WFP Emergency Report
Issued weekly by the United Nations World Food Programme
Report No. 16 / 2006 - Date 21 April 2006


This report includes:

(A) Highlights
(B) Middle East,Central Asia and Eastern Europe: (1) Afghanistan
    (2) Pakistan
(C) East & Central Africa: (1) Burundi (2) Congo, DR (3) Djibouti
    (4) Ethiopia (5) Kenya (6) Rwanda (7) Somalia (8) Sudan (9) Tanzania
    (10) Uganda
(D) West Africa: (1) Chad (2) Cote d'Ivoire (3) Niger
(E) Southern Africa: (1) Angola (2) Lesotho (3) Madagascar (4) Malawi
    (5) Mozambique (6) Swaziland (7) Zambia (8) Zimbabwe
(F) Asia: (1) Indonesia (2) Nepal (3) Sri Lanka (4) Timor Leste
(G) Latin America and Caribbean: (1) Bolivia (2) Colombia (3) Cuba
    (4) Ecuador (5) Haiti (6) Peru


(A) Highlights

(a)  During the reporting period (5-19 April), Chad witnessed a
deterioration in the security situation, following clashes between
government and rebel forces in the capital and across the country.
Despite facing temporary delays in some camps due to the security
situation, the general food distributions for the month of April were
completed in all the camps. Some 3586 tons to was provided to 206, 964
beneficiaries.

(b)  In Niger, the Protracted Relief and Recovery Operation (PRRO)
10509.0-Strengthening the Means of Subsistence of Vulnerable Populations
and Targeted Assistance for Malnourished Children- began this month and
will last for 18 months, through September 2007. With a total budget of
37.3 million US dollars, the operation will reach 2.9 million
beneficiaries, over 70 percent of which are malnourished children and
their families, with 46,950 tons of food.

(c)  Between 1 and 17 April, WFP transported a total of 10,092 tons of
food in the three Darfur states.

(d)  Insecurity persists in eastern DRC. Thousands of people are being
displaced.

(e)  As of 14 April 2006 a total of 11,669 Burundian asylum seekers in
Tanzania returned home.

(f)  In Djibouti, 2,500 Somali refugees registered for repatriation,
which is expected to resume end of April.

(g)  The current forecast for the southern Africa regional food supply
in the 2006/07 marketing year appears relatively favourable. In South
Africa, the total maize supply (2006 production plus carry over stocks)
is forecast at approximately 10.8 million tons.  Taking into account the
estimated country consumption of about 8.6 million tons, including
600,000 tons of strategic reserves, the potential exportable surplus is
likely to be close to 2.2 million tons.



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

(1) Afghanistan

(a)  During the reporting period (13-19 April), the security situation
was relatively calm in Kabul but unstable throughout the country,
particularly in the southern, south-eastern and eastern regions where
Improvised Explosive Device (IED) attacks and ambushes targeted
coalition forces, government and UN workers. A UNAMA mission was hit by
an IED in the northern Baghlan province on 13 April, injuring one staff
member.

(b)  On 9 April a windstorm followed by rains caused damages to returnee
communities in the Sheikh Mesri, Qasim Abad and Hesar Shahi areas of the
eastern city of Jalal Abad. UNHCR and the Department of Refugees and
Repatriation carried out an assessment indicating that over 1,200
families were affected by the disaster. In response, WFP provided over
1,200 victim families with 12 tons of High Energy Biscuits.

(c)  During the reporting period, WFP assisted 71,000 vulnerable people
with 776 tons of food in food insecure areas through various
interventions, including Food-for-Education, Food-for-Work,
Food-for-Training and assistance to TB patients.

(d)  WFP also provided 15 tons of mixed food to the flood-affected
people in Obeh district of the western Hirat province. Heavy floods
earlier this month affected 250 families by washing away 160 acres of
agricultural land, killing around 100 livestock, damaging 50 houses and
access roads. WFP is also looking into the possibilities for
rehabilitating the damaged communal infrastructures through
Food-for-Work projects.

(e)  The Protracted Relief and Recovery Operation (PRRO) 10427 is
currently resourced at 18 percent against the appeal. Donors are
encouraged to support the new PRRO as pipeline breaks began in March
2006. While commodities are expected mid-April, the next pipeline break
is expected at the end of June should resources not be made available.
To meet needs until end 2006, an estimated US$41 million is required to
meet a shortfall of 60,000 tons of commodities, including 52,000 tons of
cereals. Pledges are urgently required to ensure the efficient and
essential winter prepositioning of 25,000 to 30,000 tons of cereals. The
prepositioning begins in August and runs through October.


(2) Pakistan

(a)  During the reporting period (1-14 April), the general situation in
Pakistan was calm. However, the continued insurgency in North Waziristan
and Balochistan was of growing concern.

(b)  Road access is expected to remain limited for some time due to
ongoing landslides. According to the International Landslide
Center/Landslide Observatory Open File Report, the snow melt could
result in further landslides in April, with a second round of landslides
during the July monsoon season. It will take several months to repair
and open primary and secondary roads.

(c)  The WFP Executive Board recently cleared the 2-year Protracted
Relief and Recovery Operation (PRRO), which commenced on 1 April 2006.
About 670,000 homeless people who lack remittances and other family
support will be provided with food as they return to rebuild community
infrastructure; School Feeding will maintain attendance and address
short-term hunger for 450,000 children. WFP will work with UNOPS in road
clearance and related areas. These interventions will be undertaken in
remote villages where food production, access to markets, employment and
credit facilities will be constrained until basic infrastructures and
trade can be restored. The operational requirement for the PRRO is $US
67,849,078 or 113,648 tons of food.

(d)  Ghari Habibullah and Battagram Sub-Offices merged to form Mansehra
Sub-Office. An earthquake struck Battagram district on 4 April 2006 and
caused damage to the Battagram Sub-Office building. Due to new cracks in
the building, the WFP office has shifted to the new premises in Mansehra
before planned time. The building has been declared unsafe by DSS and
some admin & ICT inventory along with five programme staff (Food Aid
Monitors) have been moved to Mansehra on emergency basis. Rub Halls in
Battagram are being emptied in anticipation of closure. 218 tons of
mixed food commodities were released and distributed in Allai and
Shangla by Save the Children on 29 and 30 March 2006. Coordination with
local NGOs, Community Based Organizations, Government departments and
local Government representatives are in progress for the effective
implementation of PRRO projects.

(e)  In Muzaffarabad, Food Distribution was to start under PRRO
Activities this week. According to the Camp Management Organization,
since 10 March 2006, the total number of IDPs who have returned to their
areas of origin or moved out of the camp is estimated to be 3,021
families out of 17,550 or 20 percent of the total camp population. Camp
Management Organization to provide number of vulnerable groups/
beneficiaries to WFP in 4 - 5 days' time as assessment is still under
process. No stock balances at Extended Delivery Points reported by WFP's
Cooperating Partners.

(f)  In Bagh, the Protracted Relief and Recovery Operation (PRRO)
activities assessments were carried out during the first two weeks and
some activities were identified and finalized for distribution of food.
Agreement was signed between CO and landlord for shifting SO Bagh from
UN Compound to new office site in Nomanpura Bagh. Chanjal rubhall in
Forward Kahuta was closed. Approximately 8,000 beneficiaries were
identified for various activities under PRRO for April.  Assessments for
potential PRRO activities were carried out for Bagh and forward areas
such as Forward Kahuta and Behdi. Among these activities, vocational
training, repairing/construction of link roads, nursery, and school
feeding activities were some of the activities identified with the
communities. Meetings were held with local government officials such as
Deputy Commissioner Bagh and officials from line departments for
activity identification, coordination, technical expertise and mutual
cooperation between WFP and the local government. Other coordination
activities meetings were held with NGOs to discuss potential partnership
activities. Helicopter operations are planned for Behdi as there is no
accessibility by road.

(g)  The PRRO is currently resourced 13 percent against the appeal of
$US 67,849,078.

(h)  UNHAS funding is due to run out very soon and US$16 million is
urgently needed to maintain the helicopter 'lifeline' operation, the
largest relief helicopter operation in UN history, until the end of
August to assist thousands of victims of last year's earthquake. Since
the start of the air operations UNHAS has airlifted 20,478 tons of Food
Items, 6,614 tons Non-Food Items and 32,030 passengers.



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

(1) Burundi

(a)  According to various field reports and the FAO analysis, current
rainfall predicts good harvest prospects in many areas. Satisfactory
crops are expected in June.  Meanwhile, the population is relying on
extensive WFP food distributions in the most seriously drought affected
provinces..

(b)  During the reporting period, UNHCR and the government registered
around 19,600 Rwandan asylum seekers (RAS).  A case by case study is
underway to determine individual eligibility for refugee status.  All
recognized refugees will be transferred to a new camp constructed in
Rutana province and those who will not be selected will be expelled to
Rwanda as indicated by an official from the Ministry of Interior.  WFP
continues to feed the RAS in their transit sites throughout the
identification process.

(c)  The government has lifted the countrywide curfew however, road
barricades to control population movement are still in force and UN
curfew hours (11:00pm and 6:00am) remain unchanged.

(d)  WFP distributed 3,173 tons of food aid to 469,464 beneficiaries.

(e)  WFP continues to carry out food security 'Crisis Indicators
Monitoring' in the provinces of Kirundo, Ruyigi, Cibitoke and Cankuzo.
WFP reported negative coping mechanisms remain in place at the household
level including migration, loans, sale of farms and livestock, reduction
of meals and theft on farms.

(f)  WFP has publicly validated the distribution lists from three
communes (Ntega, Buhinyuza and Mwakiro) located in Kirundo and Muyinga
provinces.. Public validation ensures inclusion of vulnerable persons.
WFP also assisted in the targeting process of beneficiaries in Rutana
and Makamba provinces.

(g)  Following the changes on the market supply capacity in the region,
the delivery of 11,055 tons of food commodities already programmed from
the DDU (delivery duty unpaid) purchases could be delayed.  The delay
would negatively impact the pipeline situation.  WFP is in the process
of identifying loans to cover the subsequent shortfall expected in May
and June.


(2) Congo, DR

(a)  On 5 April, WFP started the airdrops for 200 tons of food intended
for 28,300 internally displaced persons (IDPs) in villages of Dubie,
Mitwaba, Sampwe and Kasungeji (Katanga province). Initially planned to
start on 3 April with the first airdrops in Mitwaba, the operation was
postponed and the destination changed from Mitwaba to Dubie. The delay
was attributed to the inaccessibility of the airstrip in Mitwaba due to
military operations of Forces Armees de la Republique Democratique du
Congo (FARDC) troops. As of 10 April, 78 tons of maize meal and pulses
had been airdropped in Dubie out of the 100 tons planned.

(b)  Over 5,000 civilians were displaced for five days into the bushes
near Ngazi, south east from Beni. The displaced people fled after their
fields were burnt down during the governmental troops mop up operations
against Mayi Mayi militia men. A joint United Nations Mission in the
Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUC), WFP and FAO assessment mission was
fielded on 7 April in Ngazi. The mission reported that the population in
Ngazi urgently needed seeds and tools.

(c)  Widespread insecurity in Kasenyi-Tchomia and Bogoro-Kabaga
continued to prompt significant displacement of people from these areas
to Bunia and vicinities. According to OXFAM UK, 4,000 IDPs have reached
Tchomia and are in dire need of food assistance, shelter and water.
Women remain victims of sexual violence by armed men. WFP's cooperating
partner Cooperazione Internazionale (COOPI) identified 12 new cases.

(d)  In North Kivu province, WFP monitoring and evaluation activities
planned in Masisi and Rutshuru could not take place due to increased
insecurity along the Kiwanja cite-Ishasha and Rushturu-Jomba-Bunangana
roads. WFP has been implementing school feeding activities in both areas
where people are resettling after years of displacement.

(e)  In Beni, WFP distributed 136 tons of food to 4,200 IDP families.
Food distribution is planned for a total of 7,800 displaced households
registered in various locations east of Butembo. The food distribution
is being carried out through Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC). In Goma,
147 tons of food was released to feed 17,800 beneficiaries including
malnourished children, school children, demobilized child soldiers and
orphans.

