WFP Emergency Report
Issued weekly by the United Nations World Food Programme
Report No. 17 / 2006 - Date 28 April 2006


This report includes:

(A) Highlights
(B) Middle East,Central Asia and Eastern Europe:
    (1) Occupied Palestinian Territories (2) Pakistan
(C) East & Central Africa: (1) Congo (2) Congo, DR (3) Eritrea
    (4) Ethiopia (5) Rwanda (6) Somalia (7) Sudan (8) Tanzania
    (9) Uganda
(D) West Africa: (1) Cote d'Ivoire (2) Guinea (3) Niger
(E) Southern Africa: (1) Angola (2) Lesotho (3) Madagascar (4) Malawi
    (5) Mozambique (6) Namibia (7) Swaziland (8) Zambia (9) Zimbabwe
(F) Asia: (1) Myanmar (2) Nepal (3) Philippines
(G) Latin America and Caribbean: (1) Bolivia (2) Ecuador (3) El Salvador
    (4) Guatemala (5) Honduras (6) Nicaragua (7) Peru



(A) Highlights

(a)  WFP is re-establishing a presence in the Philippines with an
Emergency Operation (EMOP) that will feed 2.1 million people in Mindanao
in support of the peace process.

(b)  The results of the Emergency Food Security Assessment (EFSA) in
Rwanda indicate 1.33 million people in the five hardest hit districts
are surviving largely on leaves and cassava of which 283,000 require
urgent food aid.

(c)  In northern Uganda, over 35,000 Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs)
from three camps are initially targeted for assistance from food aid to
self-reliance as they prepare to return to their villages of origin.

(d)  Between 1 and 24 April, WFP transported a total of 10,597 tons of
food in the three Darfur states, realizing only 29 percent of the April
plan due to a serious shortage of food available in Port Sudan and in
the hubs of El Obeid and Khartoum.

(e)  The Southern Africa Regional PRRO 10310.0 is planning to scale down
food assistance as harvest is underway. The aggregate maize import
requirements of the countries in the region is estimated at roughly 1.7
million tons based on the preliminary forecast of maize production for
2006, and the historical utilization in the region.



(B) Middle East,Central Asia and Eastern Europe: (1) Occupied
Palestinian Territories (2) Pakistan

(1) Occupied Palestinian Territories

(a)  There was no improvement in the security climate in April.
Hostilities and internal violence continued to worsen throughout oPt
with increasing fear of civil war. Security in Gaza remains extremely
delicate with continued cases of kidnappings.

(b)  WFP is facing increasing difficulties in providing timely food
assistance to the most vulnerable and food insecure population in Gaza
owing to repeated closure of the goods crossings between Israel and the
Gaza strip. The attacks on Karni, and Rafah crossings on 26 April are
expected to lead to additional access challenges in the coming weeks.
UN National Staff remain currently unable to cross through Erez crossing
owing to security procedures still under discussion; UN national staff
in the West Bank also faced increased access restrictions.

(c)  The food security situation is deteriorating rapidly throughout oPt
as a result of the suspension of direct aid and tax repayments to the
Palestinian Nation Authority (PNA), intensified closures in the West
Bank and Gaza Strip. Since January 2006, Food security affecting non
refugees in oPt has increased by 13 percent affecting a further 104,000
people who were previously able to cope. The entire population of the
West Bank are affected on a daily basis by these restrictions. Prices of
basic commodities are increasing owing to the travel difficulties faced
by traders and farmers which are affecting the traditional rural- urban
markets.

(d)  The current WFP operation which planned to cover the most affected
480,000 food insecure people is currently operating at 90 percent
funding covering only 432,000 people (56 percent of the food insecure
group).

(e)  In response to the deteriorating situation, WFP foresees a 25
percent increase of the current caseload to cover 600,000 food insecure
non refugees (covering the most vulnerable 68 percent of the food
insecure population).

(f)  Avian influenza and fishing restrictions continue to affect the
Gaza populations' access to animal protein. WFP BR to add canned
meat/fish to the ration to mitigate the impact of this on the poorest
population has been approved.

(g)  In Gaza Strip, Cooperating Partners are distributing WFP food
received through Karni and Sufa crossings and through local mills after
a prolonged closure of crossings which resulted in delay of the
timeliness of distribution cycles over the past three months. 7,000 tons
of wheat flour orders are still outstanding from the local mills.

