WFP Emergency Report
Issued weekly by the United Nations World Food Programme
Report No. 2 / 2006 - Date 13 January 2006


This report includes:

(A) Highlights
(B) Middle East,Central Asia and Eastern Europe: (1) Pakistan
(C) East & Central Africa: (1) Burundi (2) Congo, DR (3) Ethiopia
    (4) Kenya (5) Rwanda (6) Sudan (7) Tanzania (8) Uganda
(D) West Africa: (1) Chad (2) Cote d'Ivoire (3) Guinea (4) Liberia
(E) Southern Africa: (1) Angola (2) Lesotho (3) Malawi (4) Mozambique
    (5) Namibia (6) Swaziland (7) Zambia (8) Zimbabwe
(F) Asia: (1) Indonesia (2) Sri Lanka
(G) Latin America and Caribbean: (1) Bolivia (2) Colombia (3) Cuba
    (4) Ecuador (5) Guatemala (6) Honduras (7) Nicaragua



(A) Highlights

(a)  WFP participated in the official celebrations marking the
first-year anniversary of the signing of the Comprehensive Peace
Agreement, hosted in Juba by the Government of South Sudan.

(b)  The United Nations Regional Inter-Agency Coordination and Support
Office reports that nutritional assessments undertaken in a number of
countries in the southern Africa region during November 2005 show an
increase in acute malnutrition.  Reports indicate that in the
drought-affected areas of Mozambique, acute malnutrition stands at 5
percent while food insecure districts in Zambia show acute malnutrition
figures of nearly 8 percent.

(c)  In Chad, WFP completed the January General Food Distributions in
the southern and central camps at complete rations.

(d)  Following high demand for maize grains and beans in
drought-stricken Kenya and Tanzania, the price of maize in markets in
Kampala, Uganda, has soared more than 200 percent in the past two weeks.

(e)  To date, an estimated 41,700 tons have so far been dispatched in
support of the Emergency Operation in Pakistan.



(B) Middle East,Central Asia and Eastern Europe: (1) Pakistan

(1) Pakistan

(a)  On 6 Jan, unauthorized passengers forcefully boarded UNHAS
helicopters on three different occasions and forced the crew to fly them
to Muzaffarabad from Banamula (twice) and Hulmat (once), the decided to
take them in order to safeguard the crew. The unauthorized passengers
escaped through fences at the destination landing zone.

(b)  Following earlier rain and heavy snow fall across Pakistan's
earthquake zone on the 1st and 2nd of January, difficult weather
conditions continue to hamper aid efforts. Several roads are still
blocked due to landslides and snow. The cold and harsh weather
conditions may trigger migration from the upper mountains to lower
areas. Several reports indicate that tents in the affected area
collapsed due to the snow.

(c)  To date, an estimated 41,700 tons have so far been dispatched as
part of the Emergency Operation.

(d)  In Bagh, helicopter operation started to deliver two-month rations
in Behdi Union Council of Haveli Tehsil which will cover 11,350
beneficiaries living in 14 villages. A total of 120 tons of food was
distributed to 2730 beneficiaries in Behdi UC through the air operation.
Families living in tent camps in Bagh district HQ were provided with one
box (20 kg) of dates as an Eid gift and a total of 850 families received
17 tons of dates one day before the Eid celebration. Some of the
families from Behdi Union Council migrated to Bagh and accommodation was
provided by UNHCR in the planned camp located in Numanpura.

(e)  Poor weather conditions and snow fall disrupted the smooth
distribution of food in the high altitude areas of Thob, Malot and
Birpani Union Council. During the week, a total of 455 tons of food was
distributed in different Union Councils.

(f)  An assessment visit was made to the field hospital Gulteri in Ghari
habibullah. They are having an average of about 400 out-patients per day
and the hospital has capacity of about 30 in-patients, who were provided
with 0.5 tons of food.

(g)  A total of 641 tons of food was dispatched during the reporting
period (4-10 January). Relief International distributed 101 tons in UC
Satbani and SUNGI distributed 151 tons in UC Ghanool. UNAP finished
distributing food in Balakot, with a last distribution of 20 tons. Food
distribution for the tented camps is finished in Balakot with a
distribution of 290 tons of food through implementing partner UNAP.

(h)  In Muzaffarabad total dispatches were 1,700 tons of food reaching
145,000 beneficiaries during the reporting period. Out of the total
dispatches of 1,700 tons from 1-9 January, 1,052 tons were dispatched by
air. Routine assessment and monitoring trips took place to Upper and
Lower Neelum Valleys and to Jehlum Valley. Baseline data for
supplementary feeding was collected by Cooperating Partners.

(i)  The Emergency Operation (EMOP) is resourced 54% against the
appeal..

(j)  The deliveries from the hubs to extended delivery points from 03 -
09 January 2006 amount to 3,553 tons, out of which 1,265 tons were
delivered by air.

(k)  Since the start of the air operations UNHAS has airlifted 8,603
tons of food items, 2,125 tons of Non-Food Itemst and 17,127 passengers.



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

(1) Burundi

(a)  Ambushes of civilians allegedly committed by the Front for National
Liberation (FNL) were reported in Bubanza. Armed banditry acts are still
ongoing in the capital and reports continue to be received concerning
arrests of people suspected of collaboration with the FNL movement.

(b)  The food security situation remains precarious in many provinces,
particularly in the northern and eastern regions that are hard hit by
insufficient precipitations and the manioc mosaic virus. In many areas,
the situation of farms is alarming because beans and other crops are
drying up due to lack of rains, which will negatively affect the next
harvest. The increasing number of Rwandan asylum seekers in the northern
provinces further complicates the situation.

(c)  Food distributions in the hunger affected zones of the Kirundo and
Muyinga provinces are being intensified through January and February to
alleviate the impact of food shortages. The planned caseload increased
by 140,000 beneficiaries.

(d)  The collection of field data for the Crop and Food Supply
Assessment Mission jointly carried out by WFP, FAO, UNICEF, and the
Government started on 4 January throughout different provinces. Thus
far, five provinces have already been covered. The results of the
assessment will help in reviewing the beneficiary caseload and food
needs.

(e)  Between 02 and 08 January, WFP distributed around 690 tons of food
aid to some 108,000 beneficiaries.

(f)  Monitors followed targeted distributions in Bururi, Ngozi,
Bujumbura Rural and Cibitoke provinces and reported targeting problems
in Cibitoke and Bururi where vulnerable persons were not short-listed
for assistance. To solve this recurrent problem, WFP continues to meet
with new local leaders to sensitise them on the reasons and criteria of
targeting food distributions. Moreover, WFP has requested NGOs operating
in the field to participate in the targeting process together with local
committees and communities.


(2) Congo, DR

(a)  Governmental troops (FARDC) continued the forcible disarmament
operation to free eastern areas of the country from rebellious armed
gangs.

(b)  On 8 January, over 800 families fled from Makayanga to Komanda in
the Ituri district to escape roaming militiamen who looted their houses.
The newly displaced are expected to return home once governmental troops
have secured their village.

(c)  In the South Kivu province, attention was focused on Burinhyi,
Kaniola and Nzibira, three rural areas located some 60 to 90km from
Bukavu. Foreign forces reportedly kidnapped at least 18 farmers and
requested ransom. A powerful military operation by governmental forces
against the kidnappers resulted in the liberation of 16 hostages.

(d)  The humanitarian community in Bukavu is expecting an influx of
internally displaced persons (IDPs) with the forthcoming intensification
of Forces Armees de la Republique Democratique du Congo (FARDC) military
operation against foreign forces and other Congolese militia groups
resisting the disarmament and demobilization process.