(f)  In Bukavu, WFP dispatched 41 tons of food to feed IDPs and
returnees. In Uvira, WFP released 22 tons of food to cover food needs of
438 returnees from Tanzania. Through Association pour le Developpement
Social et la Sauvegarde de l'environnement (ADSSE) and Cooperazione e
Sviluppo (CESVI), WFP provided 50 tons of food to 1,213 displaced
households (over 6,000 individuals in Ituri district).

(g)  In North Katanga district, WFP supervised the unloading of 523 tons
of food which arrived from Kigoma by barge. Meanwhile, the derailment of
wagons on the Kabalo-Nyemba axis prolonged delays in the delivery of 40
tons of food into Kongolo. The food was sent from Kalemie in early
March.

(h)  In Equateur province, WFP focused on the resettlement of returnees
from Congo-Brazzaville and school feeding programmes. In Gemena, 199
tons of food was delivered to the German Technical Cooperation (GTZ) for
resettling returnees. Further south, in Mbandaka, capital city of the
province, 27 tons of various food commodities were released to feed
4,600 malnourished children and primary school pupils.


(3) Djibouti

(a)  The food security and livelihood of pastoralists continue to suffer
from low performance of seasonal rains. Poor pasture and fodder have
affected livestock conditions among the pastoralist communities who rely
on milk and other livestock products for their livelihood. During April
2006, WFP allocated a total of 720 tons of food for distribution to
47,500 drought affected population in livestock dependent areas.

(b)  At least 108 people died when a wooden boat capsized in the Red Sea
off the coast of Port Djibouti on Thursday, 6 April. The cause of the
accident is reported to be overloading of cargo and passengers.
Authorities have decided to temporarily suspend boat movement pending an
investigation. The suspension delayed ongoing WFP food dispatches to
northern districts of Obock and Tadjourah. Due to the poor condition of
roads in the areas, WFP is contracting boats for transport and delivery
of food to affected areas in the northern districts.

(c)  After one month's temporary suspension to allow refugee screening
by UNHCR and the governmental counterpart Office National d'Assistance
aux Refugies et Sinistres (ONARS), the voluntary repatriation of Somali
refugees is expected to resume end of April. About 2,500 refugees
originating from Somaliland have registered for repatriation. WFP will
provide the refugees with return food packages.


(4) Ethiopia

(a)  In Somali region and southern parts of Oromyia region, there has
been a dry spell in most areas over the last week to ten days. This
rainfall situation is worrying, though there were reports of heavy
clouds in southern parts of the Somali region recently.  Though it is
too early to determine the performance of the 'belg' (short rainy season
from February till May in cropping areas), 'sugum' (short rainy season
from February-May in pastoral areas of Afar region) and 'gu' (long rainy
season from March-May in pastoral areas of Somali region), the rainfall
forecast for the next ten days is discouraging for pastoral areas.
Resumption of rains is now crucial for improvements in the humanitarian
situation.  Good rains are forecasted for crop-growing areas.  Overall,
the onset and performance of the short rainy season have been mixed. The
onsets of belg and sugum rains were late in the northern parts of the
country: i.e. in Tigray, Afar and Amhara regions.  Belg rains were
delayed for two months and two weeks in belg crop-growing areas of
Amhara and Tigray regions respectively in comparison with normal years.
Sugum rains were also late by two weeks in most zones of Afar region. In
the central, southern and eastern part of the country: Oromiya, Southern
Nations, Nationalities and Peoples Region (SNNPR) and Somali region,
onset of belg and gu rains was normal except some districts of Somali
region (Warder, Bare, Geladin, Shekosh and Misrak Gashamo) where no gu
rains had been received until the second week of April 2006. Since the
second week of April, the amount and distribution of belg, sugum and gu
rains has decreased.

(b)  Heavy rainfall in Afar region caused flooding of the Awash river in
Dubti district of Zone 1. According to the regional Disaster Prevention
and Preparedness Bureau (DPPB), some 7,000 people in four villages of
Dubti district are affected. The federal authorities have dispatched 6
tons of corn soya blend (CSB) and 5 plastic sheets to the affected
population. The area affected by floods is expanding and is also
reported to be affecting additional people living along the river in
Asayita. A team from the federal Disaster Prevention and Preparedness
Agency (DDPA) together with the regional DPPB is assessing the flooded
areas.

(c)  The federal DPPA daily dispatches of relief food continue. From the
23,527 tons of food aid allocated for Somali region in February, 66
percent has been dispatched as of 17 April. DPPA has also started moving
small quantities of food allocated for March. For Oromiya, the DPPA
allocated 5,186 tons of food aid in February and currently the dispatch
status is at 85 percent. From the 11,516 tons allocated to Oromiya in
March, 94 percent has been dispatched. The federal DPPA has finalized
dispatching allocations made in March of 875 tons to Afar and so far 78
percent of the allocation has been transported. Delays are being
experienced with dispatches of food from Nazareth to Moyale (Somali
region) due to difficulties on the part of transporters to move the food
there, mainly on account of insecurity. The issue is being analyzed by
the recently-formed Transport Coordination Commission - set up in Addis
Ababa, Nazareth and Dire Dawa - to deal with all transporting issues
affecting the current drought-emergency operation.

(d)  In Somali region, a reassessment from 28 March to 12 April has
assessed the current humanitarian situation in Afder, Gode and Liban
zones and may increase beneficiaries of emergency assistance. The
reassessment mission findings are expected to be released shortly. The
reassessment in Borena zone of Oromiya region has increased beneficiary
number from 155,000 to 220,000.

(e)  Regarding resources, against 400,000 tons in the current 2006
Appeal, 308,000 tons are covered by carryover pledges and new
contributions. Resources can cover monthly allocations only until
end-May. Donors should consider additional contributions for anticipated
requirements in the second half of the year. A recent contribution of
17,500 tons of CSB (equivalent to USD10 million) will greatly assist to
address the needs for targeted supplementary feeding and blanket
supplementary feeding in the most critical areas of concern.


(5) Kenya

(a)  Despite a good start to the long rains falling in the epicentre of
the regional drought, millions of nomadic herders and subsistence
farmers in Kenya remain in desperate need of sustained assistance until
they can rebuild their lives. Ironically, while the rains have
alleviated the immediate need for water, they bring little respite to
the drought-affected.  There is increased risk of people falling sick
from drinking contaminated water, while livestock deaths have continued
because the animals are too weak and vulnerable to diseases such as
pneumonia when temperatures drop at night. Even if the long rains, which
should last until June, are normal after years of poor rains and drought
in Kenya, and even if normal short rains follow (from October to
December), it will take years to rebuild the livelihoods of the nomadic
herders who have lost all their livestock and subsistence farmers who
are now destitute. The most vulnerable families are those who have seen
all their livestock perish or are unable to plant for the next harvest
because they have no money left for seeds or fertilizer.

(b)  The heavy rains have had a serious impact on food deliveries in
some drought-affected areas.  Getting food aid to these people has
become slower because the poor sand roads are impassable in some parts.
Some transporters are refusing to load WFP food until roads open up.
Such delays and the possibility that roads may remain closed over long
periods will affect how many people can be fed in April. WFP currently
has no food stocks for this month's distributions in the worst-affected
Mandera and Wajir districts in north-eastern Kenya.

(c)  In March and April, WFP was forced to drop vegetable oil entirely
from its rations and drastically cut the amount of nutritious corn-soya
blend (fortified food) provided in the food basket in Kenya because of a
lack of cash and late arrival of in-kind food contributions. For the
same reasons, no pulses will be provided in April.

(d)  A total of 2.9 million people received more than 28,000 metric tons
of WFP food in the last four weeks through emergency general food
distributions in the north and east of Kenya because of the drought. In
the next four weeks, WFP aims to increase the number receiving food to
over 3 million people in addition to 500,000 children who will receive
WFP meals at their schools in the hardest-hit areas. However, WFP has a
shortfall of 54 percent or USD 123 million on the USD 225 million needed
to feed up to 3.5 million through to February 2007.


(6) Rwanda

(a)  The Comprehensive Food Security and Vulnerability Assessment
(CFSVA) data is now being analysed and results are expected at the end
of May 2006.

(b)  In order to effectively respond to the food security and
nutritional situation in the most affected areas, WFP started an
Emergency Food Security and Nutrition Assessment (EFSNA) this week to
provide objective and reliable data for purposes of any urgent
assistance. The principle objective is to identify the number and
location of the people in need of urgent food and non-food assistance.
Information already available from the first results of the CFSVA will
be used to get nutrition related data. Results will be ready end of
April and presented to all partners for information and appropriate
action.

(c)  The numbers of Congolese refugees in the camps remained stable at
41,068 (Gihembe - 17,301, Nyabiheke - 4,871, Nkamira Transit Centre -
1,309, and Kiziba - 17,587).

(d)  All Burundian refugees will be transferred to one camp and Nyamure
camp will be closed by May 2006. A total of 353 Burundian refugees were
transferred to Kigeme, which now has a total population of 1,327 while
Nyamure still has 1,230 refugees. The number of Burundian refugees in
Rwanda stands at 2,557.

(e)  A sum of 722 tons of mixed commodities was delivered to Gihembe,
Kiziba and Nyabiheke to feed 39,759 refugees.

(f)  A total of 169 returnees from DRC passed through Nkamira and
Nyagatare transit camps. They received a three-month ration consisting
of 9 tons before being transferred to their home communities. Local
authorities at Huye district registered 102 Rwandans who returned from
Burundi where they have been since November 2005 as asylum seekers
mainly due to prevailing food insecurity in their home communes near the
Burundian border.


(7) Somalia

(a)  The Somalia Transitional Federal Government has given permission
for the US Navy to patrol within Somali waters, which will facilitate
their close monitoring of WFP food aid deliveries in Somalia ports.

(b)  A total of 3,000 tons of food commodities is being distributed to
the drought affected population in Dinsor and Bardaale districts in Bay
region, which is still part of the first round of relief food
distributions. Food distributions in Dinsor could only start on 18 April
due to an internal clan fight in the town on 14 April 2006. The planned
beneficiaries for the two districts total 162,000.

(c)  Since February 2006 a total of 13,500 tons of food commodities was
distributed in south Somalia, including 11,000 tons to 670,000 relief
beneficiaries and another 2,500 tons to 168,000 beneficiaries assisted
through livelihood support activities. In addition, a total of 1,700
tons was also distributed in the north.

(d)  Gu Rains have begun in parts of Juba Valley, Bay, Bakool and Gedo
regions. These rains have provided short-term relief but are
insufficient to improve the food security situation. In case of a good
Gu harvest, food aid needs will be revised after July 2006. An overall
assessment of the food security situation is scheduled for June 2006.
WFP is regularly monitoring the rainfall in Ethiopian highlands and data
indicates water levels in both Juba and Shabelle rivers as low.

(e)  In general cereals are available to cover the second round of food
distributions. However, the vegetable oil and CSB stocks are not
adequate. Efforts are being made to expedite the purchase and
transportation of CSB from Kenya. Vegetable oil from an international
purchase is likely to be available in May 2006.

(f)  WFP Ethiopia with donor approval has agreed to lend 12,000 tons of
wheat. Meanwhile WFP Sudan will delay repayment of one of the
outstanding loans.


(8) Sudan

(a)  During the reporting period (2-16 April), the security situation
remained tense and volatile with tribal conflicts and attacks on
civilians, government-SLA clashes, abduction of humanitarian staff and
banditry in South Darfur. The main areas of concern continue to be
Shearia, Gereida and Buram localities. Some eight national staff working
for the World Vision in Mershing, a government-controlled area, were
abducted and later released after the abductors stole the two vehicles
they were travelling in. This raises a serious security concern for the
UN and NGOs, who must now prepare to address the potential threat of
deliberate attacks on humanitarian workers. Banditry targeting
commercial vehicles is continuing particularly along Nyala-El Fasher
road and Nyala-Ed Daein road. Authorities are continuing to harass WFP
staff at the airport, therefore contravening the SOFA agreement, which
gives UN staff freedom of movement. Authorities appear to apply the SOFA
towards UNMIS staff only.