(h)  WFP met the MSA General Manager for Aid and Rehabilitation in order
to reiterate WFPs' continued commitment to assisting Social Hardship
Cases throughout the West Bank and Gaza Strip. WFP will continue to
pursue efforts to mobilise resources for this important caseload.

(i)  During reporting period, in West Bank total of 345 tons of WFP food
commodities was distributed to 1,143 Social Hardship Cases for Jan-Feb
allocations. Distributions for Nov-December allocations, delayed by the
closures, are now completed. Some 21 tons of food was distributed
through MSA to 966 Social Hardship Cases beneficiaries for Jan-Feb
allocation.

(j)  Food distributions started for phase II of the Food-for-Work and
Food-for-Training (FFW/T) operation. Some 795 tons of food was
distributed to 36,558 New Poor beneficiaries. Some 480 tons of food was
distributed to 21,708 beneficiaries.

(k)  In Gaza Strip, some 1968 tons of food was distributed to 39,706 New
Poor beneficiaries completing the Nov-Dec allocations and part of the
Jan-Feb allocations.  Some 476 tons of food was distributed to 25,908
New Poor beneficiaries. Implementation of WFP FFW/T activities in Gaza
Strip is ongoing smoothly despite the deteriorating security situation.

(l)  WFP extended LOUs covering assistance to the New Poor caseload for
two additional months May-June.

(m)  Meetings with CPs were held on several occasions through the month
to discuss implementation and changes due closure of crossings, delay of
distribution and new funding conditions.

(n)  The Institutional Feeding review exercise has started. It is
foreseen that to mitigate the current deterioration of the food
insecurity in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip which is now affecting
urban areas, WFP will expand the IF programme to include more social
welfare institutions in these areas.

(o)  VAM produced the sixth market report. The main outcomes of the
report: Continued closure of Karni is directly affecting both food
prices and the livelihood of the poorest strata of the population,
continued deterioration of the vulnerability profile of the food
insecure population can be noted; 66,000 Social Hardship Case families
are particularly affected by the current situation as they haven't
received their allowance since February.

(p)  A total of 3,334 tons of food commodities have been delivered to
the Gaza strip, out of which 2,721 tons have been imported through Karni
and Sufa. A total of 30 containers have entered Gaza through Karni
during reporting period. Deliveries of 1,000 tons of wheat flour through
Kerem Shalom terminal have been approved as of 30 April. However, recent
bombings on the Egyptian side of Rafah may affect planned deliveries.

(q)  WFP attended the interagency advocacy meeting to discuss upcoming
advocacy issues over the coming months. WFP, FAO and UNICEF discussed
the possibility of a press conference focusing on the deteriorating
situation in Gaza Strip in mid May.

(r)  A joint meeting was held with UNRWA after WFP received a request
for assistance for 30,000 people in the Northern West Bank.  These
families used to be assisted under the non-refugee programme of UNRWA
but UNRWA has decided to pass them to WFP.

(s)  A joint interagency programme is being prepared to ensure a
coordinated effort in mitigating the effects of avian influenza in oPt.


(2) Pakistan

(a)  During the reporting period (15-28 April), the environment was
tense in one of the operational site (Dhirkot) of Bagh due to
demonstrations to protest the killing of a detainee in police custody.
The general security situation in Pakistan remained stable. The
continued increase in miscreant activities are alarming especially
killing of innocent people and armed conflict between the security
forces and local and foreign insurgents in Waziristan and Balochistan
and the areas boarding Afghanistan is of growing concern.

(b)  The ongoing humanitarian activity levels remains low as to wait the
approval of ERRA to proceed the transitional period from relief to
recovery. The flabbiness arises from differences between UN agencies and
ERRA over the National Action Plan. ERRA is reluctant to approve UNJLC's
(United Nations Joint Logistic Cell) certain common service project of
little direct benefit to the affected population. Moreover,
International Organization for Migration (IOM) and United Nations
Humanitarian Air Services (UNHAS) working in transportation are no
longer able to support such services. As a result many agencies/NGOs
will need to organize for their own transport costs through their
individual projects. After negotiation and discussion with UN Agencies,
the project funds required for the execution of the plan $ 286m of which
$188m, will be required and appealed for donor support.

