of the year. Refugees have returned in organized exercises and/or
spontaneously. UNHCR has confirmed that 300 Angolans in Congo, Brazzaville will
be repatriated in September to Cabinda Province.

(b)  Angola's Protracted Relief and Recovery Operation (PRRO) 10054.2 -
"Support to Return and Resettlement" - continues to be severely under funded.
Approximately 14,000 tons of mixed commodities valued at USD 9 million are
urgently required to meet distribution targets through the end of 2005. WFP
already foresees a pipeline break in cereals, pulses, oil and salt during the
months of September and October. From November onwards, with the expected
arrival of 13,000 tons of maize and 2,000 tons of sorghum, the cereal shortfall
will diminish, however major shortfalls will remain for all other commodities.
In September, WFP will be forced to halve cereal and sugar rations for general
food distributions and other vulnerable groups.


(2) Lesotho

(a)  During 17 to 23 August, WFP and cooperating partners distributed food to
32,000 beneficiaries registered in HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and home-based care
programmes, mother and child health clinics, programmes for orphans and other
vulnerable children, and participants in food-for-work and food-for-assets
projects.

(b)  At a recent Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) summit the Prime
Minister of Lesotho made an appeal to the international community for
assistance in order to feed over 1 million people, who will face food shortages
during the lean season before the 2006 harvest. According to national
Vulnerability Assessment Committee (VAC) findings, Lesotho needs to import
293,000 tons of maize this year. From July 2005 until the next harvest in March
2006, WFP plans to assist 245,000 people with 10,000 tons of food.

(c)  WFP and the German Red Cross have signed a memorandum of understanding for
the provision of food assistance to 11,000 home-based care patients and their
families in Berea District.  WFP's food aid will complement an ECHO funded
project, which will train and equip home-based care groups, assist families to
establish homestead gardens, and provide non-food items. Distributions will
begin in September 2005.


(3) Malawi

(a)  Malawi has reaped the lowest maize harvest in the last 13 years, producing
1.25 million tons of cereal, or 37 percent of the 3.4 million tons required for
national consumption.  This dramatic decline was the result of erratic and dry
weather, together with the late supply of agricultural inputs.  The national
VAC estimates that 4.2 million people, or 34 percent of the population, will
need assistance equivalent to 272,000 tons of maize over the year ahead.  WFP
proposes to assist up to 2 million people with 178,000 tons of food between now
and the next harvest in March 2006.

(b)  Maize continues to be limited and/or unavailable in most Agricultural
Development and Marketing Corporations (ADMARC) depots and local markets. Some
districts are relying on Mozambique as the main source of maize grain.


(4) Mozambique

(a)  Mozambique's most vulnerable households are facing a difficult year ahead,
a situation which will be exacerbated by poor funding of WFP's programmes. To
date, WFP has received only USD26 million against a three-year requirement of
USD100 million.  As a result, WFP is only able to meet the needs of
approximately 30 percent of the population who require food assistance in many
locations. Local food shortages have been caused by four successive years of
flooding and drought, the ill-timed delivery of agricultural inputs and
weakened coping mechanisms. In addition, escalating prices of staple foods are
putting basic commodities out of reach of many vulnerable households.
Compounding these conditions are the difficult logistical constraints of moving
food from the north to the south of the country.


(5) Swaziland

(a)  During the 16 to 22 August reporting period, WFP and cooperating partners
distributed food to just under 54,000 beneficiaries.

(b)  The government is examining the possibility of providing a monthly stipend
to orphans and other vulnerable children (OVC) in the country. The proposed
allowance forms part of the National Plan of Action for OVCs, which seeks to
prioritise the rights of vulnerable children to food, education, protection and
basic social services.  In collaboration with international donors, the
government hopes to cater to the needs of 130,000 OVCS between 2006 and 2010.


(6) Zambia

(a)  WFP's ability to assist drought-affected populations is being severely
hampered by a deficit of pipeline commodities.  Current stocks are available to
meet approximately 28 percent of September's programme needs. Should the
situation remain unchanged, approximately 330,000 vulnerable people will go
without food aid as a result of this shortfall.