(b)  The security situation is deteriorating with Chadian political
strife causing tensions in El Geneina (West Darfur). Attacks on
humanitarian vehicles were also reported. The entire community in West
Darfur is aware of the Chadian crisis, resulting to tension and anxiety
in El Geneina and other locations in West Darfur. Trucks carrying
Chadian opposition forces were seen passing through Arara towards Chad.
Meanwhile, a WFP contracted truck traveling from Khartoum to El Geneina
carrying 30 tons was ambushed and the assistant driver killed while the
driver sustained injuries. In another incident, there was an attempted
ambush on a vehicle belonging to UNHCR by bandits on the way from
Kerenik to El Geneina. An attempt was also made to break into the UN
Department of Safety and Security guesthouse in El Geneina.
International organizations remain alert on these types of incidents.

(c)  The security situation remained fragile with no signs of
improvement from last week, as government and SLA forces continue to
clash and a renewed political crisis in Chad takes place in North
Darfur. Incidents between the Government of Sudan and SLA forces are
continuing. The SLA forces are reported to have ambushed government
forces that were returning to Kutum after receiving salaries in Garnay
village, near Fasher, causing at least 22 fatalities. As a result, the
El Fasher-Kafod-Kutum has been declared 'No-Go' for UN staff by UN
Department of Safety and Security. The current outburst of political
problems in Chad is causing tension in the area and may lead to
re-displacements and instability. Clearly, WFP staff movements in Korma
and Tawilla areas were restricted as a result of government-SLA clashes,
and clashes with SLA.

(d)  The UN Security Level was raised to Four in Pochalla resulting in
relocation of two WFP staff members to Lokichoggio. This has
consequently led to suspension of commodity movement and planned
distributions for over a week. According to local authorities, a group
of 600-800 armed men have reportedly arrived from Nyium village to
Pochala.

(e)  Old Fangak continued to be inaccessible to WFP staff as a result of
insecurity. Fighting has reportedly taken place between Lou and Jikany
clans resulting in sixty fatalities in Ulang, a border area between
Upper Nile and Jonglei states. In addition, resistance to the ongoing
disarmament exercise continued in Duk area causing insecurity.

(f)  A group of armed SPLM soldiers interrupted WFP food distribution
for returnees in Aweil (Northern Bahr el Ghazal) and looted about 4 tons
of food at gunpoint. Additionally, beneficiaries reported that their
food rations were later looted by armed men in their villages. WFP and
OCHA have contacted local authorities for further follow up on the
incident.

(g)  An unidentified group, suspected to be from the Beja militia,
attacked governmental amenities in Wagar and Tementayi areas situated
118 km north east of Kassala town. Local security authorities are
investigating the incident. Local security authorities continue to
impose movement restriction on UN staff in Kassala state. A WFP mission
traveling from Kassala to Showak without a travel permit was stopped at
Raiba checkpoint. A mission, designated by the SMT Khartoum to review
the security situation and to carry out a risk analysis in Kassala,
recommended maintaining the area under the UN Security Phase Two.

(h)  Crossing of Eritrean refugees into Sudan is continuing. During the
reporting period, 105 asylum seekers, mainly male, were granted refugee
status and moved to Kilo 26 refugee camp to receive humanitarian
assistance provided by WFP and UNHCR.

(i)  Access to some of the operational areas in the Blue Nile remained a
challenge due to land mine threats. The road between Dindero and Kurmuk
was however opened and declared safe for UN staff. According to local
authorities, Kelly and its surroundings areas, that hosted a large
number of spontaneous returnees from Ethiopia, continued to be 'no-go'
areas due to mines and UXO threats.  WFP requested UNMAS to prioritize
survey.

(j)  Movement restriction imposed by the national security was lifted.
Areas north and south of Abyei town are now accessible to humanitarian
agencies. During the reporting period, a convoy of military trucks was
seen to be moving to the south of river Kiir via Abyei. The convoy was
reportedly carrying SPLA troops redeployed from Hamaskorieb, Eastern
Sudan to Abyei. Some of the troops were said to be en route to other
locations in the South.

(k)  In South Kordofan, the SMT meeting held during the week raised
concerns on Werni civilians who were forced to flee to the mountains as
a result of conflicts with the Arab nomads. Humanitarian agencies
requested UNMIS to assess the security and access situation and identify
humanitarian needs.

(l)  The prevailing food pipeline shortfalls have forced WFP to reduce
food rations for both camp and non-camp populations from May onwards.
There will be a 46 percent reduction of the full original ration,
reducing the kilo caloric value of the general distribution ration from
2,100kcal to 1,053kcal. The reductions are being made in order to ensure
continued assistance for the 2.7 million people in need of food during
the hunger period from May to September. WFP has discussed the issue
with Cooperating Partners and implementation plans for reduction are
underway.

(m)  An attempt to overthrow the Chadian government this week may impact
on security in Darfur, as fighting may continue into the Chad-Sudan
border.. As a result, authorities in Darfur have increased military
patrols and imposed curfews in some parts. If the Chadian crisis
intensifies, there is a likelihood of further re-displacements of IDPs,
and other civilians, as they flee to safer areas. Furthermore, an influx
of more Chadian refugees into Darfur is probable. The Chadian government
has blamed Sudan for involvement in its internal political problems. As
a result, both countries severed their ties this week, with the Sudanese
ambassador being expelled out of Chad.

(n)  The fieldwork for the livelihoods study in Darfur, which began in
March, has now been completed in all the areas and findings are being
analyzed. The purpose of the study was to enhance understanding of the
extent that livelihoods and markets have adapted to the current
conflict, and assess the impact of food aid.

(o)  Preliminary findings of a nutrition survey conducted by Tearfund,
in Aweil South County, Northern Bahr El indicate that severe acute
malnutrition affected more girls than boys as 63 percent of the girls
were severely malnourished compared to 37 percent of the boys sampled.
The survey concluded that the prevalence of 20 percent global acute
malnutrition is critical (above 15 percent emergency threshold). Other
problems in the area surveyed include water shortages, poor sanitation
and inadequate health care. Furthermore, returnees to the area are
further impacting on the limited resources. WFP therefore plans to
increase its support to Tearfund for the supplementary and therapeutic
programmes in the County. A second survey, conducted by GOAL in Twic
County in Warrap State indicates alarming Global Acute Malnutrition at
28.7 percent and 3.1 percent of Severe Acute Malnutrition. WFP continues
to support supplementary and therapeutic feeding programmes run by GOAL
in Twic County.

(p)  WFP started to preposition adequate food stocks in remote locations
in Abyei and Blue Nile which will become inaccessible during the
upcoming rainy season, from around May to October. The rains have began
in some parts and quickly approaching in others, giving WFP just the
months of April and May to complete pre-positioning in the most rural
areas. WFP plans to provide sufficient and uninterrupted food supplies
to the most vulnerable in all locations throughout the rainy season.

(q)  During the reporting period, WFP opened a field office under the
Damazine sub-office in Kurmuk. The field office will cover activities in
South Blue Nile where WFP's assistance is currently provided to IDP
returnees, Sudanese refugees returning from Ethiopia, and vulnerable
local residents.

(r)  Between 1 and 17 April, WFP transported a total of 10,092 tons of
food in the three Darfur states, realizing 27 percent of the planned for
the month of April, due to a shortage of food available in Port Sudan
and in the hubs of El Obeid and Khartoum. As yet, there have been no air
deliveries to the Darfur region in 2006. Preparations are continuing to
build up stocks of food in West Darfur prior to the onset of the rains.
The food will be pre-positioned in remote locations that are anticipated
to become inaccessible during the rainy season. This will ensure the
continuation of food aid during what is typically the 'hunger period'
for many vulnerable people in the region.

(s)  WFP started to pre-position adequate food stocks in remote
locations in Abyei and South Blue Nile that will become inaccessible
during the rainy season and hunger period, from around May to October.
In the South, WFP increased its warehouse capacity from 19,000 tons to
more than 61,000 tons (including Lokichoggio in Kenya and Koboko in
Uganda) to allow pre-positioning of food prior to the onset of the rainy
season. In total, WFP's plan is to pre-position 70,000 tons of
commodities this year, representing a 20 percent increase from 2005's
pre-positioning exercise, to ensure uninterrupted distributions during
the rainy season.

(t)  Verification of new IDPs from El Fasher towns, Abu Shouk and Zamzam
is continuing in El Fasher camps (North Darfur). The Spanish Red Cross
is doing the verification and registration to be completed by end of
April.. Verification and registration by WFP is also ongoing in Kutum,
where three localities hosting IDPs were recently added. As per
inter-agency recommendation, WFP is also planning to verify the number
of IDPs from Shearia who are currently in Wadaa, Dar el Salaam. The
planned joint mission of WFP and Sudan Red Crescent to undertake a rapid
food security assessment this week in Kabkabiya locality was cancelled
due to restriction movements imposed by National Security. The locality
is reported to have had a better harvest than anywhere else in Darfur.

(u)  WFP VAM unit and the Catholic Relief Services conducted a rapid
food security assessment in Kerenik and Um Tajok (West Darfur) to
estimate the impact of reduced food assistance to the area; for the past
four months, food rations were scaled down following the post-harvest
season. The assessment team observed some signs of malnutrition among
children. Since food rations are unlikely to be increased in the near
future, WFP plans to work closely with partners to intensify nutrition
interventions through extensive screening and targeting of the most
vulnerable. Food-for-Education activities will be temporarily
discontinued during the rainy season, due to current pipeline shortages.
Some 6,000 recently arrived Chadian refugees were registered by UNHCR in
Habilah locality.

(v)  Verifying and registering new arrivals is a continuing exercise.
This week a total of 1,669 arrivals were noted - from Thur, and Dinkas
from Sanam El Naga. IOM reported that the Way Station between South
Darfur and Bahr El Ghazal is operational therefore plans are underway to
repatriate Dinkas from Billel Camp to Southern Sudan.

(w)  WFP and German Agro Action carried out a verification exercise in
some locations in Alor and Mayom Counties (Unity). Preliminary results
showed the integration of a new caseload of beneficiaries in Mayom
County including areas of Ruathnyibol, Bouth, Taam and Kerial totaling
11,852 beneficiaries, while recording a slight increase in Wangkai with
a total of 5,500 beneficiaries. Meanwhile in Alor County, the caseload
has showed an increase in Abiemnhom to 3,494 beneficiaries from the
previous caseload of 1,132 persons.

(x)  WFP participated in a joint UNHCR, SRRC, ADRA, Sudan Aid and UNICEF
assessment in Dot and Warjok villages to identify the reported Shilluk
IDPs who fled their home villages due to an attack by nomads in Ogod and
Wau Shilluk north of Malakal town. A total of 580 individuals were
verified and awaiting food and non-food assistance.

(y)  WFP nutritionist undertook a two-day mission to Port Sudan in Red
Sea on 2 April. The purpose of the mission was to promote iodization of
salt, a very important nutritional intervention. The mission looked at
strengthening production and availability of iodized salt through the
producing industry, and seeking for political commitment and
legislation. The nutritionist recommended that governmental officials at
Federal and State level be sensitized on the issue, which should lead to
designing of a strong advocacy and mass campaign to raise awareness and
ultimately facilitate implementation of the Universal Salt Iodization
project.

(z)  The nutrition survey planned to commence in Red Sea during the
second week of April was temporarily postponed to allow for further
preparations. In addition, the joint WFP/Oxfam registration and
verification exercise in Tokar province was halted during the week due
to the current movement restrictions imposed by security authorities in
Red Sea state.

(aa)  WFP verified and registered 23,268 beneficiaries in 40 locations
in northern Blue Nile of whom 3,585 are returnees and 19,683 are IDPs
and vulnerable groups. Food ration cards were distributed to registered
beneficiaries. The exercise is still ongoing in 9 locations in southern
Blue Nile state. During the reporting period, WFP verified and
registered 287 returnees and 494 vulnerable people residing in Kurmuk
who will receive food assistance. Verification and registration teams
will proceed to four locations of Jorod, Zeriba, Khorbodi and Shimi in
Kurmuk Payam next week.

(ab)  According to a signed agreement between WFP and Patient Friends
Society, some 40 tons of assorted food commodities will be delivered to
PFS for distribution under supplementary, therapeutic and institutional
feeding programmes in Blue Nile. Assistance will cover the requirements
of the beneficiaries from April through September.