(e)  In the North of North Kivu province, FARDC's military operations
against various rebellious militia groups reportedly prompted
significant displacement of over 30,000 people. Sources from Goma
indicated that in the north of Beni, on the Eringeti-Oicha axis, the IDP
caseload could reach 20,000 as a result of prolonged FARDC's military
operation against the National Army for the Liberation of Uganda (NALU)
militia group. South of Beni, on the Isale-Vuhov axis, over 7,000 IDPs
are seeking refuge in five villages to escape the FARDC military
operation against ADF/NALU.

(f)  In the Katanga province, WFP provided 257 tons of food to 27,200
people. Out of this tonnage, 92 tons were directed to 21,600 newly IDPs
who have settled in Mitwaba.

(g)  WFP food distribution to over 8,400 IDPs started at some 400km from
Beni, North Kivu province. These newly displaced persons have fled
clashes between FARDC and Front Democratique pour la Liberation du
Rwanda (FDLR).

(h)  Food dispatches by rail from Lubumbashi to Maniema province are
still problematic due to lack of railway wagons. Airlift operations from
Goma are thus still necessary to deliver WFP food to Kindu.


(3) Ethiopia

(a)  The Federal Disaster Preparedness and Prevention Agency (DPPA) is
continuing dispatches of relief food to Somali region and Borena zone of
Oromiya region where concerns over the food security situation remain
high. Cereals, pulses, vegetable oil and blended food commodities are
being provided through WFP, with support from major donors. WFP procures
and delivers food to primary warehouses, with DPPA undertaking secondary
transport. Of the 10,259 tons allocated by DPPA and WFP to Somali region
in December, about 4,500 tons have been transported so far. DPPA is
expecting to finalize the transportation this week. The region has also
requested food for January allocations. The Somali Regional Disaster
Preparedness and Prevention Agency has called for a regional
coordination meeting on 17 January in the regional capital of Jijiga in
order to further discuss the current emergency situation and the
appropriate response. The last regional coordination meeting was held in
mid-December: it gathered a wide range of different agencies with shared
concerns, stressing the need for a regional multi-sectoral response plan
to facilitate interventions.

(b)  The most affected areas in Somali region are currently Afder, Liben
and parts of Gode zones, where both the last "Gu" rains (March-May) and
"Deyr" rains (October-December) largely failed. The current situation is
expected to worsen as the long dry "Jilaal" season (January-March)
advances. The situation is also very worrying in Fik, Korahe, Warder and
Degehabur zones, as well in Borena zone of Oromiya region where the
rainfall has also been well below average. In Borena zone, the most
affected areas are Teltele, Moyale and Dire districts.  DPPA has
allocated 2,638 tons of food aid to Borena zone and so far about 490
tons have been dispatched; DPPA is expecting to finalize transportation
by the third week of January. There are also concerns over the
deteriorating food security situation in the zone 2 of Afar region: the
last "Karma" rainfall season performance was below-normal and currently
there is serious lack of water for both livestock and animal
consumption. The region is in the process of requesting food for January
for the areas of concern.


(4) Kenya

(a)  During the week, WFP started to distribute 12,500 tons of food to
1.14 million people in the 17 districts currently targeted under the
drought relief emergency operation. The January monthly rations are
expected to be completed over the next two weeks.

(b)  WFP, Government of Kenya, UN agencies, donors and NGOs are
currently undertaking three-week food security assessments in 27
districts to determine the specific areas and populations affected by
drought, and the actual amount of assistance required. The food
insecurity among pastoral communities in the north and northeast will
worsen in the coming months.. At the time of year when pasture and water
resources are normally at their peak, livestock are dying in large
numbers because of lack of water, pasture and forage. Rates of child
malnutrition are alarmingly high in several pastoral districts where
integrated nutrition and health surveys were conducted at the height of
the drought in October 2005 and which confirmed severe food insecurity.
Global Acute Malnutrition rates in the most affected districts range
between 18 - 30 percent.

(c)  In the marginal agricultural areas, crop failure on the heels of
two successive poor seasons, will necessitate emergency food-aid support
and other emergency interventions, such as water tankering. Bearing in
mind that many households in the short-rains dependent marginal
agricultural areas will have no substantial harvest until February 2007,
WFP is considering a 12-month extension of the current emergency
operation, starting March 2006. The current EMOP resources, mostly
cereals, will be depleted by February 2006.


(5) Rwanda

(a)  Cholera epidemic has broken out in Kabuga, Kigali city and Bugesera
(Gashora and Nyamata). The Ministry of Health, WHO, UNICEF, ICRC,
Rwandan Red Cross, Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) and CARITAS intervened
with curative and preventive activities including the provision of safe
water, community mobilization, epidemiological surveillance and
contingency planning. The cause of the pandemic is the use by population
of untreated water from Nyabarongo River that passes through Kigali
city. Due to low rainfall the water used is now taken from layers, which
are easily contaminated. On 10 January '05, the National Radio reported
300 cases and 35 deaths. WFP delivered a total of 2.5 tons of food to
assist about 70-80 in-patients.

(b)  Below normal rainfall is having a negative impact on food
production in the eastern, southern and central parts of the country.
The situation in these zones is likely to worsen until the season 2006B
harvest in May/June 2006. Foot and mouth disease outbreak, reported in
Umutara and Kibungo where quarantine was imposed, also threatens food
security. There is clear need for food assistance for the poorest
households in the affected zones. The Government is meanwhile relying on
its and in-country resources to assist the most vulnerable. If the next
rainy season fails, the situation will become alarming. A joint
Government/WFP/FAO Vulnerability Assessment was launched in December
2005 and the analysis is expected by 23 January 2006. Government
officials at this point are advising that 33,000 tons are required over
the next number of months.

(c)  No voluntary repatriation of Burundian and Congolese refugees was
reported last week and the refugee numbers in the camps remained
stable.. Due to the prevailing food shortage caused by drought, an
estimated 30 to 50 vulnerable Rwandans were reported around Kigeme and
Nyamure camps and nutrition centres, requesting food.

(d)  140 returnees from DRC crossed the border to Rwanda and were hosted
in Nkamira and Nyagatare transit centres. A total of 8 tons of food
commodities was distributed to the returnees. In view of the continued
flow of returnees from DRC, WFP pre-positioned around 25 tons of mixed
commodities at Nyagatare transit camp.


(6) Sudan

(a)  In West Darfur, an African Union (AU) patrol was ambushed during
the week near Girgira between Tina and Kulbus by unknown armed elements
during the reporting period (1 - 9 January). One of the AU's soldiers
was killed during the attack with a further five critically injured. Two
light vehicles and a water tanker were also stolen.

(b)  Although no incidents of violence directed at the humanitarian
community were reported, humanitarian activities continued to be
affected as tensions remain high in South Darfur. Fighting between and
within armed groups party to the conflict in the region led to further
displacements during the reporting period. Banditry attacks targeting
commercial road users throughout the state continue to be reported with
a total of six during the week, one of which resulting in mechanic being
shot and fatally wounded on the previously safe Nyala-Mukjar road.

(c)  A number of incidents of banditry targeting commercial trucks
ferrying goods along roads in North Darfur were reported during the
week. In one such incident on 6 January, five commercial trucks
contracted to WFP carrying a total of 160 tons of wheat were waylaid by
armed bandits. The current whereabouts of the trucks is as yet
unconfirmed although three of the trucks were reported to have been
recovered by the Government of Sudan 40 km north of where the incident
took place.

(d)  In Western Bahr El Ghazal, WFP registration of returning IDPs in
Raja was immediately suspended when a group of 15 armed men in military
attire disrupted the exercise and demanded that they be given food
tokens. When WFP staff explained that they were not eligible as
beneficiaries, the group became violent and attempted to assault at
least one staff member. A joint WFP and SRRC team was immediately
deployed to further investigate the incident. Meanwhile local
authorities have promised to take serious action against the
perpetrators to ensure that adequate steps are taken to protect the
safety of Humanitarian staff.