(b)  Maize traders countrywide have increased the price of maize due to the
scarcity of the commodity on the market.  Traders have warned that the price of
maize could continue to increase if the situation does not improve. Despite
pleas from local authorities and civil society regarding food insecurity, the
government has not released an official appeal for assistance.


(7) Zimbabwe

(a)  The Government of Zimbabwe announced that it has imported more than
350,000 tons of grain in the last three months to meet the country's food
requirements. According to Grain Marketing Board's acting Chief Executive
Officer, the government plans to import grain at the rate of 120,000 tons per
month.  However, logistical problems, including fuel shortages and impassable
roads, hamper import and distribution efforts.

(b)  According to an IRIN report quoting Finance Minister Herbert Murerwa, the
government has done away with duties on maize and wheat imports as a temporary
measure to facilitate grain imports in light of the ongoing food shortages.
This move would effectively remove the existing monopoly on trade held by the
Grain Marketing Board. However, it is not yet clear whether sale prices of
these commodities in country will also be liberalized.

(c)  Prices of basic commodities continued to soar in most districts and urban
centres, placing maize, sugar, vegetable oil and other basic commodities out of
the reach of vulnerable households.  Among urban areas, the price of maize
grain in Masvingo rose by 33 percent to ZW$4,571/kg, while the price in Harare
and Mutare/Bulawayo remained consistent, but high, at ZW$4,000 and ZW$3,500
respectively.  In rural sites, maize grain is not available, with the exception
of a few areas of Mashonaland, but maize meal was for sale though also at
prices beyond the reach of many rural dwellers.

(d)  WFP monitored food distributions to home-based care programmes in Nkayi
District, (Matabeleland Province).  Distributions began on 18 August, after
delays caused by fuel problems incurred by WFP's cooperating partner, Helpage.
Of the food recipients, 70 percent were caregivers who were collecting rations
on behalf of registered home-based care beneficiaries. WFP is working to build
the cooperating partner's capacity to provide a full range of home based care
services, including nutrition, hygiene and psycho-social support to beneficiary
households.  WFP also dispatched 148 tons of corn-soya-blend (CSB) for CARE's
home-based care project in Zaka and Mbrengwa Districts (Masvingo Province).



(F) Asia: (1) Bangladesh (2) Indonesia (3) Korea (DPR) (4) Maldives (5) Myanmar
(6) Sri Lanka

(1) Bangladesh

(a)  During the reporting period (August 18-24), the monsoon flood is still
regionally localised. The Government and relief agencies are responding to
isolated localised incidents of flooding and are keeping close contact with key
disaster players at the field and central level. According to the Bangladesh
Meteorological Department, the monsoon is fairly active over Bangladesh and
moderate elsewhere over North Bay. The inundation situation in some low-lying
areas in parts of central region (Narayanganj) is likely to continue. Flooding
in coastal districts due to heavy downpour and tidal surge is threatening.
Low-lying areas are waterlogged due to inadequate drainage facilities and
cultivated lands are submerged under saline water.


(2) Indonesia

(a)  On 15 August, a 'Memorandum of Understanding between The Government of
Indonesia and the Free Aceh Movement' was signed. As part of the peace
agreement. the Indonesian military and police will withdraw 'non-organic'
troops (i.e. those not permanently stationed) from Aceh. Security analysis
indicates that if the peace agreement breaks down, this could have adverse
effects on the security of UN staff and operations. UN staff have been advised
to strictly adhere to UN security procedures in Aceh.

(b)  During the reporting period (August 12-24), seismic activities continue in
Nias where three earthquakes took place during the reporting period. The new
Area Field Security Coordinator visited Gunung Sitoli to update the security
and medical evacuation plan, as well to inspect UN Agency premises for safety.

(c)  Nias South is quiet but tense in the run up to the election on 29 August.
Authorities have asked UN and NGO partners to report all activities in the
districts for safety purposes.