(ac)  UNHCR received the second convey of 500 repatriated refugees
arriving from Bonga camp in Ethiopia to Challi payam in Southern Blue
Nile. As of 15 April, a total of 1,002 returnees have been voluntarily
repatriated. UNHCR plans reportedly to repatriate 4,800 returnees from
Bonga camp before the onset of the rainy season in June 2006. During the
reporting period, WFP distributed one-month rations totaling 12 tons of
assorted commodities to 700 returnees who arrived in Challie payam. WFP
will provide returnees with full rations of food from April through
October 2006.

(ad)  WFP and Save the Children-US commenced pre-positioning and
distribution of food stocks in the eight returnee villages and to other
vulnerable groups in Abyei, in preparation of the approaching rainy
season, which will impede access to many locations. A total of 480 tons
of assorted food commodities was pre-positioned in returnee villages
during the reporting period. Under General Food Distribution, a total of
464 tons of food was distributed at 100 percent ration to returnees in
nine villages and at 75 percent to IDPs and vulnerable groups around
Abyei town to cover their requirements for April.

(ae)  WFP teams undertook monitoring visits to Food-for-Training
progammes implemented by Cooperating Partner, Norwegian Refugee Council
(NRC) in Tuna and Kanga villages in Kadugli locality. Two training
centers were established to support improved access to quality education
for school dropouts as part of durable solutions for IDPs and returnees
in South Kordofan. Monitoring indicated that 94 participated (of whom 62
percent are female) in poultry production, carpentry, construction and
agricultural activities in the two centers.

(af)  Joint teams from WFP and Save the Children-US (SCF-US) completed
registration and verification in Karkar and Chawere during the reporting
period. A total of 1,264 returnees and 7,892 vulnerable residents were
registered in Karkar while the data for Chawere is being finalized.
Teams will complete registration in Ferish and Heiban next week.  SC-US
will continue to register returnees upon arrival at their final
destination points. In addition, CARE International registered 3,782
vulnerable residents and 12,450 returnees in 12 villages in Dilling,
Kadugli and Lagawa localities.

(ag)  IOM indicated that 3,215 returnees were tracked in six entry
points during the reporting period in South Kordofan. According to IOM,
three attack and looting incidents were reported to have taken place on
returnee trucks. Since its opening on 1 April, Kadugli way station
received 156 returnees and another 114 returnees arrived at Kuda and
Talodi way stations established by the Norwegian Refugee Council.

(ah)  WFP signed a Food-for-Asset Field Level Agreement with the
Ministry of Agriculture to implement the watermelon bug collection
project in Kordofan. The Ministry committed to coordinate project
activities and to achieve planned goals. The project will provide 1,414
tons of assorted food commodities to 32,000 Food-for-Asset participants
who would collect 1,250 tons of watermelon bugs during the project life,
April-August 2006. Furthermore, the Plant Protection Department plans to
undertake a two-day training workshop on mid-April to update on-site
technical supervisors on the project and to review the lessons learned
from last year and ways forward to ensure successful implementation.
Mobilization of targeted communities will commence shortly by the
Ministry.

(ai)  The food-for-asset project for hafirs construction and
rehabilitation implemented by CARE International in North Kordofan was
completed. WFP undertook monitoring visits to oversee the overall
achievement at the 16 hafir sites. A total of 1,648 tons of assorted WFP
commodities was delivered for distribution at these hafir sites
throughout the project life from December 2005 to March 2006.

(aj)  WFP together with the Sudan Council of Churches prepare to
undertake a registration and verification exercise in Kosti IDP camps.
Several meetings were held with the Humanitarian Aid Commission and
local chiefs and six enumerators were identified and trained to
undertake the exercise in Kosti IDP camps as of 17 April.

(ak)  As of 15 April, the Emergency Operation 10503.0 had received
contributions totalling US$238 million, 32 percent of the US$746m
requirement. According to the estimates of cash required to guarantee a
healthy pipeline throughout the year, the operation should have received
almost US$400m during the same period. As a result of the slow response
to the appeal, and with shortfalls in certain commodities anticipated
from April onwards, reductions in food rations are continuing in order
to mitigate the expected impact of the breaks. At the current resourcing
level, and with limited borrowing ability this year, WFP will not be
able to pre-position adequate stocks in remote locations that will
become inaccessible during the rainy season.

(al)  The Humanitarian Air Service (WFP-HAS) Special Operation 10181.3
requires a total of US$27 million in 2006. With monthly operating costs
of over 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. Initially, the consequences of the funding shortfall
will lead to an imminent and sizeable reduction in both the fleet size
and the frequency of flights. Ultimately, the air service will be
suspended cutting off access to remote areas, which are not covered by
commercial operators and in many cases where humanitarian assistance is
most needed. This will include the helicopter service in Darfur, which
provides access for the humanitarian community to locations inaccessible
by land due to current and prevailing insecurity.

(am)  Phase III of WFP's Emergency Road Repair and Mine Clearance
Special Operation 10368.0 in South Sudan faces a funding shortfall of
US$69.7 million. In the absence of funding, the project is now missing
the beginning of the dry season for works under Phase III contracts.


(9) Tanzania

(a)  Following the agreement reached during cross-order meeting held in
Burundi end of March 2006 for all Burundian asylum seekers in western
Tanzania to return to Burundi, about 11,669 new arrivals/asylum seekers
have returned home as of 14 April. Upon arrival at Burundi's Nyabitare
and Gisuru reception centres, the returnees received one-month food
packages through German Technical Cooperation (GTZ). All other asylum
seekers who were reluctant to go back and rejected by the Ministry of
Home Affairs (MHA) were transported to Gisuru reception centre leaving
only 190 Congolese and Burundians in Mugunzu way-station in Kibondo.

(b)  From 1 to 14 April, a total of 659 refugees (221 Burundians and 438
Congolese) repatriated voluntarily to their homes.  There was only one
repatriation convoy to DRC on 6 April instead of two convoys due to
Easter holidays. The repatriation convoys will resume on 25 April 2006.
During the reporting period, no new arrivals/asylum seekers were
received at the way-stations in western Tanzania.

(c)  The WFP refugee operation (PRRO) continues to distribute reduced
rations in order to extend resources in anticipation of shortfalls
expected in June. A slight increase in pulses ration to 90 grams per
person per day was implemented for the 10 April distribution. As a
result, refugees are provided with a daily intake of 1,588 kcals, which
is 76 percent of the approved ration level. It is expected that WFP will
continue distributing reduced rations until additional resources are
contributed to WFP.

(d)  General food distribution covers 355,898 registered refugees.
During the past week, WFP distributed 3,130 tons of food through general
distribution, supplementary and therapeutic feeding in refugee camps in
western Tanzania. Around 8,501 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, home based care,
food-for-training and vulnerable feeding.

(e)  Since the last update on 5 April, Canada contributed USD 887,640
which was earmarked for the purchase of 1,598 tons of maize. In
addition, Finland contributed USD 275,695 which will be used for the
purchase of 195 tons of vegetable oil. A shortfall of 19,820 tons (USD
12 million) exists up to the end of December 2006.


(10) Uganda

(a)  Over 700 Ugandans who were evicted from Virunga National Park in
east DRC in March have been temporarily sheltered in Kinyamaseke, in
Kasese district as the government searches for a convenient and
permanent place to resettle the returnees. Although the Uganda Red Cross
Society (URCS) distributed blankets, jerry-cans, tarpaulins, saucepans
and soap to the returnees, they remain in dire need of adequate shelter,
food and medicine. WFP has provided a one-month food ration to the
returnees.

(b)  WFP participated in the UNDP-led Recovery Cluster Assessment
mission in IDP resettlement/return areas in Lira district from 12 to 14
April. The objective of the mission was to test and refine the
assessment tool.

(c)  WFP, together with the Northern Uganda Social Action Fund (NUSAF -
a Government of Uganda World Bank-funded project that focuses on
livelihood recovery and improvement of rural communities) are in
partnership to establish 120 fish ponds and multiplication centres in
Lango and Teso sub-regions. A technical assessment has been conducted by
WFP and a draft Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) prepared for
discussion.

(d)  As part of WFP's support to IDPs returning to their villages of
origin in Lango sub-region, WFP plans to provide cassava and sweet
potato cuttings to returning IDPs to enhance their food security. These
cuttings will be produced from a 200-acre government-owned garden which
was managed and supported by APEP (Agricultural Productivity Enhancement
Programme), a USAID-funded project.

(e)  WFP food distribution continues to reach 1.45 million displaced
persons, 165,000 refugees and other vulnerable persons. During the
reporting period, WFP distributed 4,835 tons of food assistance to
516,396 persons including IDPs sheltering in camps in Gulu, Kitgum,
Pader and Lira districts, refugees, children in nutrition centres and
other vulnerable persons.

(f)  Access to land around the IDP camps generally increased over the
last 18 months due to a gradual reduction in violent Lord's Resistance
Army (LRA) attacks. IDPs should have been 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 rapidly rise and the
death rates of young children would increase significantly. WFP has
opened 204 acres of land in seven camps in Pader district for cassava,
groundnuts and vegetable seed multiplication. Another 200 acres will be
opened in another four camps.

(g)  WFP pipeline shortfall through December 2006 currently stands at
63,000 tons worth USD 34 million with pipeline breaks anticipated in
June 2006.



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

(1) Chad

(a)  During the reporting period (05-19 April), Chad witnessed a
deterioration in the security situation, following clashes between
government and rebel forces in the capital and across the country. On 13
April, the United Nations Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS)
declared the entire country Phase III and the suspension of all
non-essential missions to Chad.

(b)  On 10 April, rebel forces reportedly entered the refugee camp of
Goz Amir in eastern Chad, killing one gendarme officer, before
proceeding to the village of Koukou (5 km East of Goz Amir).

(c)  On 11 April, rebel forces, entered the town of Mongo, some 400 km
East of N'Djamena and 450 km South-West of Abeche. The rebels reportedly
left the town a few hours later and proceeded in the direction of the
capital, N'Djamena, where they took over the town of Bitkine (some 60 km
West of Mongo).

(d)  Following an SMT meeting on 12 April, administrative procedures
were launched to establish Security Phase III in N'Djamena and to
relocate all non-essential staff and family members of UN agencies to
Cameroon. As the lead logistics agency, WFP conducted two relocations on
13 and 15 April from N'Djamena and Abeche respectively. A total of 223
persons were relocated.

(e)  On 13 April, heavy fighting broke out between the Chadian National
Army (ANT) and the rebel forces in N'Djamena. It was later reported that
the ANT had pushed back the rebels. Though calm was restored the
following day, the overall atmosphere in the city remained tense. The
latest reports indicated that the rebels had gone in the direction of
Sarh in southern Chad.

(f)  On 14 April, the Chadian government decided to close the border
with the Sudan, accusing the latter of supporting the rebel assault
against the capital. An authorised demonstration against the Sudanese
government is expected to take place on 21 April in N'Djamena.

(g)  In eastern Chad, the overall situation remains volatile. There were
reports that two vehicles belonging to MSF-L and CARE have been stolen
by armed men in the Touloum camp (Iriba area). Meanwhile, the Chadian
National Army continues to position troops in the area.

(h)  The WFP/UNHCR targeted caseload is estimated at 210,000 refugees
registered in twelve camps in the month of April. This figure may change
in view of ongoing regularisations in some camps.

(i)  Registrations in the Gaga camp faced some delays in view of the
prevailing insecurity in the region. Some 300 persons are yet to be
registered.

(j)  Despite facing temporary delays in some camps due to the security
situation, the general food distributions for the month of April were
completed in all the camps. Some 3,586 tons was provided to 206, 964
beneficiaries.

(k)  Water scarcity continues to be problematic in the Touloum camp,
where the refugees are receiving 4 Litres per day, instead of the
recommended daily quantity of 15 Litres.

(l)  A total of 187 Food-For-Work (FFW) participants received 8 tons of
food under a project to rehabilitate rural roads in Iriba under the
supervision of IRD (International Relief and Development). Preparations
are underway to commence a FFW project to extend the Farchana airport by
100 m before the onset of the rainy season.

(m)  The school year's second food deliveries are ongoing to
WFP-assisted school canteens in eastern Chad.  Distributions have been
completed in the areas of Abeche, Guereda, Iriba and Bahai. The areas of
Farchana and Goz Beida have not been covered due to security concerns as
well as holidays. To date, a total of 42,491 pupils in 222 schools are
being assisted with a 45-day ration. Among those, a total of 6,860 girls
are receiving take-home family rations covering two trimesters. The
programmes are covered under both the Emergency Operation and the
Country Programme.