(e)  The security level continued at level three in Bor town during the
first week of January. A dispute between soldiers resulted in a
shoot-out, killing four soldiers. Local authorities moved into the
location quickly and were able to contain the situation. However, some
UN staff were relocated from the area as a security precaution. UNMIS
security teams have since been deployed to Bor town to monitor the
situation.

(f)  The security situation in Kapoeta town continued to be tense as a
result of ongoing clashes between the Toposa and Dinka tribes in the
area that began just after Christmas day. Local authorities have imposed
a curfew, restricting movement in Kapoeta town between 19:30 and 06:00,
and closed down the markets and shops.

(g)  The security situation in Port Sudan town was tense during the
reporting week following the execution of a member of Al Amrar tribe for
the murder of a leader of the Beni Amer Tribe last year. As a
precautionary measure, national security stepped-up security throughout
the town with armed guards and monitored the situation closely to
contain tribal tensions that might arise. UN staff were advised to avoid
movement in Dem Arab, Dar Eniem, El Margania areas of Port Sudan for a
few days. Security measures will remain in place for the next few weeks.

(h)  WFP and the United Nations Mine Action Service are planning for a
joint security assessment to assess landmine fields in Tokar, Red Sea.
The assessment will also cover routes for asylum seekers and IDPs
traveling from Eritrea or Hamesh Koreib into the state and will also
assess locations for the proposed supplementary feeding centres to be
run by the Ministry of Health. The mission, scheduled to take place
during the first week of January, was postponed due to the tense
security situation in Port Sudan.

(i)  The general security situation remained calm in Kassala state. Some
peaceful demonstrations took place by members of the Hadandewa tribe
during the week hailing their anticipated return to Hamesh Koreib on 9
January, as announced by the Hamesh Koreib Commissioner in the presence
of the Special Representative of the Secretary General.

(j)  Redeployment of the government armed forces is continuing in Abyei
as part of the security arrangements of the Comprehensive Peace
Agreement.

(k)  The Danish Refugee Council reported the arrival of approximately
15,000 IDPs in the Daya area, West Darfur during the week following
recent fighting in the area. WFP is planning a mission to assess food
needs and verify numbers while food for 15 days was delivered to the
area for distribution in the interim period. Meanwhile, across the rest
of the state and in light of the current fragile security situation, WFP
is planning to distribute food for January and February during this
month making special arrangements for the areas where the increased
security phase was declared during the week.

(l)  During the 3 and 4 January, WFP, FAO, OCHA and Samaritan's Purse
conducted a rapid crop and needs assessment in eastern areas of Jebel
Marra. The objective of the assessment was to update food security
information for the locations to help develop the strategy for
intervention in 2006. Although the continuation of general food
distribution in some of the most food insecure locations was
recommended, the assessment encouraged a move towards more
recovery-orientated modalities in others. Implementation of food for
education and food for assets projects were highlighted in particular.

(m)  In South Darfur, increases in camp populations were reported in
Taiba and Hamadia camps which WFP and CARE intend to verify in the
coming week. Almost 88,000 vulnerable people meanwhile received food
from WFP in North Darfur during the week, totalling almost 1,500 tons.

(n)  WFP, FAO and the Sudan Popular Committee for Relief (SPCR) carried
out a harvest and food supply assessment in villages in the vicinity of
El Salaam during the week. The mission noted that the assessed
population had access to coping mechanisms other than food aid, such as
grass and firewood collection, which they employed widely. It was
therefore recommended, in line with WFP's post harvest strategy for
early 2006, to suspend the ongoing general food distribution until May
when half rations should be reintroduced. Furthermore, the provision of
seeds and tools was highly recommended.

(o)  An interagency assessment team visited Es Salaam camp during the
week to verify reports of 340 newly arrived IDPs in the camp. It was
recommended that food for one month be distributed to both the new
arrivals and a further 249 individuals who are currently being
registered.

(p)  WFP and UNICEF signed a Letter of Understanding during the week
marking the launch of a Nutrition Surveillance System in North Darfur.
The system will use data from feeding centres, nutrition surveys and
sentinel sites (of which there are currently twelve in the state
including four IDP camps) to provide up-to-date nutrition information to
assist with planning. It is anticipated that all twelve sites will be
operational by February with the plan to expand to 20 sites by June.

(q)  WFP began food distributions for January in Western Bahr El Ghazal,
Unity state and Eastern Equatoria during the reporting week. In Western
Bahr El Ghazal, 1,140 beneficiaries were assisted with 20 tons of food
in Wau. Furthermore, WFP began assisting the IDPs displaced from Yambio
in Western Equatoria in Majak during the week. Some 900 IDPs received 17
tons of food at one month ration. In addition, some 10,500 vulnerable
residents and 3,000 returnees received 150 tons of food in Walgak and
Maiwut of Unity state while distributions are ongoing in Tangyang and
Motot. In Eastern Equatoria, WFP distributed one-month food rations,
amounting to 363 tons of food, to 19,400 beneficiaries in Lafon and
Torit.

(r)  WFP continued to assist Bor Dinkas returning from Western Equatoria
to Bor in Jonglei state, providing 1,150 Bor Dinka returnees currently
in Lologo transit camp outside of Juba with 14 tons of food.

(s)  A joint OCHA, WFP and SRRC assessment team visited a group of 118
returning IDPs in Rumbek town during the reporting week. IDPs have been
reported to be arriving in Rumbek and other locations in the Lakes state
as they move away from Western Equatoria. The assessment report will be
released with recommendations in the coming week. Meanwhile, agencies
are looking into possibilities of scheduling further assessments in
locations outside Rumbek town.

(t)  Under supplementary feeding activities, WFP Cooperating Partners,
the Ministry of Health and ACF, distributed 2 tons of food to 1,488
beneficiaries in shanty areas of Port Sudan town.

(u)  In addition, WFP, together with the Ministry of Health, undertook
joint monitoring visits to supplementary feeding centers and a
tuberculosis clinic in Port Sudan. Key findings indicated that all
required food items were available for distribution. Records and
distribution statistics were kept in order in these centres. Regular
distribution of WFP food has reportedly contributed to improving the
health status of tuberculosis patients in the visited centre.

(v)  WFP was informed by OCHA that five buses carrying returnees arrived
in Abyei town from Khartoum during the reporting week. A total of 440
returnees (150 households) arrived in Abyei town, of whom 91 (29
households) headed to Lou village which reportedly lacks basic services
and is currently inhabited by nomads. Of the total returnees, 159 (54
households) were en route to the villages around Abyei town. During the
week, WFP together with its Cooperating Partner, SCF-US distributed 11
tons of food commodities 606 returnees in Abyei town during the
reporting week. Another 1 ton of WFP food was distributed by GOAL to 97
under-fives and pregnant and lactating women under supplementary feeding
programme.

(w)  WFP discussed with CARE on possible integrated programme activities
in Kadugli, South Kordofan. Discussions included possible partnership in
the food-for-asset projects that are being finalized by CARE in nine
villages in Kadugli.

(x)  During the reporting period, WFP visited six out of nine schools in
the remote areas of Kosti town to assess its eligibility for inclusion
in the upcoming food-for-education programme.

(y)  A total of 264 tons of food commodities, received by CARE during
the previous weeks, was distributed to 3,500 participants at 15 hafir
sites under food-for-asset activities in North Kordofan.

(z)  OCHA and ADRA continued to monitor and update WFP on the numbers of
spontaneous returns arriving at Kosti wharf and bus stations. During
this week, 627 returnees (183 households) were tracked and registered
along exits and entry points in Kosti.