(d)  On 16 August, the WFP Award Ceremony for the Annual School Feeding
Competition took place in the Provincial Education Department in Banda Aceh.
Fourteen children from 10 schools in Lhokseumawe, Meulaboh, and Aceh Besar,
including one School Feeding Competition winner from Lhokseumawe, received
prizes of WFP gifts and certificates. USD 30,000 was donated by "Friends of
WFP" to the schools and the Education Department for improvement of learning
environment.

(e)  WFP is currently operating three types of activities: General Food
Distribution (GFD), a School Feeding Programme (SFP), and a Maternal Child
Nutritional (MCN) Programme (MCN). Food for Work (FFW) has not commenced yet
due to practical difficulties of implementation.  GFD will target only the more
vulnerable groups over the coming months, resulting in a gradual decrease of
the number of beneficiaries; meanwhile supplementary feeding activities that
promote recovery activities will expand their areas of operation. The SFP will
reach 340,000 beneficiaries and MCN is planned to reach 180,000 beneficiaries
by December.

(f)  The August planned beneficiary number for General Food Distribution stands
at 739,000 in 18 districts in Aceh and North Sumatra.

(g)  The planned beneficiary number for the School Feeding Programme in August
is 286,300 in 10 districts in Aceh Province.

(h)  WFP Cooperating partner World Vision International distributed 290 MT of
mixed food commodities to 19,222 beneficiaries in Aceh Barat over the reporting
period. Cooperating partner Catholic Relief Service (CRS) commenced GFD of
1,089 tons to 72,205 beneficiaries in the reporting period in Aceh Barat; and
commenced GFD of 451 tons to 29,935 beneficiaries in Nagan Raya. Cooperating
partner Save the Children (SC) completed August GFD in Lhokseumawe, Aceh Utara,
and Bireuen on 20 August covering 111,017 IDPs.

(i)  GFD for August in Banda Aceh, Aceh Besar, Pidie, and Sabang Island is
underway, reaching some 273,000 beneficiaries. Currently three cooperating
partners (CARE, World Vision (WV) and SC) are distributing in these four
districts.

(j)  A Letter of Agreement (LoA) was signed with PMI (Indonesia Red Cross) to
support 15,000 IDPs in Aceh Timur. PMI is currently undertaking preparatory
work for the food distribution and arranging its warehouse and logistics to
accommodate this new caseload.

(k)  WFP has delivered 35 tons of biscuits to 84,000 children and 4,400
teachers in 456 schools for the 'Back to School' Campaign in Nias North.. Under
this activity, children received 5 packets of biscuits each as an incentive to
return to school.

(l)  WFP is preparing to participate in the forthcoming Food Security and
Nutrition Survey of Nias, along with the Department of Health survey teams.

(m)  WFP and UNICEF are helping to install 1,000 newly recruited emergency
teachers in tsunami affected districts by providing a two-month General Food
Distribution basket and kitchen/hygiene kits. Deliveries were made to
respective Education Departments for further distribution in 12 districts
including Aceh Jaya, Pidie, Aceh Selatan, and Aceh Barat Daya. These 1,000
teachers were recruited and trained in April by the Provincial Education
Department and now being stationed in tsunami affected schools throughout Aceh
Province.

(n)  The 'Back to Schools Campaign' distribution of biscuits in Nias Utara has
been completed successfully by the Education Department. Discussions are
underway to plan the longer term SFP in September and a Letter of Agreement is
expected to be signed shortly.

(o)  A new LoA was signed with Keumang to implement a Mother Child Nutritional
(MCN) programme in 14 selected sub-districts in Pidie from early September. A
4-day workshop in these sub-districts will commence on 29 August.

(p)  Lhokseumawe Field Office discussed with the Head of Health Department of
Aceh Utara for further expansion of MCN beyond the ongoing pilot project. It
was agreed that the programme will be implemented under the overall supervision
of the Health Department and its staff at Puskesmas and Posyandu. The Health
Department will help WFP to identify a capable cooperating partner with a
background in public health so as to implement the MCN programme in Aceh Utara.