(c)  Food was dispatched to 4 Union Councils of Muzaffarabad and Neelum
District which includes, Heer Kutli, Machyara, Bheri and Barian/Jura as
per the requirement made by the Forest Department.  Food for Saidpur
Union Council couldn't be sent due to non-availability of road
transport. PRRO Activities including field terracing and wall protection
have already started this week. However, food distribution will be made
to the community next week. Some 21.tons of WSB was dispatched to camps
in Muzaffarabad and Hatian Tehsils.  Camp Management Organization (CMO)
is yet to provide WFP with the figures of vulnerable families - the
residual caseload. Distribution of Food to 5 consolidated Internally
Displaced People (IDP) Camps couldn't start as the CMO hasn't finalized
the figures for vulnerable in theses amps yet and has asked WFP to wait
until advised. Media Team and the WFP Project Implementation Unit (PIU)
team visited Women's Community Organization in Dacha and Govt. Girls
Primary School in Puthian, Muzaffarabad on 25 April 2006 and were very
much impressed from the achievements made by Creating Asset for Rural
Women (CARW) and Education Programme. The Annual Plan of Operation for
CARW Programme for 2006 was reviewed with Forest Department and
necessary corrections were advised. Final Annual Plan of Operations to
be submitted by Forest Department next week.

(d)  Shifting of the WFP sub-office to the new building in Nomanpura is
being finalized. The decision regarding the shifting of the UN-Agencies
currently residing in the UN-Compound along with WFP is being
considered. During the reporting period, 17 tons of food was distributed
in camps in Bagh under PRRO upon request from Government. Planning for
School Feeding was finalized. Food Release Notes (FRNs) for distribution
of food to schools were issued. Distribution will commence from 27
April.  Meetings were held with line departments for PRRO activities.
Assessments were carried out and several FFW/FFT activities were
finalized for distribution of food. Requests have been issued to
logistics to transport green houses to selected communities for nursery
raising at community level. The potential sites for nursery raising
activities have been finalized in coordination with the Forest
Department and based upon the recommendations of the Forest Dept.

(e)  FRN of 7 tons for Siren Sialkot 7 tons for Ghari Habibullah and 17
tons for Maira Camp were released to Mansehra logistic unit. Food
Release Notes of 92 tons for Jared (Balakot) and 95 tons for Rashang
Union Council in Allai were released to Action Against Hunger in context
of Support to returnees. Some 65 tons was delivered by air to Jared UC
Mahandri Tehsil Balakot district Mansehra and delivery is still in
progress. During the reporting period, an assessment mission visited
Shangla district to assess the background, expertise and role of Shangla
Development Society (SDS) in the area. The mission reported that SDS is
registered with provincial government and has the working experience in
both relief and development. An assessment mission visited Battagram and
Kohistan districts and met with Executive District Officer (EDO)
Education for the School Feeding in PRRO. The mission reported that due
to lack of roads in the target union councils, it was not possible to
start school feeding immediately.

(f)  The PRRO is currently resourced 14.13 percent against the appeal of
$US 67,849,078.

(g)  The deliveries from the hubs to the Extended Delivery Points from
15-26 April 2006 were of 168 tons, out of which 120 tons were delivered
by air.

(h)  During the reporting period, Special Operation UNHAS helicopters
have airlifted 136 tons food, 103 tons Non-Food Items and 34,351
passengers.



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

(1) Congo

(a)  During the period (22 - 28 April), the security situation remained
calm.

(b)  WFP distributed around 43 tons of food commodities to 2,891
beneficiaries including orphans, vulnerable children, Food-for-Work
participants and pupils.


(2) Congo, DR

(a)  Armed confrontations between government troops and militias are
still reported in eastern DRC. In Ituri district, some of the
confrontations occurred in areas located south east of Bunia.

(b)  In northern areas of North Kivu province, over 15,000 displaced
households were registered by the NGO Solidarite. Scattered in small
localities such as Bunyuka, Vuhovi, Kavingu, Vutungera and Kisunga, the
displaced households had escaped violence-linked confrontations between
governmental troops and militias from Allied Democratic Forces
(ADF)/National Army of the Liberation of Uganda (NALU) at the end of
December 2005. It was only recently, with the improvement of security
conditions on the Beni-Butembo axis that Solidarite was able to proceed
with the registration process.