(aa)  Between 1 and 11 January, WFP dispatched a total of 8,570 tons of
mixed food from logistical hubs to the Darfur region realising 18
percent of the dispatch plan for the month. There were no air deliveries
during the period and WFP continued to hold off dispatches to West
Darfur owing to the ongoing unrest in the state. Insecurity along the El
Obeid-Nyala road remained a major concern throughout the reporting
period.

(ab)  WFP's 6x6 fleet transported a total of 475, 1,000 and 575 tons of
food within South, West and North Darfur.

(ac)  HAS flights remained well booked during the period, except for the
1 and 2 of January when services were suspended during the holiday
period..

(ad)  Between 1 and 8 January, WFP dispatched a total of 2,100 tons of
food from Lokichoggio in Kenya and Tororo/Koboko in Uganda into South
Sudan, realising 26 percent of the dispatch plan for the month. Of this
figure, 2,015 tons was delivered by road along the western corridor from
Uganda (Tororo/Koboko) into Rumbek and final distribution points in
South Sudan. Some 64 MT of food was airdropped in Tangyang in Unity
state.

(ae)  Emergency Operation 10503.0, valued at US$777 million, is yet to
receive any contributions.

(af)  Phase III of WFP's emergency road repairs and mine clearance
project in South Sudan (Special Operation 10368.0) faces a funding
shortfall of US$79.7 million. In the absence of funding, the project is
now missing the beginning of the dry season for works under Phase III
contracts.

(ag)  WFP is also requesting for US$13 million to augment barge capacity
in Sudan under the Special Operation 10412.0. Contributions will be used
to purchase two passenger barges as well as two pushers and eight cargo
barges.

(ah)  At the end of 2005, Special Operation 10181.3 (WFP-HAS) faced a
funding shortfall of US$6 million. A further US$27 million is required
in 2006. With monthly operating costs of US$2 million, donor support is
vital to allow WFP-HAS to continue to provide services to the
humanitarian community in Darfur and throughout Sudan.


(7) Tanzania

(a)  A cholera outbreak was reported in Kigoma during the month of
December; 14 cases were confirmed cholera positive. No death was
reported. Following the outbreak, the district has taken a number of
measures including closing down some food vendors. No cases have been
detected in the refugee camps. A cholera task force has been formed, and
an information campaign is currently being launched.

(b)  In late December, some 162 Burundians arrived to Ngara from Burundi
allegedly due to drought and hunger in their country. The refugees were
not received by UNHCR, since they did not flee from persecution.

(c)  In the General Food Distribution, WFP has resumed distribution of
CSB at full ration, while rations of pulses remain at 80g/day. As a
result, refugees are provided with a daily intake of 1,965 Kcal, or 94
percent of the approved ration level. The current rations will continue
to be applied until the end of January.

(d)  General distribution covers 349,331 registered refugees. During the
past week, WFP distributed some 1,200 tons of food through general
distribution, supplementary and therapeutic feeding in refugee camps in
western Tanzania. Around 8,900 food insecure and otherwise vulnerable
Tanzanians in the host communities surrounding the camps were also
supported with WFP host community activities, including access to
camp-based health care facilities, school feeding, food-for-work and
food-for-training.

(e)  A shortfall of 44,947 tons (US$ $26.2 million) exists up to the end
of December 2006.


(8) Uganda

(a)  A group of suspected Lord's Resistance Army (LRA) rebels attacked
Dzaipi sub-county in Adjumani district on the night of 7 January and
killed four people who were attending a wedding ceremony. Twelve people
sustained injuries and were hospitalised. The rebels then proceeded to
loot foodstuff, household property, poultry and livestock before
abducting three people.

(b)  Following high demand for maize grains and beans in
drought-stricken Kenya and Tanzania, the price of maize in Kampala
markets has soared more than 200 percent in the past two weeks due to
the entrance of regional traders into the market to meet demand in the
two neighbouring countries. Local press reported on Tuesday that maize
prices went up to UGX 700 Ugandan shillings (38 US cents) per kg from
UGX 195 shillings (11 cents). There is concern that high demand from
neighbouring countries could lead to shortage of cereals in Uganda.
Harvesting of Uganda's short rains crop was expected to peak through
February and March but this may not take place because most of the maize
plantations have dried up due to the prolonged dry spell that the
country is experiencing.

(c)  WFP food distribution continues to reach 1.45 million displaced
persons, 165,000 refugees and other vulnerable persons. During the past
week, WFP distributed 1,016 tons of relief food assistance to 92,889
persons including IDPs sheltering in camps in Gulu, Kitgum, Pader and
Lira districts, refugees, children in nutrition centres and other
vulnerable persons.

(d)  WFP currently has a funding gap of US$24 million representing an
immediate shortfall of 44,618 tons of food commodities (31,612 tons
cereals, 3,370 tons pulses, 3,686 tons vegetable oil, 5,253 tons
fortified blended foods and 697 tons sugar). This is most needed to
maintain a healthy food pipeline for ensuring IDPs and refugees' food
security over the next six months (through July 2006). Unless new
contributions are confirmed, the nutritional status of 1.4 million
internally displaced persons in northern Uganda, mostly women, children
and the elderly will be at risk. Access to land around the IDP camps
generally increased over the last 18 months due to a gradual reduction
in violent LRA attacks. IDPs should be able to provide 40 percent of
their daily food needs starting January 2006, but will still require 60
percent from external sources until at least the July 2006 harvest.
Without this assistance, malnutrition rates would rise and the death
rates of young children would increase rapidly..



(D) West Africa: (1) Chad (2) Cote d'Ivoire (3) Guinea (4) Liberia

(1) Chad

(a)  During the reporting period (5-11 January), the overall security
situation remained fairly calm in eastern Chad with no major incidents
reported. However, there are continuous reports of criminality and acts
of banditry, especially in the Guereda, Farchana and Goz Beida areas.
Humanitarian workers are regularly reminded to abide by the usual
security measures, including prohibited travel after 18hrs. Military and
police forces continue to carry out night patrols from 21hrs to 06hrs in
the areas of Abeche, Farchana, Guereda and Goz Beida.

(b)  In the Oure Cassoni camp, security remains a concern due to the
continued tension between refugees and the local populations. Last month
the refugees had complained of being assaulted by a group of Chadians.
This has led to a suspension of various humanitarian activities by the
traditional refugee leaders in the camp. WFP general food distributions
have not been affected. Efforts are under way among UNHCR and local
authorities to bring a solution to this problem and resume all
activities in the camp.

(c)  The WFP/UNHCR targeted caseload for the January distributions
totals 203,500 refugees registered in twelve camps. This figure may
change in view of ongoing regularisations, which are expected to be
completed shortly.

(d)  Preparations are underway to transfer some 8,000 refugees from the
overcrowded Bredjing camp to the Gaga camp. The relocation is scheduled
to take place between 9 and 15 January 2006.

(e)  WFP completed the General Food Distributions in the camps of
Djabal, Goz Amir, Farchana, Bredjing, Treguine and Gaga. Northern camps
located in the Iriba, Guereda and Bahai areas should be covered as of
mid-January.

(f)  In an effort to minimise errors that may occur during the
distribution process, WFP-Goz Beida conducted an exercise at the end of
last month whereby the concerned distributing partner was trained on
data compilation and reporting. The same initiative will be carried out
with the nutritional partner managing the health centres.

(g)  The problem of rising milling costs has been evoked during several
inter-agency meetings over the past week. Humanitarian partners are
looking into the possibility of providing all the refugee camps with
mills, which would both minimise costs for the refugees or save them
from using part of their ration to cover grinding costs.