(q)  During the reporting period, WFP continued GFD monitoring activities on
cooperating partners, implementing distribution in Aceh Barat, Pidie, Aceh
Besar, and Banda Aceh. SFP monitoring activities took place in Banda Aceh, Aceh
Besar and Nias Utara.

(r)  WFP Banda Aceh has visited a total of 32 schools in Banda Aceh, Aceh
Besar, and Pidie covering 9,500 beneficiaries in 15 sub-districts. Currently
WFP has three local cooperating partners implementing the SFP..

(s)  Deliveries of August allocation of 8,009 tons of Bulog rice have
commenced. As of 22 August, 3,817 tons have been uplifted from Banda Aceh,
Medan, and Lhokseumawe. All three locations are allocated the full tonnage
requested at the beginning of the month - Banda Aceh (3,000 tons), Lhokseumawe
(2,300 tons), and Medan (2,709 tons).

(t)  A Call forward for 549 tons of noodles and 3,000 tons of rice has been
processedin order to meet November and December requirements.

(u)  Currently UNHAS is operating 2 Mi-8 helicopters, 2 Twin Otters (based in
Banda Aceh and Medan), and 1 Dash 7 (40 passenger capacity) for passenger
service. Air assets are occasionally used for delivery of Non-Food Items
(NFIs).

(v)  WFP has one Landing Craft (Labitra Hanny) operating in Aceh for delivery
of food commodities to inaccessible parts of the west coast and the offshore
island.

(w)  An independent survey team visited Malahayati Port, Banda Aceh, to
investigate the extent of infestation of locally purchased Bulog Rice,
currently stored at the Port. They will revert shortly with a report on
findings and recommendations on whether fumigation is necessary.

(x)  WFP Banda Aceh is currently restacking commodities at the Malahayati port
warehouse and a new Wiikhall has been erected for additional storage.

(y)  WFP Nias Logistic staff are working with the Department of Health to
eliminate losses due to insects and rodents, and are planning to undertake a
complete fumigation of the Pramuka Warehouse.

(z)  On 17 August, WFP attended a meeting hosted by the Governor. It was agreed
that WFP will support the Governor's 'Aceh Bangkit 2005' during 9 -18
September. The theme of the exhibition is 'Making a Strong Statement on Aceh's
Economic Revival'


(3) Korea (DPR)

(a)  Beneficiary numbers have dropped to 4.1 million (including Food-for-Work),
and without new contributions in the near future numbers will be reduced
further in September and October to around 3.2 beneficiaries (Elderly, Low
Income, Primary schools, and PNW will be cut).

(b)  All 19 WFP supported LFP factories were operational during the reporting
week. The overall production amounted to some 1,170 tons, representing 83% of
the Emergency Operation (EMOP) weekly requirement. Low production is due to the
shortage of raw materials in some of the factories.

(c)  EMOP 10141.3 is resourced at 55%, with a total of 279,000 tons received
out of the 504,000 tons required, for a value of 88 million USD.


(4) Maldives

(a)  There have been several demonstrations and riots in Male and on some of
the islands over recent weeks. Curfews were in force the capital and people
were encouraged to stay at home. The situation remains calm but tense.

(b)  WFP is continuing assistance to 25,000 beneficiaries under its vulnerable
group feeding programme. Beneficiaries include selected internally displaced
persons (IDPs), host communities and persons whose livelihoods have been
adversely affected.

(c)  Commodities of rice, sugar and flour have been distributed for the month
of August (commodities borrowed from the State Trading Organization).

(d)  WFP will be participating in a joint field trip with UNICEF, OCHA and the
Ministry of Gender, Family and Social Affairs from the 23 to 25 of August to
IDP camps in Thaa and Dhaalu. One of the aims of this field trip is to conduct
a nutritional assessment of IDP children under 5 years of age, in order to get
an overview of the nutritional situation in the camp. Data will be compared to
that collected by UNICEF on the same islands prior to the tsunami.