(n)  An estimated 50,000 Chadians have been forced from their homes near
the Sudanese border following a series of rebel attacks on their
villages since December 2005. The displaced are currently situated along
the border from Adre to Mongororo (East of Goz Beida). With the
continued violence, some IDPs are moving further into Chad, and some
9,000 people are currently in Gurukoune town (Goz Beida). Another 3,500
people will be moved to three villages (some km from Goz Beida) in the
next few days.

(o)  WFP has undertaken a number of assessment missions with partners to
examine the situation of the IDPs in question. A joint UN agencies/NGOs
strategy has been prepared to define the objectives and plans of the
humanitarian community in dealing with this issue.

(p)  Though security seems to be their primary concern, WFP plans to
conduct an emergency food security assessment (EFSA) mission with
partners, which starts on 24 April, to determine their food and
nutritional needs.. With the approach of the 'hunger' season, it is
likely that their food stocks will be depleted and emergency assistance
will be required. Meanwhile, and as a contingency measure, WFP Chad
borrowed 4,000 tons of cereals from the Sudan Operation. This quantity
should permit to cover the IDPs' basic needs of cereals until the end of
the rainy season.

(q)  In-country stocks in Abeche and the Extended Delivery Points as of
17 April 2006 was a total of 9,820 tons. This includes 6,525 tons of
cereals and 3,295 tons of non-cereal commodities.

(r)  WFP has reached 48 percent of the planned pre-positioning for the
twelve refugee camps in eastern Chad. This includes stocks at the
Extended Deliver Points (EDPs), ongoing dispatches, issuing of LTI's,
and loading of trucks.

(s)  The chartered vessel MOKU PAHU has arrived and discharged 7,194
tons of wheat in Benghazi Port. Dispatches to Chad are ongoing, and the
first trucks have started arriving in the Iridimi and Touloum camps. On
28 April, WFP expects to receive 598 percent of CSB arrived in Benghazi.
The remaining balance of 621 tons is expected to arrive in early May. By
end May, WFP expects to receive a vessel with 3,490 tons sorghum in
Benghazi, which will be dispatched to Oure Cassoni, Mile and possibly
Abeche.

(t)  The regional purchases of sugar, beans and salt have been
completed. WFP expects to receive 366 tons of sugar by end April. The
dispatch of 1,442 tons of Niebe beans has been delayed due to
contractual problems with suppliers but should start shortly. Meanwhile,
86 tons of salt are yet to be dispatched.

(u)  MSF-Holland completed a nutritional survey that was undertaken from
18 to 22 March in the camps of Farchana, Bredjing, and Treguine.
Findings indicate that global acute malnutrition is currently at 5.79
percent, as compared to 12.8 percent in July 2005, while severe acute
malnutrition has dropped from 1.7 percent to 0.4 percent. Meanwhile,
crude mortality rates have dropped from 0.8 to 0.35 deaths/10,000/day
over the last 70 days, while under-5 mortality rates have dropped from
1.9 to 0.5 deaths/10,000/day.

(v)  During the reporting period, WFP HAS transported a total of 335
passengers on the N'Djamena-Abeche routing (UN 21W) and 282 passengers
on the Abeche-eastern strips routing (UN 23W). A total of 4.8 tons of
light cargo was also uplifted. Following the establishment of UN
Security Phase III in Chad and the decision to relocate all
non-essential staff of UN agencies to Cameroon, WFP obtained landing and
flight authorizations for the use of two aircrafts (B-727 and a C-130)
coming from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). WFP conducted two
relocations on 13 and 15 April from N'Djamena and Abeche respectively. A
total of 223 persons were relocated.

(w)  To date, the EMOP has received some US$ 50.7 million, representing
58.45 percent of the total requirement. Slow donor response to the
appeal has obliged WFP to borrow US$3 million from its internal
emergency account to be able to cater to the needs of the refugees
during the upcoming rainy season, when most camps are inaccessible. The
loan will allow WFP to procure almost 3,100 tons of food. This should
avert a pipeline break that could lead to deterioration in the refugees'
nutritional status and should avoid security problems in an already
volatile environment. While a budget revision will be not required to
provide emergency assistance to the IDPs, as the current EMOP accounts
for a contingency, WFP needs to urgently mobilise additional funds in
order to cover their basic nutritional needs.

(x)  The WFP Humanitarian Air Service (SO 10338.1) remains dramatically
under resourced with only US$ 1,044,634 so far confirmed against a total
US $7.2 million requirement. While WFP has borrowed over US$1.8 million
from its internal emergency account (IRA) to run the operation until
April 2006, the absence of new confirmed contributions will force WFP to
suspend the air service


(2) Cote d'Ivoire

(a)  During the reporting period (6-18 April), the overall security
situation remains uncertain and volatile in the Country. UNOCI has
redeployed troops in Toulepleu and Duekoue areas. Official authorities
and Young Patriots in Guiglo declared that they would accept a
re-deployment of UNOCI and UN agencies in Guiglo. As a result, UNOCI
deployed a Beninese battalion in Guiglo, since 14 April.

(b)  During his visit in France, from 10 to 14 April, the Ivorian Prime
Minister, Mr. Banny, made declarations about a possible delay of the
Ivorian elections, scheduled before the end of October 2006. President
Laurent Gbagbo and the Prime Minister disagree on the identification
process, for the elaboration of the electoral lists, and disarmament: Mr
Gbagbo strongly recommends the disarmament to be done before the
identification, on the other hand, Mr Banny proposes the disarmament to
start after the identification process is concluded. Moreover, Mr.
Guillame Soro is calling for the integration of Forces Nouvelles'
officials in the regular administrative officials' redeployment to be
set up in the FN zone, in the coming months.

(c)  During the reporting period, WFP delivered a total of 1114.509 tons
of food to 122,047 beneficiaries through its sub-offices.

(d)  About 300 IDPs are still receiving assistance by the Catholic
Mission, in Duekoue. Some 67 refugees from Guiglo (Nicla) camp
voluntarily chose to return to Liberia. UNICEF is putting in place a
project for the rehabilitation of schools in Korhogo area. WFP, with
UNICEF, OCHA and the Ministry of Education, is one of the members of the
committee for the execution of the project.  - UNICEF has carried out a
vaccination campaign against meningitis for more than 35 000 people, in
Korhogo department. WFP signed a local MOU with UNICEF (three main
sectors of collaboration: nutrition, education and protection).

(e)  Bouake Sub Office has conducted a mission for the evaluation of the
IDPs' situation in M'baiakro and Prikro (centre-East). The IDPs in this
area have received food aid until March 2006. Given that they are not
able to return in their villages and that they have access to the lands,
it is recommended to support 104 IDPs families with seed protection
rations, tools and seeds, from May to June.

(f)  During the reporting period, Guiglo Sub Office has opened a
warehouse in Duekoue and has carried out distributions for School
feeding, IDPs in camps and nutritional activities.

(g)  WFP is continuing to conduct culinary demonstrations on the
preparation of Maize Meals in school canteens and nutrition centres, in
Man and Korogho, in order to maximize the utilisation and diversify the
preparation of the product in the canteen and at household level.

(h)  As of 18 April 2006, the regional PRRO operation (Cote d'Ivoire,
Burkina, Ghana, Mali) has received a total of 36.9 million US dollars
against the operational needs of 50.1 million US dollars (26.4 percent
shortfall or 13.2 million US dollars against operational requirements).
Additional funding is required in order to avoid pipeline breaks.


(3) Niger

(a)  A 2006 plan of action has been developed through the National Food
Security Mechanism (DNPGCA ), with the support of UN agencies.  All
food, non-food and nutritional activities have been included in this
plan, which has a total requirement of 100 million USD. Within this
plan, United Nations agencies have appealed for humanitarian assistance
for 50 million USD through the Consolidated Appeal (CAP) issued on 28
March 2006. This plan of action is a major step forward and improvement
from last year.

(b)  The current food security situation is characterized by pockets of
food insecurity in the pastoral and agro-pastoral zones. This situation
is the result of the fact that some areas of the country did not have a
good harvest while others that did have a good harvest had to use a
significant portion of their harvest to repay the debts they were forced
to take on to feed their families during the 2005 food crisis. The
situation is exacerbated by cereal prices that are higher for this time
of year than the average of the last five years. For indebted farmers
and the areas that did not benefit from a good harvest, the 2006 lean
season has already begun..

(c)  During the lean season, food insecure households will have to again
use response strategies when their cereal stocks are exhausted,
including the search for daily labour, sale of animals, loans and
request for kinship support. However, because these responses were
stretched to the limit in 2005, their reliability and sustainability
will be decreased in 2006, resulting in more extensive migration of
household members in search for labour, more sales of animals and more
debt.

(d)  Thus far in 2006, an estimated 5,300 tons of food have been
dispatched to partners for nutritional activities and Food-for-Work
(FFW), benefiting over 300,000 beneficiaries per month.

(e)  WFP, SAP (Government Early Warning System), INS (National
Statistics Institute), SIMA (National Market Monitoring System),
FEWS-NET and FAO are all collaborating a joint food security assessment
which is currently ongoing.  The objective is to evaluate and
characterize vulnerability to food insecurity of households. The results
will be used to guide the response activities of the DNPGCA and WFP.

(f)  The assessment will be conducted through surveys of 10,530
households in all eight regions of the country. This sample will be
representative at the national, regional and departmental levels to
allow a more detailed analysis.

(g)  WFP, the SIMA (National Market Monitoring System) and FEWS-NET have
put in place a partnership for market monitoring in vulnerable zones.
The markets were chosen based on the list of vulnerable zones identified
by the National Early Warning System (SAP). Thirty-five markets will be
monitored, mainly in the agro-pastoral and pastoral zones. The market
monitoring, which begin March 2006, will continue until October 2006 and
a bulletin will be produced every two weeks. The first report, covering
20 March until the 2 April, has already been published.

(h)  The prices of cereals are stable as compared to last month and at a
lower level than this time last year, however, they are much higher when
compared to the average prices over the last five years. Prices are
highest in the zones considered the most vulnerable, limiting the access
to food purchases of the most vulnerable populations.

(i)  The Protracted Relief and Recovery Operation (PRRO)
10509.0-Strengthening the Means of Subsistence of Vulnerable Populations
and Targeted Assistance for Malnourished Children- began this month and
will last for 18 months, through September 2007. With a total budget of
37.3 million US dollars, the operation will reach 2.9 million
beneficiaries, over 70 percent of which are malnourished children and
their families, with 46,950 tons of food.

(j)  Contributions totaling 13.3 million US dollars have been received,
representing 36 percent of the PRRO requirements.  The current shortfall
is 24 million US dollars or 64 percent of the PRRO requirements.

(k)  Although the WFP Niger's has improved dramatically over the last
2-3 weeks, the contributions were not early enough to allow for planned
support to cereal banks, FFW and Food-for-Training (FFT)activities to be
implemented at the level planned in the early months of 2006. Full
implementation of these activities will only be possible beginning in
June 2006 when the food purchased with new contributions arrives.

(l)  The pipeline for nutrition activities (CSB, vegetable oil and
sugar), on the other hand, has been healthy and although a small
pipeline break in WFP stocks is possible in May, WFP and UNICEF have
developed a joint pipeline to ensure no pipeline breaks occur and
activities are 100 percent covered through the end of the year.



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

(1) Angola

(a)  WFP's new Protracted Relief and Recovery Operation (PRRO) started
on 1 April and will last three years, ending in March 2009. It focuses
on providing food assistance to the education and health sectors in
conflict-affected communities of Angola. An estimated 711,000
beneficiaries will receive assistance at a total cost of USD87 million.
Donor support is required to ensure that the new programme gets off to a
solid start. The operation currently faces a shortfall in cereals and
pulses, which will result in ration cuts for many vulnerable Angolans in
the coming months.. At least 24, 000 tons of food or USD 19 million are
urgently needed to allow planned food distributions to continue through
December 2006.