(h)  WFP is preparing to conduct the first distributions under the
School Feeding programme in 270 schools in the areas of Abeche, Goz
Beida, Biltine, Am Zoer, Guereda, Iriba, Farchana, Adre and Bahai. A
total of 44,430 pupils will benefit from 330 Mt of CSB and vegetable
oil, which is sufficient to cover a 45-day period. The third training
session for the new committees managing schools under the joint
UNICEF/UNHCR/WFP programme is expected to take place on 13 January 2006.
A joint WFP/UNICEF/Delegation Education Nationale team is expected to
visit all the new WFP-supported schools following the completion of the
training programme.

(i)  The commencement of a Food-for-Work (FFW) project to rehabilitate
the Guereda airstrip has been postponed until 18 January, pending the
receipt of all necessary equipment from NGO partners.  Monitoring of WFP
FFW projects in Iriba continues to reveal positive results. Thanks to
the construction of a well for market gardening, beneficiaries are
engaged in growing various vegetables, which they can sell at the local
market.

(j)  The offloading of 170 trucks from Libya loaded with over 4,500 tons
for the Sudan operation is almost completed. A further 8,000 tons are
being stocked in El Kufra until they can be moved to the Sudan via Chad.
A total of 2,952 tons will be loaded in El Kufra during the current week
- to be transported in separate convoys to the northern camps of eastern
Chad and to Abeche. Transporters in Douala and Ngaoundere are currently
on strike due to an increase in taxes. It is hoped that the issue will
be resolved soon and will not impede WFP food transport.

(k)  Overall malnutrition rates continue to be stable in the refugee
camps. After the resumption of its activities in the Guereda area, IMC
supplied WFP food to a total of 442 beneficiaries in the supplementary
and therapeutic feeding centres of the Guereda camps.

(l)  The reporting period witnessed an increase in passenger demand for
WFP Humanitarian Air Service utilisation. A total of 112 passengers were
served on the N'Djamena-Abeche routing (UN 21W), while 130 passengers
were served on the Abeche-eastern strips routing (UN 23W). The WFP-HAS
transport service benefits approximately 50 UN agencies and NGOs, which
provide humanitarian assistance to the Sudanese refugees and host
communities in remote areas in eastern Chad. The air service meets the
operational and MEDEVAC requirements of the humanitarian community and
also permits the timely transport of medical and logistics supplies.

(m)  The WFP Humanitarian Air Service (SO 10338.1) continues to face
severe underfunding, with only US$ 1,044,634 so far confirmed against a
total US $7.2 million requirement.

(n)  Emergency Operation (EMOP) 10327.1 has so far received a total of
US $45.6 million, representing 52.49% of the total requirement. Despite
the overall healthy pipeline outlook, taking into account the long lead
time of delivery to Chad (4-6 months), contributions are urgently needed
to ensure that sufficient stocks are pre-positioned at the extended
delivery points (EDPs) by May-June latest (ahead of this year's rainy
season when most camps become inaccessible). This would avert
interruptions in the food distributions that would have a dramatic
negative impact on the welfare of the refugee population.


(2) Cote d'Ivoire

(a)  During the reporting period (22 December-11 January), following
three weeks of negotiations, Prime Minister Charles Konan Banny named on
Wednesday 28 December 2005 a new cabinet of 32 members, compared with 40
in the previous government set up after the January 2003 Marcoussis
agreement. The distribution of the ministerial posts globally met the
approval of the different political leaders. However, many topics
relating to the interpretation of UN Resolution 1633 and the decisions
of the International Working Group (IWG) can still raise opposing views
between belligerents.. The overall political situation of the country
remains uncertain and there are continuous threats against UN presence
in the country by various factions.

(b)  During the reporting period, 447 metric tons of various food
commodities were distributed to over 33,473 people.

(c)  According to reports from the western town of Guiglo, many
vegetable farmers have abandoned their fields since October 2005 because
of security problems. As a consequence a noticeable shortage of
vegetable products is being reported.

(d)  In the northern Savanes region, the last round of school enrolments
was closed on 3 January 2006. Further enrolments will not be taken in
order to not hinder the validation of the school year in the region. The
region has also been granted of two water and sanitation projects funded
by UNICEF, i.e. building of latrines in local primary schools and the
rehabilitation of 700 village hydraulic pumps.

(e)  The urban health centre of Man has been equipped with a voluntary
HIV/Aids screening center by the local Red Cross NGO.

(f)  WFP warehouse of Bondoukou is now closed. The activities will be
conducted by Bouake sub office.

(g)  As of 11 January 2006, the regional Protracted Relief and Recovery
Operation (PRRO), covering Cote d'Ivoire, Burkina, Ghana, Mali, has
received a total of 35.3 million US dollars against the operational
needs of 50.1 million US dollars (29% shortfall against operational
requirements).


(3) Guinea

(a)  The results of the local elections were presented 9 days after the
election day on 18 December. According to the results the ruling party,
the Party of Unity and Progress (PUP) won the elections by an
overwhelming majority. The results were contested by the opposition
leaders who made accusations of major fraud during the electoral
process.

(b)  On 28 December, Kouankan 2 camp suffered its third sabotage act of
the month. This time the main water conduit of the camp was damaged.

(c)  During the reporting period (26 December - 8 January), no
repatriation convoys were organized due to holidays.

(d)  Guinean refugee camps host currently almost 53,000 individuals who
are being assisted by WFP. The present count includes 3,136 refugees
from Ivory Coast and the remainder from Liberia.

(e)  During the reporting period, a total of 50 tons were distributed to
2,915 beneficiaries during the January general food distribution in
Kouankan 2. On 5 January the general distribution started in Mandiana
camp. A special general food distribution has been scheduled for 9
January in Laine camp to serve 510 refugees that were omitted by mistake
during the December distribution in that camp.

(f)  During the last two weeks, two joint missions were organized by
WFP, UNHCR, CRS and ACF to sensitize refugees in Kouankan 1 and Kouankan
2 camps of the forthcoming reduction in food rations during the year
2006.

(g)  On 28 December, WFP N'Zerekore distributed the new six-months
general food distribution plan to partners. As in previous months, the
sub office will conduct every week one general monthly food
distribution, starting with Kouankan 2 camp, then Kouankan 1 camp, Kola
camp and finally Laine camp.

(h)  WFP and CRS signed a letter of understanding (LoU) for general food
distribution to refugees during the year 2006. CRS will therefore
continue to be the Cooperating Partner in this activity.

(i)  On 3 January, WFP N'Zerekore sub office staff and its cooperating
partner, the local NGO AACG, met to review the first quarter of
2005-2006 school year. The main points discussed were the need to
strengthen the controls of physical stocks and stock reports and the
need to improve coordination with transporting partners.

(j)  On 5 January, WFP and AACG finalized the dispatch plan for the
second quarter of the current school year, which will start after 10
January, 2006. AACG will continue to be WFP's Cooperating partner for
the emergency school feeding activity.

(k)  WFP and the international NGO Family Health International (FHI) met
on 4 January to discuss further details on how best to implement a WFP -
FHI pilot to assist people living with HIV/AIDS in N'Zerekore town.

(l)  LoUs were also signed bilaterally by WFP and MSF Switzerland,
FISCR, Lutheran World Federation, Plan Guinea and Macenta hospital.
These NGOs and hospital will serve as WFP cooperating partners in the
supplementary and therapeutic feeding centers in the Forest region
during the coming year.. MSF Belgium has also signed a LoU with WFP to
implement a new HIV/AIDS pilot project in Guekedou.


(4) Liberia

(a)  The security situation in the country remained generally calm
throughout the reporting period.

(b)  In Monrovia, preparations are underway for the inauguration
ceremony of the new elected government, scheduled for January 16.
Several dignitaries, including representatives and heads of foreign
governments, are expected to attend the event.