(e)  Some 2,230 tons of food has been purchased and shipping arrangements to
the Maldives have been made. Consignment is expected to arrive within
mid-September.


(5) Myanmar

(a)  The heavy rainfall caused high level of flood waters in Mon State and
Tanintharyi Division in southern part of Myanmar and many people were being
evacuated. It was estimated that approximately 250 houses were inundated in Mon
State and 300 houses, 15 schools, 25 bridges, more than 1000 acres of paddy
fields with estimated value of 40 million kyat were destroyed in Tanintharyi
Division.

(b)  The Global Fund decided to terminate its grant to Myanmar "due to new
restrictions imposed by the Government of Myanmar" This decision means that
three grants, one for HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria with a total value of
US$ 35.7 million over two years, will be phased out by the end of the year.


(c)  As a positive impact of the WFP Executive Director's visit to Myanmar, the
food transportation problem to Northern Rakhine State (NRS) has started to
improve. The authority has approved transportation of the first consignment of
rice (1600 tons out of 5000 tons) from Yangon to the project area, Maungdaw.
This move will solve the pipeline problem which WFP has been facing for several
months. The problem was adversely affecting the already difficult life of the
destitute people. This week, WFP will be able to start distribution for
vulnerable feeding and take-home ration for primary students and some
outstanding food rations for FFW participants.. During the last two weeks, WFP
distributed 54 tons of food to 6,000 beneficiaries including Tuberculosis
patients, participants of food-for-training and food-for-work in NRS.

(d)  Under Protracted Relief and Recovery Operation (PRRO) 10066.2 operation in
Magway, WFP is jointly undertaking with its partners, ADRA and AMDA a food need
assessment exercise in Pakokku this week. The purpose is to determine the
household food assistance requirement for the chronically ill patients
currently being assisted under vulnerable group feeding.

(e)  Under the new phase of Emergency Operation (EMOP) 10345.1, field level
agreements with cooperating partners are being finalized and signed. WFP and
NGO partners are jointly undertaking baseline surveys for the implementation of
activities in the new area of the operation.


(6) Sri Lanka

(a)  Foreign Minister Lakshman Kardirgamar, 73, was gunned down late on 12
August at his residence by sniper fire. He died in hospital in the capital.
There is concern that this event may put a heavy strain on the already stalled
peace process. A state of emergency -- which gives police additional powers
regarding arrests and detentions -- was declared in the wake of Kadirgamar's
death.

(b)  On 19 August, Tamil Tiger rebels agreed to hold direct talks with the
Colombo government - the first in over two years. The country also appears to
be gearing up for elections: the Supreme Court is expected to deliver a finding
on Friday, August 26th.

(c)  On 15 August, a meeting was held between WFP and the Ministry of Relief,
Rehabilitation and Reconciliation (M/RRR) to discuss local procurement of rice.
M/RRR presented the problem that the LTTE do not allow the transport of rice by
the Government in their territories. WFP stressed that at present, transport
within the Vanni area was fine. However the problem will have to be addressed
when new quantities of rice will have to be transported to the LTTE
territories.

(d)  General Food Distribution (GFD) is running a few weeks late due to
difficulties in implementing the planned 20% beneficiary reduction. A possible
delay in transition from GFD to VGF is therefore expected. Despite the slow
delivery of rice through the local procurement, local rice is now coming
through and new distribution is poised to restart.

(e)  Presently, 102,000 children are participating in school feeding
activities, which are being expanded in new divisions of Jaffna, Kilinochchi
and Mullaitivu districts. WFP is currently looking into partnerships at
district level. Discussions are ongoing concerning the implementation of FAO
school garden projects in Ampara.

(f)  On 23 August, the first Colombo-based meeting with UNICEF was held,
focusing on joint action on catch-up education, MCN and monitoring and
surveillance activities in various districts. Other agencies, such as World
Vision and Unilever Sri Lanka, are collaborating on school reconstruction.