(b)  A recent food security survey carried out by WFP in rural south and
eastern Angola shows malnutrition levels are still very high. The study
was concluded in October last year in the provinces of Namibe, Moxico
and parts of Cunene, Bie, Huila and Kuando Kubango. Cunene showed about
47 percent chronic malnutrition in children aged between 6 and 59
months. Kuando Kubango and Huila recorded 41 percent and 40 percent,
respectively. According to the study, 11 percent of the households in
the surveyed areas ate only cereals with very little other foods, while
more than 40 percent have a poor diet of cereals or tubers and
vegetables but without a regular source of protein.


(2) Lesotho

(a)  From 1 to 18 April, WFP and Cooperating Partners provided food to
approximately 43,000 people.  Beneficiaries were participants in
HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, mother and childcare, orphans and other
vulnerable children programmes, as well as Food-for-Work and
Food-for-Assets projects.

(b)  The previously planned reduction of monthly distributions to some
95,000 beneficiaries during the second quarter of 2006 is underway. The
down-scaling of food aid is in line with the anticipated reduced
resource levels for 2006. Activities under the PRRO are now focused in
five out of the ten districts that are geographically located within the
Southern Lowlands and Senqu River Valley areas.

(c)  Maize and sorghum are at flowering, grain-filling and ripening
stages. The situation indicates that some crops are at risk of being
caught by early frost before reaching maturity. Crops in the highlands
are most likely to be affected by frost damage. Due to heavy rains
received over the last two months, some crops were waterlogged and have
turned yellow due to excess moisture in the soil.  However, pastures
have improved creating favourable conditions for livestock.


(3) Madagascar

(a)  Since February cumulative rainfall has been well below normal
resulting in dry conditions in the southern region of the country. While
the season started off well, the lack of rainfall will cause a reduction
in crop yields.  Precipitation deficits range between 100 and 200
millimetres with little likelihood of crop recovery.  According to the
country's early warning system, the situation may result in a food
crisis in several districts.  WFP and Cooperating Partners are in close
contact with the National Emergency Council and are carefully monitoring
the situation.


(4) Malawi

(a)  This month WFP will wind up targeted food distributions in 14
districts nationwide, after ending similar distributions in the other 14
districts in March. Food distributions had to be extended in different
districts because some people needed extra time to harvest crops planted
after the onset of late rains, while a dry spell affected other
districts. High rates of malnutrition also made continued distributions
necessary. Providing food assistance until the harvest ensures people do
not start eating crops before they have finished growing.

(b)  The Malawi Vulnerability Assessment Committee (MVAC) will start
collecting data from the field from 23-28 April 2006 and analysis will
start from 1-7 May 2006. The Government of Malawi has not yet requested
for the Crop and Food Supply Assessment Mission (CFSAM).


(5) Mozambique

(a)  In May 2006, WFP distributed food to approximately 698,000
beneficiaries under the regional PRRO, including 568,000 for drought
relief (Food for Work and Vulnerable Group Feeding).

(b)  With harvest well underway in most areas, household food security
has improved and the price of maize is rapidly decreasing.

(c)  Following an initial rapid assessment carried out by WFP and
government authorities in Nampula and Cabo Delgado provinces, WFP and
UNICEF, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, will undertake a
nutritional assessment of the most affected areas in the two provinces.

(d)  River levels have decreased below alert levels in the south and
centre of the country. Although it is still raining in some areas,
floods are no longer expected to pose a threat.

(e)  The next Vulnerability Assessment Committee food security
evaluation is scheduled to take place during April/May. Results should
be finalized at the end of May 2006.


(6) Swaziland

(a)  Harvesting is ongoing for the majority of farmers throughout the
country.  According to the latest Agrometeorological Update some farmers
have discovered cob germination attributed to previous heavy rainfall.
However, losses are expected to be minimal, especially if farmers
utilize dry days to harvest. The rainfall break also came as a relief
for late planted.  While currently in a good vegetative state, these
crops faced the risk of being spoilt by excess moisture.


(7) Zambia

(a)  WFP is in the process of scaling down operations following the
recent Vulnerability Assessment Committee rapid assessment. Based on the
mission's findings, relief interventions will continue in six districts,
and targeted interventions will continue in districts with chronic
malnutrition, high HIV/AIDS prevalence, and high dependency ratios. In
addition, longer term nutritional support programmes and OVC school
feeding will continue at current levels. Beneficiary numbers have been
reduced from 1.4 million during the peak of the drought response to
850,000 including relief, recovery, refugee and development assistance.

(b)  Households affected by floods in the Southern Province have been
assisted by a combination of Government, NGO and private sector
support.. Over 1,000 people were left homeless as a result of flash
floods and crops were damaged due to flooding.

(c)  As maize from this year's harvest begins to trickle in to the
market, the price of maize grain has begun dropping. The Agriculture
Marketing Information Centre and Central Statistical Office report that
this is evident in several parts of the country including those
districts affected by the 2005 drought. Harvest prospects for the
2005/06 season generally appear better than the preceding season based
on field reports.  However, initial findings of the recent VAC mission
indicates there is need to re-assess 20 districts found to be
potentially problematic as a result of excessive and erratic rainfall
during the 2005/06 agriculture season.


(8) Zimbabwe

(a)  On April 12, WFP and Cooperating Partner Christian Care resumed
food distributions to more than 6,300 urban displaced beneficiaries at
Hopley Farm on the outskirts of Harare.  In late January, WFP was forced
to suspend food distributions following concerns about the targeting and
distribution process for those affected as a result of "Operation
Restore Order".

(b)  In the latest WFP Vulnerability and Mapping Unit survey conducted
in early April, WFP Field Monitors noted a decline in maize prices in
production areas and markets around the country following the beginning
of the maize harvest.  Price declines have ranged from 40 percent in
parts of Mashonaland East to 24 percent in urban areas of Bulawayo.
Availability throughout the country has also improved.  In anticipation
of the harvest, WFP's Vulnerability Group Feeding (VGF) programme will
provide a half ration (5 kg of cereals) in April to more than 3.5
million beneficiaries. The VGF programme will conclude at the end of the
month.

(c)  From April 10-14, technical staff from the Government of Zimbabwe,
NGOs, and the UN participated in a training course outlining Zimbabwe
Vulnerability Assessment Committee (ZIMVAC) methodologies.  The ZIMVAC,
which is composed of a consortium of government, NGO and UN agencies, is
scheduled to undertake a comprehensive food security and vulnerability
assessment in early May.



(F) Asia: (1) Indonesia (2) Nepal (3) Sri Lanka (4) Timor Leste

(1) Indonesia

(a)  During the reporting period (1-31 March), the general security
situation in Indonesia remained calm. No major security incidents
affecting WFP operation was reported. A few safety incidents related to
swimming in Banda Aceh were reported. Although no WFP staff was
involved, extra precaution was taken and all WFP staff were reminded
about the safety guidelines.

(b)  The Country Office continues to monitor closely all developments
related to Avian Influenza, and is working with the UN Country Team to
prepare for any possible outbreak.

(c)  During the reporting period, WFP provided 5,911 tons to 1,390,600
beneficiaries.

(d)  Food distribution in Aceh & North Sumatra Province for March was
completed without major delays. 389,000 beneficiaries are expected to
receive WFP food assistance for March.

(e)  On 24-25 March, villages around Langsa, Aceh Timur, were hit by a
flood due to heavy rains. Based on a request for food assistance from
the mayor of Langsa, WFP and PMI (National Red Cross Society) Aceh Timur
conducted a joint assessment mission to the affected area on 29 March. 8
villages with a total of 16,526 persons were considered affected and
will be provided with the Targeted Food For Recovery (TFFR) ration
during the month of April.

(f)  An estimated 7,500 conflict-affected people in Aceh Tengah and
Bener Meriah are being supported with WFP food aid which food basket
consists of five commodities - rice, canned fish, vegetable oil,
fortified noodles and biscuits.

(g)  Under the School Feeding Programme, WFP Indonesia has started the
discussion of retargeting the school feeding especially in urban areas.
This effort applies to Greater Jakarta, Surabaya as well as Aceh
Province. WFP is identifying most food insecure areas in terms of
poverty and malnutrition. A Nutrition project following Focusing
Resources on Effective School Health (FRESH) approach will start in 15
schools in Sampang in April. Agreement with YAPSI is under preparation.
Schools will be selected and baseline data will be collected. The
project will be implemented jointly with UNICEF.

(h)  Expansion of Maternal Child Nutrition Programme (MCN) in Aceh
Province is underway. Currently WFP is expanding in Aceh Utara and Aceh
Barat Daya district. Necessary preparation is on-going. The programme is
expected to commence in April. A technical committee was established to
identify appropriate nutrition intervention for children under the age
of 2. The committee consists of the Ministry of Health, UNICEF, and WFP.

(i)  WFP received a proposal from Cordaid to support their training
programme for a community development project (Water and Sanitation) in
Seunuddon sub district, Aceh Utara. The Food-For-Training proposal has
been approved and will be implemented together with Save the Children
during April. Food for Work (FFW) in Jember district of East Java is in
progress in 7 sub-villages. These villages were affected by a
devastating flash flood early this year. The project is planned for 2
months.  YSM has submitted a budget for village level appraisal in
Sambelia and Sambelun, East Lombok which has been approved. Appraisal
will take place in 10 sub-villages in the first week of April.

(j)  On 28 March 2006, the Deputy of Social Welfare of Menkokesra hosted
a presentation on WFP Nutrition Rehabilitation Programme (NRP) mid
evaluation study and a Rapid Assessment Study of NTT/NTB by two research
institutions; SEAMEO RCCN University of Indonesia and PUSKA University
of Indonesia. The presentation invited 80 people representing relevant
Ministries of Government of Indonesia, UNICEF, International and
National NGOs, and WFP cooperating partners. At the presentation,
results of evaluation study as well as the assessment in NTT/NTB were
shared. The aim of the studies was to share the results with relevant
parties and to better its implementation of WFP's programme in the
future.

(k)  To date, USD 63 million has been resourced under the PRRO,
including donor contributions, Trust Fund allocations and the transfer
of resources from the previous EMOP 10405.0. Most of the contributions
transferred from EMOP to the PRRO are restricted to tsunami affected
areas (Aceh and Nias). Meanwhile, other areas (East and Central) of
Indonesia are receiving limited resources.

(l)  Some 22 Community Development Micro Projects (CDP) from four NGOs
were sent to the Chairman of the Steering Committee, Trust Fund,
Coordinating Ministry of People's Welfare (Menkokesra) for final
approval. Most projects are for the construction of water facilities and
public sanitations which are located at Tangerang and Bekasi District
areas (Jabotabek).

(m)  Status of Renovation of Mosques and Churches at Poso and
Construction of Hospital at Tentena, Central Sulawesi: Letter of intent
(LoI) between civil contractor and WFP for the construction of hospital
at Tentena was signed. Tender evaluation for renovation of five mosques
and five churches at Poso are being finalized and contractors'
mobilization is expected to take place by the end of April 2006.

(n)  Based on a special request from the Government of Indonesia, WFP
has agreed to construct 17 food storage-cum-multi function community
centres in the centre of Papua province. The contract is awarded to a
local civil contractor in Papua which is in the process of finalization.

(o)  As WFP has launched its annual School Feeding Design Competition,
WFP Indonesia is currently organizing the Competition in each
Sub-Office. The semi-final selection process will take place in Jakarta
in mid-April. The selected drawings will be sent to WFP HQ in Rome for
final competition with designs submitted from other countries.


(2) Nepal

(a)  During the reporting period (01 March -10 April), the seven party
alliance (SPA) called for a general strike from 6 to 9 April, which was
later extended for an indefinite period. In the built-up leading to the
strike, the government clampdown on demonstrations and political
parties. Score of political leaders and activists were arrested and put
under detention. A day-time curfew was imposed in the capital in order
to prevent 'pro-democracy' manifestations to take place.

(b)  A complete closure of markets, offices and absence of vehicle
movement was observed during the strike across the country. Most
notably, demonstrations, often turning violent, occurred in various
areas of the capital outside but also during curfew hours. The protest
movement has also been remarkably strong in the regions. Consequently,
the repression has been particularly strong with notably three
protesters killed when security personnel reportedly opened fire on
demonstrations. Further night-time and day-time curfews were imposed in
Kathmandu and in some Districts (notably in the town of Pokhara). On the
conflict side, the general security situation has continued to
deteriorate across the country with incidents of bombing, clashes
(notably in Sarlahi, Rupandehi and Kapilvastu Districts) and kidnapping.
The security situation in Damak since the March 2 bombing at the
sub-office has remained quiet and stable. The Sub-Office resumed normal
activities after receiving sufficient guarantees by the Maoists during
the investigation.