(c)  On 6 January 2006, widows of deceased soldiers of the Armed Forces
of Liberia (AFL) set up barricades along some major streets in central
Monrovia. They protested against the outstanding payment of their late
husbands' benefits.  Later in the day the President-elected Mrs. Ellen
Johnson had a meeting with the leaders of the widows after which the
protesters left the streets.

(d)  WFP operations continued normally throughout the reporting period
(1-7 January). A distribution plan targeting the delivery of 5,193 tons
of assorted food commodities to over 623,000 beneficiaries has been
approved for implementation during the month of January 2006.

(e)  The situation of the Country Office food supply is expected to be
healthy for the next four months due to the timely arrival in the
country of over 10,000 tons of cereals and over 126 tons of CSB.
Shortfalls in cereals over the last few months resulted in the temporary
suspension of food delivery to Food-for-Work (FFW) activities while a
reduced ration was adopted for school feeding. With the arrival of the
new consignments of food, normal rations will be reintroduced for all
categories, beginning in February 2006.

(f)  During the reporting period, WFP dispatched a total of 335 tons of
assorted food commodities from WFP warehouses in Monrovia to FDPs and
EDPs in eight sub-offices to support January 2006 food distribution
activities. Meanwhile, regular logistic operations (including vessel
discharge, stripping of containers, commodity dispatch and maintenance
of vehicles and other logistic equipment) continued during the week.

(g)  The repatriation and resettlement of returnees and IDPs continued
during the reporting period. In the southeastern city of Harper, a total
of 45 returnees received 1.5 tons of assorted food commodities as first
tranche of their resettlement food package. Additionally, 710 IDPs
residing in camps in Monrovia were resettled into their communities of
preference. The IDPs (including 352 male and 358 female) received 24
tons of food as first tranche of their resettlement food package.
Resettlement activities also took place in six IDP camps in Monrovia,
including Conneh, Blamasee, Morris' Farm, VOA-1, Plumkor and Sawegbeh
camps. With the exception of Conneh Camp, all IDPs in the remaining five
camps have been resettled. Distribution of the second and final tranche
of resettlement food ration took place in Saclepea and Monrovia. A total
of 50 IDPs, who resettled two months ago, received 1.7 Mt of food
commodities representing the second and final tranche of their
resettlement food package.

(h)  From January 2005 to 6 January 2006, a total of 46,906 Liberian
returnees have been repatriated while 275,157 IDPs residing in camps
within Liberia have been resettled.

(i)  During the reporting period, eight Emergency School Feeding
Programme (ESF) agreements were signed with YMCA, GAA, LIURD, ADRA, JRS,
NRC, LWF/WS and WVL. The agreements cover the whole academic year
2005-2006. This year WFP is expanding its ESF programme to cover 14 out
of the 15 counties of Liberia, with a particular emphasis on
strengthening monitoring activities. The program is currently reaching
children in 13 Liberian counties.

(j)  In addition, arrangements are being finalized to commence food
distribution for the month of January. The Country Office is targeting
470,000 school children who will benefit from the distribution of 1,465
tons of assorted food commodities through both School Feeding and Girls
Take-Home Ration activities.

(k)  In response to a request from the County Health Team in River Gee
County and the Fish Town Clinic, WFP in Harper assessed the health
facilities of this clinic to verify the need for WFP support. In Nimba
County a total of 22 tons of assorted food commodities were delivered to
several institutional and curative feeding program centers targeting
1,662 beneficiaries. In Grand Bassa county WFP delivered a total of 1.6
tons of assorted food commodities to two programs under the same feeding
category.



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

(1) Angola

(a)  According to the latest Regional Flood Watch issued by SADC and
FEWS NET, at least 45 homes are reported to have crumbled after heavy
rains in the southern province of Huila.  No casualties have been
reported.  In neighbouring Benguela Province, some 50 hectares of
croplands were destroyed by floods.


(2) Lesotho

(a)  Maize and sorghum crops in the southern, western and northern
lowlands have reached the vegetative stage and in some areas, weeding is
in process. However, due to high temperatures and low rainfall, crops
are at risk of rapid moisture loss due to evapotranspiration.


(3) Malawi

(a)  Continuing downpours in the Shire Highlands and Lower Shire have
resulted in increasing challenges in accessing routes in to Thyolo,
Nsanje, Chikwawa and Phalombe.  WFP food deliveries have become very
difficult and in some places distributions have been suspended due to
lack of access as roads and bridges have been washed away.  Plans to
preposition February rations are in progress.  A recent flood update in
Nsanje indicates the floods have affected more than 7,000 households.
However, flood assessment exercises are still underway and this figure
is expected to increase.

(b)  There are reports of an armyworm outbreak in Kasungu and Ntchisi
districts. Field reports indicate approximately 4,000 farming households
have been affected.  While pesticides are being provided by the national
Rural Development Programme, there is a limited amount available in
stock.

(c)  The availability of maize in ADMARC depots throughout the country
remains scarce and erratic.  However, maize is found in local markets
through traders but is largely unaffordable for most farming households.


(4) Mozambique

(a)  Media reports indicate the country is on alert following heavy
rains and storms that recently affected parts of central and northern
Mozambique. The state of alert will prevail until March, when the
critical period of rains and cyclones is expected to end.  Over 4,000
hectares of crops have been submerged in the Pungue Valley (Sofala
Province) and replanting may also be necessary.  Significant rains have
been registered in Maputo and Gaza, with normal rainfall in Inhambane,
Beira, Quelimane and Nampula. Tete has experienced low rainfall to date.
In general, the levels of rivers continue to increase as expected at
this time of year; however Pungoe River (Beira), Nkomati River (Maputo),
and Chire River (Tete) are above normal. Despite the loss of life and
damage done by a series of storms in parts of the country, there is no
emergency, according to the National Disaster Management Institute.


(5) Namibia

(a)  Heavy rains in the first week of January resulted in over 40 homes
being flooded in Windhoek after the Arebbusch River burst its banks.
However, reports from the Meteorological Department indicate dry weather
is expected to follow.  The rains have been suitable for agriculture in
the northern parts of the country, however in some areas farmers have
been unable to plough as fields are too wet.


(6) Swaziland

(a)  Although heavy rains continue in some areas, most parts of the
Lowveld and Lubombo Plateau have recorded a dry spell since December
2005. According to field reports, maize crops at tasselling stage in the
Siphofeneni and Sithobela areas have been destroyed as a result and
farmers are not expecting a harvest.  According to the National Disaster
Task Force, a smaller percentage of arable land than usual has been
ploughed this farming season as a result of the combination of delayed
and erratic rainfall.  This is especially applicable to the dry
Middleveld and Lowveld, where farmers are failing to take advantage of
the limited rainfall to date due to a shortage of tractors and the high
cost of seeds and fertilizers.


(7) Zambia

(a)  Due to a severe shortage of commodities, refugees remain on reduced
rations, which began on 1 January 2006. According to pipeline forecasts,
rations for cereals and pulses run out end of April, and vegetable oil,
salt and HEPS will be depleted at the end of March.  As yet no new
contributions have been received for the refugee programme and urgent
contributions are needed to provide food through to December 2006.

(b)  Isolated parts of Sesheke District (Western Province) have been hit
with severe flooding that has resulted in early crop failure. Other
areas of the district are experiencing an outbreak of armyworms raising
concerns of continued food stress.  These caterpillar-like insects are
eating away crop leaves, leaving fields bare. In some areas farmers have
had to replant. A total of 120 hectares of cultivated fields have been
reported to be affected and the worms are continuing to spread.

(c)  The onset of the rains has raised hopes for many communities as
seasonal crops such as mushrooms have emerged and mangos have ripened.
WFP continues to provide food assistance to 1.1 million people in
drought affected areas of the country.