(g)  Mother Child Nutritional (MCN) activities are ongoing in selected areas
and are currently being expanded in a few divisions in Jaffna. Training for MCN
focal points has been planned for the beginning of September.

(h)  The second round of tsunami nutrition surveillance has been completed and
results analyzed. It showed that the percentage of underweight among children
under 5 in communities still living in camps has increased by 2 to 3 percent,
from 34 to 36 percent. This is a cause for concern. Organization of dietary
diversification training sessions in camps, improvement of sanitation
facilities and a vitamin A megadose campaign are under discussion.

(i)  102 Food-for-Work (FFW) projects have been approved in tsunami affected
areas, requiring 1,048 tons of mixed food, and will be operating from the end
of August onwards.

(j)  A partner institute IFPRI (International Food Policy Research Institute)
is expected to arrive soon to set up an impact and evaluation system for this
trial. Planned beneficiary figures for the cash trial programme are 15,000.

(k)  A new Tsunami working group has been set up within the UN that will
address strategic issues and will meet every other Friday. WFP's attended the
first meeting on 12 August.

(l)  During the month of July the coverage of beneficiaries under were as
follows: Under the School Feeding Programme (SFP), 111, 476 children in 550
schools received meals at the schools; under the Mother Child Nutrition (MCN)
programme, WFP provided fortified Corn Soya Blend (CSB) to 200,000 pregnant and
nursing mothers and children under 5; Under the Food-for-Work (FFW) programme,
a total 600 rehabilitation activities/projects requiring 5,252 MT food were
approved.



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

(1) Bolivia

(a)  On Sunday 21st, a forest fire occurred in the Sama Mountains in the
Department of Tarija. The Prefecture estimates that the affected area accounts
for some 500 hectares, although other reports estimate that some 2,000 hectares
have been damaged. On Tuesday 23rd, the Prefect declared the affected area a
Zone of Emergency. More than 600 people, mainly volunteers, police and military
forces, are working to extinguish the fire. In this effort, three persons were
injured and one aged person died on Monday. On Wednesday 24th, it was reported
that the fire was under control.

(b)  Aside from the Sama fire, the whole country has been affected by fires
started by peasants who practise slash-and-burn agriculture at this time of the
year. These fires not only pollute the environment, but also cause delays in
domestic flights and an increase in health problems. According to the Public
Hospital of La Paz, the number of children with respiratory diseases has
doubled during the last week.

(c)  Since there are some balances in commodities until the end of August, WFP
has extended the Emergency Operation (EMOP) until the 30th of September. This
will allow final distributions to be carried out during the first half of
September.

(d)  Distributions of some 173 tons of food reached to 2,049 families in the
Municipalities of Machareti and Huacaya, Department of Chuquisaca.. Also,
counterparts of the Department of Santa Cruz delivered 54 tons of food to 493
families in the Municipality of Charagua.


(2) Colombia

(a)  The situation still remains tense in the Province of Putumayo. Colombian
Army indicates that the security conditions are normal and all main roads in
the province are under surveillance. Although official reports indicated that
food supply deliveries have been reestablished and electricity has been
restored in the whole province, WFP will send a group of Senior Staff Members
to the region to evaluate the conditions and needs of the population affected
by the conflict in this province and WFP will intervene if needs are
established.

(b)  Particularly adverse weather conditions in different municipalities in the
Provinces of Sucre and Cordoba have severely affected more than 1,000 families,
especially those located in small villages on the banks of the Sinu River and
also several neighbourhoods in the municipalities of Cerete, Monteria, and
Tierralta. No casualties have been reported. Affected families have received
emergency aid from different humanitarian organizations. WFP is conducting a
wide number of food aid activities in these provinces as part of Protracted
Relief and Recovery Operation (PRRO) 10366. WFP beneficiaries, projects and WFP
staff have not been affected by these weather conditions.