(c)  While the recent developments in Nepal have not brought WFP
operations to a standstill, these events have negatively (and
increasingly) affected the pace of implementation. As an illustration of
difficulties faced in programme implementation, Maoists confiscated
trucks involving WFP supplies on the 23 March; these were later
recuperated with apologies from Maoists acknowledging their mistake.
Another example is PRRO convoy to the refugee camps which had to abort
due to Maoist blockades of access roads.

(d)  An exceptionally dry winter has increased food insecurity, notably
in the mid and far western part of Nepal. Pre-EFSA data collection
continues and preliminary findings are confirming a particular difficult
"hunger gap" for some mid-west and far-west districts (due to an
exceptionally dry winter). Response strategy will initially include
acceleration of WFP's Food-For-Work project implementation and Nepal
Food Corporation's (NFC) increased food allocations to the affected
districts.

(e)  Planning for the Country Programme mid-term appraisal mission
(scheduled from 19th of May to 17th of June) is under way. The
evaluation will assess to what extent the development activities have
achieved their objectives and contributed to national development
efforts and to WFP's Strategic Objectives.

(f)  The preparation for the Protecting Livelihood in Crisis (PLIC)
activity are going on as per schedule, with a planned start of the Food
for Work/Food for Training in the food insecure and conflict affected
districts early May. A Baseline on the Strategic Indicator 2 (Proportion
of beneficiary household expenditures devoted to food) will be conducted
beforehand.

(g)  Despite sizeable donor contributions mobilised locally, the Country
Office is still experiencing serious resourcing constraints to cover the
second quarter of 2006 for all its activities. As only a small portion
of the 2006 RAM has been received, it is likely that WFP Nepal will not
be in a position to provide complete food basket to the beneficiaries
and/or that consequent pipeline break will bring the implementation of
the activities into a standstill.

(h)  The Protracted Relief Recovery Operation (PRRO) resources committed
so far are sufficient to support the food pipeline up to end May 2006.
In order to avoid a pipeline break, USD 4 million is required to
resource an additional 11,009 tons of food commodities for the rest of
the operation.


(3) Sri Lanka

(a)  During the reporting period (1-31 March), there was increasing
violations of the Cease Fire Agreement (CFA), which include navy craft
killings by suspected Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) cadres
believed to be smuggling arms on 26 March, Sri Lanka's Government on 30
March pledged to go ahead with the second round of talks in Geneva from
19 to 21 April. Local Government elections were conducted in most
districts on 30 March 2006. Official results of the 6 April poll showed
overwhelming victory of President Mahinda Rajapakse's People's Alliance
that won 225 of the 266 local councils. For security reasons, polling
was postponed for six months in several councils of the North and East.

(b)  On 21 March, Sri Lanka extended a state of emergency first imposed
after the assassination of its Foreign Minister six months ago.

(c)  The situation in Batticaloa district was tense following the
abduction of seven Tamil youths on 13 March and violence against the
Muslim community, allegedly by members of the paramilitary Karuna group.
In a public statement on 17 March, Anton Balasingham, the chief LTTE
peace negotiator, stated that the Geneva peace talks would face grave
danger if the Sri Lankan Government refused to disarm Tamil paramilitary
organizations and continued allowing them to launch offensive military
operations against their military positions in Batticaloa.

(d)  Tsunami assistance (Vulnerable Group Feeding) was terminated in
March in all districts. Under the PRRO, 189,691 children are currently
receiving mid-morning meals through Food-for-Education (FFE) activities
in 890 schools from 26 zonal education divisions in 12 districts. From
the second term of the school year, which will start on 24 April, WFP is
planning to provide school meals to 314,426 children in 1,378 schools in
32 Zonal Education divisions. By the end of the second term of the 2006
school year, WFP is planning to reach over 330,000 children in 1,500
schools in Sri Lanka.

(e)  In the South, 72 schools have been identified for assistance under
FFE. Inclusion of these schools in the programme will depend on the
results of Vulnerability Analysis and Mapping that will be completed in
April. In addition to St. Mary's College in Hambantota, FFE pilot
projects are currently being conducted in two schools in Galle and
Matara. 1,080 school equipment sets are currently being distributed to
schools in conflict and tsunami-affected districts. Each set is worth
USD 300 and includes kitchen utensils, worktables and chairs. Total food
requirements for FFE interventions in 2006 are 7,841 tons.

(f)  In 2006, WFP intends to provide CSB to 250,000 pregnant and
lactating women and children through Mother and Child Nutrition
activities in approximately 50 Medical Officer of Health areas covering
1,190 clinics.. In the month of March, 288 Beneficiary Contact
Monitoring interviews were conducted during 72 clinic visits. During
these interviews, 76 percent of pregnant women indicated that their
weight gain was satisfactory and 71 percent of mothers found that their
child's weight gain was satisfactory. Satisfaction with CSB remained on
a higher level than in the first analysis in January.

(g)  World Bank is currently developing a National Nutrition
Surveillance System, in collaboration with the Sri Lankan Government,
which will start in July 2006, initially in three districts. The system
has incorporated elements of WFP model such as surveillance based on
sentinel site selection and extraction of data from growth monitoring
information available at clinics.

(h)  Food-for-Work programmes are expected to involve 70,000
participants in 2006 who will receive food for their families (350,000
beneficiaries) while rehabilitating communal / individual assets in food
insecure and tsunami affected areas. WFP sub-offices are currently
collecting new FFW project proposals to be submitted during the next
National Project Steering Committee (NPSC) in April. In partnership with
the World Bank, WFP is planning to help rebuild approximately 5,000
houses in the Northern districts of Kilinochchi and Mullaitivu.

(i)  The planned number of participants for Food for Training in 2006 is
7,500, with trainings including carpentry, metalwork, sewing, poultry
farming and computer training.

(j)  The final report of activities implemented through the Cash
Transfer Pilot Project (under Vulnerable Group Feeding) is being
finalized as the Country Office receive final reports from the
Cooperating Partners.

(k)  Out of the planned 102,003 tons required for the PRRO, WFP has
resourced 70,591 tons of food commodities so far. These quantities
include the 23,465 tons of food that were transferred from the EMOP to
the PRRO.

(l)  According to monthly reports received from the sub offices, some
3,050 tons of food were reported as distributed in February to some
303,000 people, including approximately 285 tons for MCN activities, 240
tons for FFE, 32 tons for FFT and 2,490 tons for FFW. In addition, food
distribution to tsunami affected people (under Vulnerable Group Feeding)
continued and figures are being finalised.

(m)  WFP has dispatched 7,244 tons of food under the PRRO (including
tsunami assistance) since 1 January 2006 with a further 4,455 tons of
food planned for distribution in March and 2,310 tons in April.


(4) Timor Leste

(a)  During the reporting period (1-31 March), there were recent
isolated incidences of civil unrest during mid-late March in the capital
caused by the dismissal of over 540 army personnel. The unrest was not
aimed at UN staff and no personal injuries to UN staff were sustained.

(b)  CARE is currently implementing a supplementary feeding programme in
three districts (Liquica, Bobonaro and Colvalima) where WFP's MCH
programme is taking place- different areas of the districts have been
targeted by WFP and CARE to avoid overlap. CARE is planning to phase out
its activities in these districts by June 2006 and there is a
possibility that WFP will take over the feeding from the former CARE
areas. A joint baseline survey is also to be conducted with CARE. To
this end, a design is currently being carried out.

(c)  Under the School Feeding (SF) programme, WFP together with the
Ministry of Education and Culture, will distribute 5,601 Melamine Soup
Bowls to 34 schools across Ainaro, Liquica and Dili-Atauro district. The
SF is now taking place in a total of 84 schools (18,390 students) in
Liquica, Ainaro and Oecusse districts and Ataturo sub-district. There is
a need to enhance delivery, implementation and monitoring before
expanding to Bobonaro and Covalima.

(d)  Under the Maternal and Child Health Activity, WFP together with the
Department of Health have delivered a total of 14.009 tons to 3 Health
Post/Community Health Centers in Liquica and Ainaro districts;
beneficiaries total 1,760 (574 PLW and 1,186 children under five). The
remaining three districts, Oecussi, Bobonaro and Covalima, are in the
preparation stage with food delivery planned by mid April.

(e)  In late March, WFP Timor Leste received a contribution of 1,208
tons of rice.



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

(1) Bolivia

(a)  As of Wednesday 12, an estimated 13,533 affected families received
428 tons of food aid in the Departments of Santa Cruz, Beni, La Paz and
Potosi. Efforts to return Rio Grande River to its original riverbed have
failed, so far, as recent rains have increased the river's flow flooding
again. WFP monitor reports that families are returning to the camps
since their houses were flooded.

(b)  The National Airline of Bolivia paralyzed the city of Cochabamba on
Tuesday 11 while the health sector demanded a 10 percent wage increase.
New national strikes and demonstrations are taking place during the
reporting by the education and the transport sectors as well as the
Labor Union Federation.  Blockades in the Deparment of Tarija were
suspended and the supply of gas for power generation is back to normal.

(c)  As of Wednesday, 19 April, 13,533 floods-affected families of the
current emergency have received 436 tons of WFP food aid in the
Departments of Santa Cruz, Beni, La Paz and Potosi.

(d)  Following the announcements of different sectors to continue
strikes and demonstrations against the government, the population of
Puerto Suarez town located in the Department of Santa Cruz frontier with
Brazil declared a strike pressuring the government to start the bidding
process for the exploitation of steel in the area and demanding the
legalization of a foreign-owned steel plant in the village.  Three
Ministers visited the area to start negotiations with protesters. As the
government denied the requests for the legalization of the foreign
company, the Ministers were prevented from leaving town. President
Morales notified the attorney general's office of the "abductions" while
regional security forces freed the ministers, putting an end to the
standoff. No violence was reported..

(e)  During the period from 6-12 April, under the Emergency Operation
(IR-EMOP) 10511.0, 35 tons of food was distributed to approximately
1,647 families in the Department of Santa Cruz.  WFP is programming last
distributions since the project will operationally close on 30 April
since the affected families continue in need of food. It is expected
that they will be assisted through an EMOP.

(f)  During the period from 13-19 April, 8 tons of food was distributed
to some 383 families in the Municipalities of Okinawa, Pailon and San
Julian located in the Department of Santa Cruz.

(g)  WFP and counterparts are preparing last distributions of IR-EMOP
10511.0 to be finished until 30 April. These rations will last 15-30
days (mid and end of May).  Distributions are expected to continue to
the most needed areas utilizing resources of EMOP 10517.0 Meanwhile,
EFSA information collection has been completed in all three intervention
departments.  Data is currently being processed.

(h)  WFP's EMOP proposal to assist at least 9,000 families for a period
of 10 months in the flood affected departments is in the approval
process. The Government of Spain has agreed to transfer previously
confirmed contribution of USD 600,000 to the new EMOP. Meanwhile, EFSA
missions are in the process of collecting information in the field.


(2) Colombia

(a)  Colombian authorities have reported that 76 people have died and
some 170 are severely wounded due to landslides, flash floods and other
damages caused by heavy rains associated to the winter wave. The
National Emergency Agency reported that more than 50,000 Colombians
(about 10,000 families) are being affected by heavy rains which began
mid March. In the Province of Valle del Cauca, a total of 31 bodies have
been discovered after landslides hit the highways linking the western
Colombian cities of Cali and Buenaventura after a huge mudslide,
triggered by the rain-swollen Dagua River, devastated an area between
Cali and Buenaventura last Wednesday (12 April).  Authorities have also
reported that emergency workers have been attacked by rebels from
illegal armed groups with strong presence in the region; however, no
further information has been issued about these security incidents. WFP
is about to open a new Sub Office in this province as part of Protracted
Relief and Recovery Operation (PRRO) 10366.