(8) Zimbabwe

(a)  In early January, food security monitoring was conducted by WFP
field monitors and Cooperating Partner staff in seven provinces
throughout the country.  Countrywide, findings revealed that WFP food
aid remains the most reliable source of food for most communities.  The
distribution of Government supplied maize, through the Grain Marketing
Board, remains erratic.  WFP field monitors report the crop and
livestock situation varies from area to area, with the majority of
livestock showing signs of improvement while early planted crops are
beginning to show signs of stress due to lack of fertilizer.

(b)  On January 10, Government primary and secondary schools reopened
following a seven-week break.  Consequently, WFP will resume its
targeted school feeding programme in order to improve the dietary intake
of children given household difficulties accessing food.  The programme
also contributes towards national efforts to increase enrolment,
attendance and the ability to concentrate and learn.  In January, WFP,
through seven Cooperating Partners, will provide more than 547,000
school children in 16 vulnerable districts with at least one nutritious
meal a day.



(F) Asia: (1) Indonesia (2) Sri Lanka

(1) Indonesia

(a)  During the reporting period (1 - 31 December), increased tension
was reported in Bener Meriah, the area of return of IDPs resulting from
the previous conflict.

(b)  WFP conducted socialization of Cooperating Partner Distribution
Invoicing Requirements on 2 December 2005 in which all Cooperating
Partners reporting to the Banda Aceh Sub-Office participated.  The new
Invoice format introduced during this socialization will be used
starting December 2005.

(c)  As the LOA between Muhammadiyah and WFP ended on 31 December 2005,
PMI (Indonesian Red Cross) Banda Aceh will take over School Feeding
Programme implemented by Muhammadiyah starting January 2006.

(d)  Commencing January 2005, the TFFR (Targeted Food for Recovery
implementation in the Meulaboh Sub Office's areas previously covered by
CRS will be taken over by Muhammadiyah, World Vision International (VWI)
and PMI.  The former two will cover targeted areas of West Aceh District
whereas the latter will cover those of Nagan Raya District.

(e)  During the month of December 2005, WFP completed the cosigning of
Letter of Agreement with nine NGOs for TFFR and seven NGOs for SFP.  In
addition, Letters of Intent where signed with five NGOs.

(f)  Significant decreases of caseloads for GFD were noted in December
2005 and further decrease is expected for January 2006 as verification
of beneficiary figure continues following socialization of Dinsos new
criteria, and TFFR is implemented.

(g)  During the month of December, no canned fish was included in the
food basket. Monthly food basket for the tsunami affected population per
person, therefore, consisted of 12 kg of rice and 0.6 kg of vegetable
oil.

(h)  Commencing January 2005, the Targeted Food for Recovery (TFFR) will
be used instead of the General Food Distribution.  TFFR monthly ration
per person for January to March 2006 will consist of 10 kg of rice, 750
grams of vegetable oil and 850 grams of canned fish.

(i)  Pending results of from the 2nd round of Nutrition Survey, the
Maternal Child Nutrition (MCN) Expansion is on hold. In the meantime,
WFP continuous to work with Department of Health at the provincial level
to move forward with identification of potential districts for further
expansion of MCN programme.

(j)  Monitoring visits for the GFD, SFP, and MCN continued throughout
the reporting period.

(k)  7,500 tons of rice to cover Aceh-North Sumatra operation arrived in
Indonesia

(l)  The Landing Craft Sumber Power and Labitra Hanny arrived in Calang
on 19 December 2005.  This LCT took delivery of 32 tons of commodities
bound for Nias. The Landing Craft 'Labitra Hanny' was de-hired on 19
December 2005.

(m)  Concrete flooring of rub halls / wiikhalls is in progress in all
locations. Land to build a warehouse to support Meulaboh Field Office
operations was identified and construction has started since the end of
December 2005. The construction of new port in Calang for Landing Craft
is still in progress.


(2) Sri Lanka

(a)  Following a significant upsurge in violence which, according to
UNDSS, has led to the killing of 45 Sri Lankan soldiers in Jaffna in
December alone, restriction of movement was issued for UN staff in
Jaffna district during the reporting period (1 - 31 December). The
highly volatile security situation has dramatically hampered WFP food
distribution and monitoring activities in the area. Jaffna sub-office
staff were not able to go to the field and no distribution or monitoring
was conducted during the last two weeks of December.

(b)  On 25 December, a Tamil National Alliance (TNA, linked to the LTTE)
MP for the Batticaloa district was assassinated. On 17 December, the
LTTE rejected the Government offer to hold talks on the ceasefire in
Japan. They insisted the talks must take place in Oslo, Norway.

(c)  WFP's Emergency Operation (EMOP) terminated on 31 December. From 1
January 2006, Emergency activities will be integrated into the
Protracted Relief and Recovery Operation. The PRRO will support the
rehabilitation and recovery process in conflict areas and meet the
ongoing needs of the tsunami victims who have not yet recovered their
livelihood.

(d)  In December 2005, Vulnerable Group Feeding (VGF), which began in
the fourth quarter of 2005, covered 350,000 beneficiaries in 12 tsunami
affected districts. 100,000 women and children in health clinics
received fortified Corn Soya Blend (CSB) and some 36,500 workers
(183,000 beneficiaries) received food rations to rebuild infrastructure
and support the resettlement of displaced and relocated persons. 65
percent of the 441 FFW projects approved in tsunami affected areas have
been completed so far.

(e)  From 1 to 8 December, WFP school-feeding activities covered 397
schools (106,000 school children) in tsunami affected areas. Schools
closed on 9 December for the year end vacation and will reopen on 2
January 2006.

(f)  In the South of the country, most final tsunami dispatches were
carried out in December. As WFP staff strived to finish the EMOP,
Trincomalee and Ampara sub-offices dispatched most of their food
requirements for VGF in December. However, distribution is behind
schedule in the North due to the recent increase in violence and the
late procurement of rice.

(g)  Cash Transfer Pilot Project: the third cash distribution through
Samurdhi bank societies to beneficiaries was carried out during the last
week of December in all three targeted districts (Galle, Hambantota and
Batticaloa). The first distribution reports submitted by the Samurdhi
authorities have been compiled. Impact monitoring on food and cash
recipients was carried out by a local survey agency. Two more cash
distributions have been planned for January. A second round of impact
monitoring will take place in all three districts during the week of 9
January. Completion of cash distribution is due for the end of January.
A follow-up survey will be conducted from the second week of February
onwards.

(h)  In December, WFP procured 7,000 tons of local rice through tenders
for the North. An additional tender of 1,400 tons was carried out for
the South in order to complete procurement for 2005. WFP is using IOM
trucks at district level to speed up the deliveries for termination of
the Emergency Operation.



(G) Latin America and Caribbean: (1) Bolivia (2) Colombia (3) Cuba (4)
Ecuador (5) Guatemala (6) Honduras (7) Nicaragua

(1) Bolivia

(a)  Heavy rains in the country continue, particularly in the lowlands.
Landslides caused by the heavy rains continue to take place along
several inter-provincial roads especially in the Departments of
Cochabamba and La Paz.

(b)  Some 82 families affected by the fire of a blasted gas pipeline
have been assisted by WFP in the community of El Salado, Department of
Santa Cruz.  WFP in collaboration with the company "Transredes",
counterparts and local authorities distributed 6 tons of food, estimated
to last 30 days.

(c)  The Emergency Operation (EMOP) has been extended in time until
31.01.06 to safely distribute the balance of 58 metric tons of food to
the Izozog area. This food could not be transported before the project's
end date on 31 December because of the bad weather and road conditions.
On the 10th of January, two trucks departed for the area, transporting
53 tons of food.