(c)  In South Kivu province, humanitarian attention was drawn to the
food security of thousands of people in Bas-Burhinyi (Mwenga territory).
The prolonged insecurity had kept the population in displacement for
months.. Their cultivated land and houses were looted by armed soldiers.
According to OCHA, the population that returned to their homes after
months of displacement are facing a looming food crisis.

(d)  In Maniema province, tension has been increasing between the
population in Mungele (Lubutu territory) and the recent returning
formerly displaced population. OCHA reported over 700 returning
households harvesting crops from the local population without
permission. The latter have no other means for food provision. Although
FAO has enough seeds and tools for distribution to the 700 returning
households, food protection packages will be needed to ensure the proper
use of seeds and access to food to the returning households. However,
WFP currently lacks sufficient food to carry out the project. The
increased food requirements in Katanga province entailed a redirection
of food resources to cover the needs of hungry displaced persons in
Mitwaba, Sampwe, Dubie/Mutabi, Kasungeji, Malemba-Nkulu.

(e)  From UNHCR sources, 861 returnees from Sudan are expected to arrive
in Oriental province. They will need assistance to reintegrate into
their communities in Kisangani, Buta, Aru, Bunia and Isiro.

(f)  In Goma, WFP released 258 tons of food in favour of 36,240
beneficiaries attending various programmes (school feeding,
therapeutic/supplementary feeding, support to victims of sexual
violence) in localities such as Kirotshe, Kitshanga, Masisi, Walikale,
Kayna.  In the territories further north in the province, WFP availed
141 tons of various food commodities for 4,682 displaced households
(23,400 individuals) in Vuhovi and Bunyuka (two localities between 15 to
20 km from Butembo). An additional 118 tons will be targeting 3,438
displaced households (17,200 individuals) in Kisunga and environs in the
weeks to come.

(g)  In Katanga province, airdrops of 148 tons of food commodities over
Mitwaba started and should continue until 29 April. Meanwhile, food
distribution of 77 tons was completed in Nyonga. It targeted 17,600
displaced persons with 20 days food rations. A local NGO, Action Mieux
Etre distributed the food. In Dubie/Mutabi, 81 tons of food was provided
to 12,300 internally displaced persons (IDPs) through the NGO
Association des Agriculteurs Sans Frontieres (AASF).

(h)  Food delivery to various supplementary and therapeutic feeding
centres in Kongolo (Northern Katanga), has been postponed due to the
sudden rise in fuel prices.

(i)  Heavy rains over Kinshasa during the months of March and April have
been causing serious damages. Existing erosion sites were further
aggravated resulting in land slides, damaged houses and flooded
cultivated land.  WFP planned assistance to 629 households.

(j)  In Kisangani, Oriental province, WFP dispatched 101 tons of food
for 20,300 beneficiaries involved in school feeding and
therapeutic/supplementary feeding activities.


(3) Eritrea

(a)  On 14 April 2006, the United Nations Security Council extended the
mandate of the UN Mission in Ethiopia and Eritrea (UNMEE) for another
month, but warned that unless both sides fulfilled its earlier demands,
including lifting restrictions on UN personnel and recognizing a
boundary decision, it will review other options ranging from
transforming the operation into an observer mission to withdrawing it
altogether. Voting unanimously on the extension until mid-May, the
15-member body also reiterated demands that, among other measures,
Eritrea reverse its decision to ban the Mission's helicopter flights,
and that Ethiopia accept the final and binding decision of the
Eritrea-Ethiopia Boundary Commission.

(b)  On 25 April 2006, Eritrea announced it would not lift restrictions
imposed last year on United Nations peacekeepers monitoring its tense
border with Ethiopia, despite fresh demands from the United Nations
(UN). In March, the commission responsible for the border delineation
met in London with officials from the two sides in a bid to resolve the
matter, but the talks failed to break the stalemate. Another meeting is
scheduled in London for 28 April 2006.