(b)  Situation remains tense in the southwestern Province of Narino.
Last Monday March 27, the Colombian Institute of Geology and Mining
(INGEOMINAS) declared a "level two" alert due to increased activity of
the Galeras volcano. Several communities around the volcano are
considered to be at high risk and must be evacuated in short term.
Authorities are urging nearly 9,000 people to evacuate the area.
Temporary shelters have been opened in Pasto (capital city of the
province) and some other municipalities located in safe areas.  WFP does
not develop any food aid activity in this province; however, an
emergency plan of action among WFP and other UN agencies has been
prepared in case the volcano erupts and emergency humanitarian aid is
required.  WFP Colombia is planning to open a new satellite office in
this province as part of PRRO 10366.

(c)  New displacements have been reported in the Province of Choco. Some
146 indigenous families (700 people) were forced to flee after members
of an illegal armed group murdered two members of the indigenous
communities Union Wounaan and Union Choco and threatened some other
members of these communities. Displaced families are from villages
located in rural areas of the Municipality of Istmina and are
temporarily sheltered in this municipality. The local municipality and
the ICRC have provided emergency humanitarian attention. WFP Sub Office
in this province will deliver emergency food aid for these families if
situation remains critical in the upcoming weeks.

(d)  According to a report issued by the Colombian Government, the right
wing Self-Defense Forces of Colombia (AUC) group has been completely
demobilized. The report said that a total of 30,150 paramilitaries were
demobilized and they handed over some 17,000 weapons, 117 vehicles,
three helicopters, 59 urban properties and 24,000 hectares of land. The
peace process between the AUC and the Colombian government started in
December 2002 and demobilizations began in late 2003.

(e)  At least fifteen Colombian soldiers were killed in two separate
incidents between the army and members of a major illegal armed group.
Clashes took place in the Province of Meta where 12 soldiers were
killed. The second clash that left three soldiers dead occurred in the
Province of Valle del Cauca, southern Colombia. The army reported that
an undetermined number of rebels were killed in the fighting.

(f)  The new PRRO 10366, "Assistance to People Displaced by Violence",
WFP distributed 437 tons of food in 9 provinces reaching to 44,831
beneficiaries, especially in, Food-for-Work(FFW),
Food-for-Training(FFT), School and Preschool Feeding, Nursing and
Expectant Mothers and Emergency Food Aid as part of PRRO 10366.


(3) Cuba

(a)  Drought continues persist in the eastern provinces, including the
Province of Camaguey.

(b)  Distribution under Emergency Operation (EMOP) 10423.0 is ongoing.

(c)  Procurement of 233 tons of vegetable oil and 368 tons of beans
through the regional office has just been requested to cover urgent
needs for one month.

(d)  EMOP 10423.0 is resourced at 20 percent of the total requirement.
The operation also received IRA 1.2 million. US$ 2,953,800 is urgently
needed to meet outstanding requirements.


(4) Ecuador

(a)  FTA negotiations have been suspended until after Easter; both the
Ecuadorian and American teams will meet again to close the deal and
settle the agreement. A possible date to sign FTA could be 7 May.
Indigenous organizations are planning further mass protests against the
signing of the FTA. Large groups of indigenous started walking from the
southern provinces of Loja and Azuay. They have met delegations from the
central provinces from Chimborazo and Bolivar in order to make their way
to Quito.

(b)  On 17 April - Indigenous organization CONAIE announced that they
are organizing new protests against FTA negotiations.  A meeting will
take place next week in order to plan and organize the protests;
however, the date will be defined according to FTA negotiations process.

(c)  On 7 April - Government revoked the state of emergency in the
Andean Provinces of Chimborazo, Tungurahua, Cotopaxi, Canar, Imbabura
and some districts of Pichincha.

(d)  On 7 April - According to the Nacional Institute of Meteorology and
Hydrology, during March, rains increased in a 136 percent from its
normal range causing floods and landslides.  It is foreseen that heavy
rains continue for at least one month, especially affecting the Andean
provinces.

(e)  On 10 April - In Los Rios Province, heavy rains increased Quevedo's
River water level flooding El Pantano , Isla del Rio. Mocache and Vinces
were also affected by the floods. According to the Red Cross,
approximately 252 affected families are still living in temporary
shelters.

(f)  On 12 April - Weather conditions are changing slowly; heavy rains
have decreased its intensity and frequency; however, some rivers
continue to have its water level far above normal levels.  In Los Rios
and El Oro there are still families living in shelters.

(g)  Heavy rains have caused landslides in Portovelo and El Oro
Province. There is no water service in the area and 35 families have
been affected by the landslides. Several houses are at risk and group of
miners operators were temporary trapped in two gold mines.

(h)  Los Rios province - rains intensity decreased during the reporting
period. River's water level has also decreased; however, there are
several areas that are still under water. Humanitarian assistance
continues. In Quevedo, there are still 51 families living in temporary
shelters. Health measures are a priority.

(i)  Pichincha Province - heavy rains were reported in Santo Domingo de
los Colorados. A landslide blocked some kilometers of the road and few
bridges were damaged.

(j)  In Azuay Province - According to the Civil Defense, heavy rains
have been reported in the Andean Province of Azuay since last week.
Civil Defense has carried out an assessment in order to evaluate damages
in affected areas: Giron, Tarqui, Cumbe, and Victoria del Portete and
the main roads heading to Cuenca - Loja, Cuenca - Machala, Cuenca -
Molleturo - Naranjal. Authorities are analyzing Azuay's situation
regarding a possible declaration of emergency in the province.

(k)  On 17 April - Heavy rains continue in the Andean Province of
Imbabura. Buenos Aires, Pataqui, and Urbina cantons are isolated.
Landslides have blocked main road.  The most affected road is Ibarra -
San Lorenzo.

(l)  According to the National Geophysical Institute, on 6 April, a low
intensity quake of 4.0 in the Richter scale was registered 94 km north
from Quito in the Andean province of Imbabura.  According to the
National Geophysical Institute, on 14 April, a low intensity quake of
4.4 in the Richter scale was registered 93.30 km south from Quito in the
Andean Province of Cotopaxi. On 18 April, a low intensity quake of 4.4
in the Richter scale was registered 196.90 km north from Quito in the
coastal Province of Esmeraldas.

(m)  According to the National Geophysical Institute, Tungurahua Volcano
activity is high.  Strong explosions were registered during the past
week with moderate and strong emissions of ashes, steam and gas.
Frequent loud roars coming from the volcano and incandescent rocks were
also reported.. Ash fall has affected several communities in the
provinces Tungurahua and Chimborazo. Seismic activity in the volcano is
very high. 30 strong tremors were registered inside the volcano.  It is
important to warn population about possible changes of the volcanic
activity, mud flows may occur. Volcanic activity is increasing rapidly.

(n)  Under the Emergency Operation ECU EMOP 10381.0, UNHCR's Local
Executing Agencies continue to distribute food rations. A total of 83,
77 tons of food (6,356 food rations) were distributed during March
reaching 7,200 beneficiaries. Procurement of 376 tons of commodities is
on going..

(o)  Since early March, WFP has distributed 266 tons of emergency food
rations to 11,534 flood affected families. A WFP Team continues to
assess affected areas in the provinces of Los Rios, El Oro and Guayas.

(p)  In Los Rios Province, WFP has distributed 115 hygiene kits in
Babahoyo, Vinces, Mocache, and Quevedo cantons.

(q)  PAHO - Regarding OCHA's contribution, PAHO has purchased medicines
for dengue fever, hemorrhagic dengue fever, leptospirosis, dermatitis,
and other illnesses. Some 22,000 first aid kits, 5,000 supplies for
water quality testing reagents and 12,000 drinkable water containers.

(r)  In the Province of Manabi, 919 cases of dengue fever have been
reported in several areas. 29 cases of leptospirosis and 18 cases of
malaria have also been reported in the province. Eight mobile health
units are giving medical assistance. Education activities regarding
prevention of diseases provoked by mosquito were carried out with 51,640
families.

(s)  In Los Rios province, 369 cases of dengue fever have been reported
and several cases of typhoid fever have also been reported. PAHO has
donated a chlorine producer to the canton of Ventanas. Some 962 cases of
dengue fever were reported in El Oro.

(t)  In Guayas, some 1,411 cases of dengue fever, 69 cases of
hemorrhagic dengue fever and 201 cases of malaria have been reported.
Civil Defense with PAHO's support activated SUMA. This will help to have
a better control of health supplies and medicines donations.

(u)  Ecuador Emergency Operation (EMOP) 10381.0 has received a
contribution of $357,000 to continue its operations. In order to
complete with the operation, there is a need of funding for $399,506.


(5) Haiti

(a)  The overall situation in Port-au-Prince (PaP) as well as in the
rest of the country was relatively calm during the reporting period
(6-19 April). The number of reported insecurity incidents remains
substantially lower than in the previous months.

(b)  The improvement in the general security situation in the usually
troubled areas of Port-au-Prince has had an important effect, mainly on
the population. Increase of public transport activity and the opening of
markets in Cite Soleil have been good indicators. UN humanitarian
agencies intend to direct UN implementation and expansion of activities
in these areas.

(c)  The political and general security situation is assessed as calm
notwithstanding the upcoming second round of parliamentary elections
scheduled for on 21 April. The results will be released on 28 April. The
inauguration of president-elect, Rene Preval is scheduled for May 14th.

(d)  Although UN agencies and international NGO's staff have not been
directly targeted, the potential threat continues to exist and measures
to mitigate the risk have been taken. The full resources of MINUSTAH
have been gradually refocused on the securing of the environment
nationwide in view of the upcoming elections. Escorting of humanitarian
operations was gradually reduced.

(e)  During the reporting period, a total of 307 tons of food was
delivered to health centres and schools (PRRO and CP) in the West, North
and North-East departments and in Port-au-Prince. Total food for the
duration of the project is estimated at 46,830 tons and the total cost
at US$ 40 million.  During 2005 and the first months of 2006, the
operation needs 23,375 tons of food to meet project requirements. By the
end of April 2006, the PRRO will receive US$ 26 million from directed
multilateral and multilateral contributions; however, it is facing a
pipeline break of CSB. Consequently, contributions are critically needed
to overcome these shortages.

(f)  The total food stocks in the country are estimated at 7,686 tons,
of which 7,454 tons are in WFP warehouses and available for
distribution, while over 232 tons are in transit.

(g)  A MI technical assistance mission arrived at WFP Haiti to provide
capacity-building for the fortification of locally produced cassava
bread in the North and North-East. WFP plans to complement its school
feeding programme by providing a vitamin and mineral fortified breakfast
to almost 4,000 school children for one year. The mission is part of
WFP's efforts to improve learning capacities of children by improving
their nutritional status and support the development of the national
agro-food business sector.

(h)  WFP is chairing a UN and NGO task force on Cite Soleil to discuss a
possible joint evaluation mission on site and development of a coherent
joint strategy to the poor and insecure neighborhood of Port au Prince.
WFP continues to participate in the taskforce aiming at building a Post
Electoral Stabilization Strategy, set up by the UN Country Team.


(6) Peru

(a)  The volcano, in the Moquegua region, located 550 miles (900 km)
south of Lima has been belching for some time.  As of 13 April, the
emissions of ashes of the volcano have noticeably increased in
comparison to previous days. The falling of ashes has been registered in
the towns of Ubinas, Querapi and Sacuaya.  These ashes have reached an
average of 07 Km. of distance of the volcano.

(b)  The Volcano Ubinas is also belching sulfurous emissions to the
atmosphere.  These emissions have produced acid rains in the area.
Emissions have also affected crops and water sources.

(c)  Three volcanic explosions occurred on 13, 14 and 18 April. Civil
Defense requested 42 farming families in Querapi, located three miles
(4.5 km) from the 5,672 meter-high volcano, to evacuate with no
successful results.  A base camp was installed on 19 April in order to
observe and permanently watch over the outskirts of the volcano.

(d)  As of 20 April, an Orange Alert for Volcano Ubinas was issued as a
major change occurred in the eruption status of Volcano Ubinas.  More
than 100,000 people live within 100 km of the volcano and it may erupt
any time. Agustin Quispe, mayor of the town of San Juan de Tarucani de
Arequipa, the wind had affected at least 1,000 people have suffered
respiratory problems. He also stated that 20 "llamas" in his village
died from eating "contaminated grasses."

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


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