(2) Colombia

(a)  New displacements have been reported in the Province of Meta where
at least 15 families were forced to flee due to clashes between illegal
armed groups and the Army in rural areas of the Municipality of Vista
Hermosa.. WFP implements two food aid activities (Emergency food aid and
Nutritional recovery) in nearby areas of this municipality as part of
PRRO 10366. No security incidents have been reported by WFP staff.

(b)  More displacements have been also reported in the Province of
Tolima. Some 18 families from rural areas of the Municipality of
Planadas were forced to flee due to clashes between the Colombian army
and a major illegal armed group. WFP implements different activities in
this province as part of PRRO 10366.

(c)  According to information issued by the Colombian Disasters
Prevention and Response Office, one person died and more than 1,500 have
been severely affected by strong rains, floods and landslides in
different regions of the country since 2 January, 2006.

(d)  At least 150,000 people in the southwestern Province of Putumayo
suffered from a power cut after the country's largest rebel group
attacked two electricity towers in the region. WFP recently delivered
some 90 tons of emergency food aid to assist families located in
different rural areas in this province.

(e)  At least 220 families located in rural areas of the village of San
Marino, Municipality of Bagado, (Province of Choco) are receiving
humanitarian attention in order to prevent a possible massive
displacement after several clashes between armed rebels and the
Colombian army in this region. In December 2005, 8 police officers died
in clashes with illegal armed groups in this municipality.


(3) Cuba

(a)  Although the rainy period was favourable for most of the country,
the balance of accumulated rains in 2005 confirmed that important areas
of the Eastern region remain with significant deficits. The drought
continues to affect the Eastern region.

(b)  During the reporting period (4-11 January), Emergency Operation
(EMOP) 10423.0 and 10473.0 assisted 775,000 and 111,000 people,
respectively.

(c)  EMOP 10423.0 is resourced at 41%; US$ 2 millions are urgently
needed to meet outstanding requirements. EMOP 10473.0 has been funded
with IRA resources; US$ 400,000 is urgently required to fully refund
this project.


(4) Ecuador

(a)  According to the National Geophysical Institute, several seismic
events have been registered during the reporting period (4 - 11
January). Volcanic activities have increased during the past weeks with
moderate emissions of ash, steam and gas.

(b)  On 12 January, the Ministries of Defense from Ecuador and Colombia
will meet in order to analyze the situation along the border.

(c)  Regarding fumigations along the border, a PAHO/WHO mission will
study its effects jointly with both Colombia and Ecuador in order to
determine the effects.

(d)  Procurement of 207 tons of food is under process.  The bidding
process started on January 6, commodities will be delivered to the two
main warehouses on February 2nd and it is estimated to start
distribution on February 20.

(e)  During the reporting period (4-11 January) a joint monitoring
process with UNHCR will be carried out in Ibarra, Quito, Santo Domingo,
San Lorenzo, Esmeraldas, Tulcan and Lago Agrio in order to redirect food
rations distribution from UNHCR's Local Distribution Agencies regarding
increase of beneficiaries in the Northern Border provinces. The second
phase of monitoring and evaluation of the operation will start on the
third week of January.


(5) Guatemala

(a)  The slow rehabilitation and reconstruction process following
Hurricane Stan raises concern, especially due to the threat of the
winter's low temperatures that have already started to hit some
highlands communities. A number of families are still suffering from the
consequences of Hurricane Stan and are not yet ready to cope with the
coming cold weather.

(b)  In some parts of the country, the price for grains, staple food for
Guatemalans has increased significantly, representing a major food
security concern for the affected poor population.

(c)  According to the government, the three main priorities for 2006 are
to assist the people affected by Stan with infrastructure / housing
reconstruction, health and food security.

(d)  An action plan for food monitoring for 2006 as well as the review
of food monitoring instruments were carried out by WFP monitors and
program officers. Food monitors were also involved in reviewing
counterpart's year-end food distribution reports 2005.

(e)  On 6 January, WFP participated in the Temporal Shelters Committee
organized by the Presidency. WFP, in coordination with UNDP and FAO, the
agencies are working with the Ministry of Agriculture and Secretariat of
Food and Nutritional Security of the Presidency (SESAN) to attend to
food security matters.

(f)  During the distributions under the Emergency Operation (EMOP),
carried out in November 2005, WFP delivered 3,160 tons of food reaching
an estimated 182,000 beneficiaries affected by Hurricane Stan.

(g)  Food dispatches and distributions continue in the Department of San
Marcos. WFP is expecting to continue dispatches and distribution in the
rest of the affected departments once the regionally purchased CSB
arrives scheduled for the last week January.

(h)  The CO continues to receive regionally procured food. There is
currently a complete break in the pipeline for CSB. 40% of the required
food for San Marcos had been delivered on 6 January. The CSB, currently
in stock, covers 20% more, leaving 40% to be delivered next month,
completing the first phase of the EMOP.

(i)  Shortfall continues at 55 percent of the appeal. The total amount
to date is US$6,381.011 (45% of the flash appeal).


(6) Honduras

(a)  The Government of Honduras requested the UN System to field a
second mission to update the assessment. Therefore, the UN Risk
Management Group (UNETE) carried out five additional field mission in
Gracias a Dios and Colon and to start assessing damages and needs in
other affected districts of Yoro, Olancho, Cortes and Atlantida. The
Situation is still difficult for the affected population in Gracias a
Dios.

(b)  A WFP mission was sent to Gracias a Dios in order to assist the
food distribution and reinforces the counterpart support. WFP
anticipates severe food shortage in about two or three months that would
affect mostly 4,700 families traditionally depending on agriculture and
related activities.

(c)  WFP continues working closely with COPECO through staff designated
at their operations center to coordinate information and possible needs.

(d)  WFP food assistance is being provided from the relief component of
the Protracted Relief and Recovery Operation (PRRO 10212.0 "Targeted
Food Assistance for People Affected by Shocks and for Recovery of
Livelihoods"). Some 840 tons of food have been distributed.


(7) Nicaragua

(a)  The Ministry of Agriculture (MAGFOR) has reported a decrease in the
national availability of beans and sorghum while an increase in the
availability of maize and rice has been registered in comparison with
last year. Furthermore, considerable losses of tubers are being reported
as a result of the excess rainfall experienced throughout 2005 causing
the roots to rot. The most affected areas are the Atlantic Autonomous
regions (45..4 and 52.1 percent of the total losses in respectively RAAN
and RAAS).

(b)  Approximately 10,400 pregnant and nursing women; 11,160 children
under two years old; 1,800 vulnerable rural families and 70,000
schoolchildren in the Central and Northern Atlantic Region (RAAN)
continue to benefit from the food distributions under Protracted Relief
and Recovery Operation (PRRO) 10212.0.

(c)  To date, a total of 139 metric tons of relief food has been
distributed to indigenous families along the Rio Coco. The second
distribution is scheduled for the next week. A total of 453 tons will be
delivered covering relief food aid for 90 days for 1,800 families.

(d)  Since PRRO 10212.0 resources have been used to be able to respond
to other emergencies (rat infestation in Waspam and hurricane in the
Southern Atlantic Autonomous Region), the operation urgently needs
resources to avoid pipeline breaks and continue to provide assistance to
families living in areas vulnerable to recurrent shocks.  The PRRO
10212.0 will experience shortfalls for the next six months, beginning in
February 2006, of CSB (629 tons); maize (809 tons); beans (83 metric
tons) and vegetable oil (50 tons).



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

WFP Weekly Emergency Report


- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Appropriate Donations for International Disaster/Humanitarian Needs
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Center for International                  web: www.cidi.org
     Disaster Information             listserv: www.cidi.org/listsub.htm
                                    guidelines: www.cidi.org/donate.htm
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
World Food Program Reports                www.cidi.org/humanitarian/wfp