(c)  The Eritrean government has maintained the suspension of food
distributions and continues to reformulate its food aid modalities
towards a more food-for-work/cash-for-work oriented approach. However,
no proposals or outlines have been conveyed to the WFP office. Food aid
agencies and donors are concerned about the food sent since 2005, which
is still in government warehouses, with the obvious risk of
deterioration. The U.N. Secretary General's Special Humanitarian Envoy
for the Horn of Africa, Kjell Magne Bondevik, was expected to raise the
international community's concerns when he met Eritrean officials in
Asmara this week.

(d)  WFP's food distributions remain suspended except for 72,000 IDPs in
camps and recently resettled displaced people. In addition, WFP was
requested by the Ministry of Labour and Human Welfare to provide 6-month
food rations for May - October to almost 22,500 IDPs who will be
resettled at their places of origin.

(e)  The suspension of food deliveries to schools and to adult literacy
learning sites has resulted in numerous dropouts of students, especially
of girls, and high absenteeism rates in many locations in the coastal
regions. In Massawa sub-region alone three adult literacy training sites
were closed down.

(f)  According to the Ministry of Agriculture of the southern region, a
dam with retention capacity of 150,000 cubic meters is under
construction in Adi Keih sub-region. Once completed and functioning, the
dam will enable farmers to cultivate about 15 hectares of land. Similar
activities are reported to be ongoing in other parts of the region.

(g)  The contributions and transfers made from previous operations to
PRRO 10192.1 had reached a total of USD 51,422,253 representing 25
percent of the total cost of the project. In light of the suspension of
distributions, a 100,000 tons contribution of wheat was cancelled by WFP
and other offers of donations declined. Currently, WFP's in country
stocks amount to approximately 64,000 tons.


(4) Ethiopia

(a)  The latest update on the "belg" and "sugum" rains indicate that
Southern Nations, Nationalities and Peoples Region (SNNPR) had a
generally good rainfall in both the first and second weeks of April with
the exception of the lowland areas of Sidama zone where the rains have
been well below average. In Derahe Special district and the rift valley
areas of the region there have been localized floods following heavy
rainfall in the first week of April.

(b)  In Oromiya, nearly all zones had favorable rainfall in the first
week of the current month. As in SNNPR, pocket areas in the rift valley
suffered from localized flooding during this period. In the 2nd week,
West Harerge, lowlands of Arsi and nearly all the western zones of the
region had no rains while East Harerge and West Shewa had poorly
distributed rainfall.. On the other hand, North Shewa, Jimma, Borena,
Bale and most of Arsi enjoyed good precipitations during this period.
The rains in Borena resumed on 19 April after 7-10 days of dry spell.
Currently, water availability has improved in the zone and water
trucking operations are suspended. Pasture has improved, especially for
the browsers.

(c)  Following the generally good rainfall during the first dekad of
April, the 2nd dekad was dry in the whole of Somali Region. However,
since 20 April, the "gu" rains have resumed across the entire region and
several districts have reported 1-3 days of light to heavy rainfall over
the last seven days.

(d)  No updates on eastern Amhara, where "belg" crops are grown and
Afar. In last week's update it was reported that heavy rainfall in Afar
region has caused flooding of the Awash River in Dubti district of Zone
1. However, recent reports from the region indicate that the flooding
has receded and the Awash River has returned to its normal levels. As a
response to the flood the Federal Authorities have dispatched food and
non-food items to the affected population.

(e)  The Federal Disaster Prevention and Preparedness Agency's (DPPA)
daily dispatches continue to Somali Region and Borena zone of Oromiya
Region. From the 23,527 tons of food aid allocated for Somali Region for
February, 74 percent has been dispatched to date. DPPA has also started
moving small quantities of food allocated for March. For Borena zone of
Oromiya Region the DPPA has allocated 2,501 tons of food aid for
February and currently the dispatch status is at 88 percent. From the
2,238 tons allocated to Borena zone for the month of March, 97 percent
has been dispatched. The Federal DPPA is transporting the March
allocation of 875 tons to Afar and so far 76 percent of the allocation
has been dispatched.