(3) Cuba

(a)  From mid August until the end of October, additional hurricanes are
expected to affect Cuba. Forecasts indicate that this season is likely to be
one of the most active hurricane seasons in the region.

(b)  Distribution of food to beneficiaries affected by Hurricane Dennis has not
begun yet. A shipment of 1,140.00 tons of rice from Montevideo and 523.00 MT of
Refined Soya Oil from Progreso, Mexico, are expected to arrive to Havana, with
ETA within the first days of September.


(4) Ecuador

(a)  During the past days, low levels of volcanic activity have been
registered. For instance, Tungurahua Volcano, registered low emissions of
steam, gas and ashes.  There is a risk of mud flows occuring.

(b)  Distribution of 146.51 tons of food, which represent a total of 11,500
food rations, started on 25th of August.  Food will be delivered in the seven
provinces:  Pichincha, Imbabura, Carchi, Sucumbios, Esmeraldas, Azuay, and
Guayas reaching to 6,300 families.  Rations are distributed to cover a period
of 55 days.


(5) Guatemala

(a)  The Minister of Interior has organized a forum with the political parties
represented at the Congress to discuss an integrated strategy to tackle
insecurity in the country, based on the restructuring of the national security
system.

(b)  The government is studying measures aiming at compensating for the impact
of escalating oil prices.  A project proposal will be submitted to the Congress
which outlines a subsidy to be resourced by the disposal/sale of thousands of
tons of junk accumulated along the years.

(c)  The National Institute of Seismology, Vulcanology, Meteorology and
Hydrology (INSIVUMEH) confirmed the above average performance of the second
part of the rainy season as well as the high probability of formation of
tropical phenomena during the upcoming months.  Relief organizations remain on
alert.


(6) Haiti

(a)  The security environment continues to be relatively stable, although there
is an increase in the number of kidnappings.

(b)  During the reporting period (17-24 August), seven Haitian citizens and one
Canadian citizen were reported killed in the capital Port-au-Prince.. The
Canadian employee of a metal company in Cite Soleil was reportedly killed
during an attempted kidnapping close to the factory on 19 August.. Following
the killing, the Canadian Foreign Minister has strongly advised Canadian
citizens "against all travel to Haiti" and urged that "Canadians already in
Haiti should evaluate their need to remain and, if their presence is not
essential, should consider leaving."

(c)  Shootings continue, particularly in sensitive areas such as Cite Soleil,
Bel Air, Cite Militaire and the area around the WFP warehouse SHODECOSA.
MINUSTAH and Haitian National Police (HNP) troops continue to be intensively
involved in actions against alleged gang members in the sensitive areas.

(d)  On 22 August, the Provisional Electoral Council (CEP) suggested, after
consultations with political party leaders, that municipal elections be held on
13 November followed by parliamentary and presidential elections on 27 November
with a run-off on 8th January 2006. The number of registered voters has now
passed 2 million and some 450 registration centers are operational.

(e)  The current security situation continues to affect the WFP office and
sub-office operations. Administrative, monitoring and logistic activities are
escorted as required due to the volatile situation in some areas, while
restriction measures apply in certain areas of Port-au-Prince such as Cite
Military and the area around SHODECOSA.

(f)  During the reporting period, a total of 413 tons of food was delivered to
health centres and schools (PRRO and CP) in the West, North and North-East
departments and Port-au-Prince and to the various implementing partners of the
Protracted Relief and Recovery Operation (PRRO_ activities in the North-West
and Central Plateau. Cooperating agreements for implementation of health
activity of the PRRO with implementing partners (CDS, Caritas and CRUDEM) were
finalized for signature.

(g)  From 16th-21st August, WFP received technical assistance from the
Micronutrient Initiative (MI) regarding the fortification of foods produced
locally using micronutrient premixes. Possibilities for cooperation with the
private sector for trials are being looked into.

(h)  The total food stocks in the country are estimated at 4,509 tons of which
2,052 tons are in WFP warehouses and available for distribution while over
2,457 tons remain at the port.


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

WFP Weekly Emergency Report


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