(f)  The first quarterly report 2006 of the Targeted Supplementary
Feeding Programme indicates that the programme has distributed 5,672
tons of food to 204,032 beneficiaries.  Regions covered included 105,000
beneficiaries in Southern Nations Nationalities and Peoples Region
(SNNPR); 78,457 beneficiaries in Tigray and 20,575 beneficiaries in
Oromiya. During the same quarter, training was provided to government
staff, the monitoring system was established across all regions; and the
programme was introduced to 3 new regions, Afar, Gambella and
Beneshangul.  A pilot study was conducted in SNNPR to test a new model
of distribution by pre-positioning food prior to the nutritional
screening. The finding from the study was that at present the logistics
system is not sophisticated enough to cope with pre-positioning.
However the study strongly recommended that the programme food
distribution agents should be involved in the nutrition screening
process, as a way to increase the effectiveness of the screening and
reduce opportunities for beneficiaries to double register.


(5) Rwanda

(a)  The results of the Emergency Food Security Assessment (EFSA)
indicate 1.33 million people in the five hardest hit districts are food
insecure (surviving largely on leaves and cassava) of which 283,000
require urgent food assistance. This assistance will be through
supplementary feeding centres. However, contingency plans are being
prepared to address the food needs of the 1.33 million people in the
event the June/July harvest is poor, in which case, the most vulnerable
population will face even more severe hardships.

(b)  Due to serious pipeline shortages only about 250 tons of CSB can be
immediately distributed to nutrition centres in most affected areas,
which will be replenished against Immediate Response Account (IRA)
emergency funding. Other sources for food aid are being sought,
including regional loans and local procurement.

(c)  Harvest prospects are improving with good rains of season 2006B.
However, pockets of food insecurity exist in the areas where production
was poor during the last agricultural season and which are now receiving
poor or erratic rainfall.

(d)  The numbers of Congolese refugees in the camps increased to 41,158
(Gihembe - 17,301, Nyabiheke - 4,871, Nkamira Transit Centre - 1,309 and
Kiziba - 17,677) as compared to last weeks total of 41,068.

(e)  Transfer of Burundian refugees continues with 284 moved from
Nyamure to Kigeme camp, which now has 1,611 refugees, while Nyamure
hosts 946 refugees. The remaining refugees will also be moved due to the
planned closure of Nyamure camp. The number of Burundian refugees in
Rwanda remains at 2,557.

(f)  A total of 414 tons of mixed commodities were distributed to 22,813
refugees in Gihembe, Nyabiheke and Kigeme camps.  In addition, 96
returnees from DRC passed through Nkamira transit camp and received a
three-month ration consisting of 5 tons before being transferred to
their home communities.


(6) Somalia

(a)  In April, the 2006 Gu rains started well in almost all the drought
affected areas of Somalia; however, there have been no rains in the past
few days. Reports from the northeast indicate no rains as yet in the
area.

(b)  The first round of emergency food distribution is almost complete.
There were delays of about three weeks due to pipeline limitations,
security incidents and rain.

(c)  The number of people being assisted by WFP in south Somalia
increased slightly from 1 million to 1.1 million. This figure is based
on the estimates of the February 2006 Food Security Analysis Unit (FSAU)
assessment and relevant WFP Vulnerability Analysis and Mapping (VAM)
updates.

(d)  A total of 17,500 tons of food was planned to be distributed in the
first round of distribution. To date, 14,000 tons of food commodities
have been distributed and another 1,700 tons will be distributed shortly
to complete the first round of food distributions. After completion,
about 90 percent of the planned tonnage will have been distributed, due
to commodity shortages.

(e)  The second round of the food distribution plan has been finalised.
A total of 1.1 million beneficiaries are planned to be reached with a
total of 22,500 tons of food over a period of six weeks.

(f)  Heavy rains contributed to 3-4 days delay in transportation of food
due to temporarily impassable roads, which were already in a poor
state.. Furthermore, the fragile security situation in Mogadishu and the
ongoing acts of piracy in Somali waters are some of the impediments that
are adversely affecting the emergency response.


(7) Sudan

(a)  During the reporting period (16-23 April), security in and out of
IDP camps in North Darfur continued to be of major concern. The African
Union (AU) group in Shangel Tobaya reported a shooting incident in the
area, which caused over 1,200 IDPs to flee the camp and resettle around
the AU group site for safety. Meanwhile, the SLA-Minnawi faction was
reported to have attacked villages west of Tawila, causing an
unconfirmed number of fatalities and population movements into Tawila
area, and displacing up to 3,000 people. The Korma area is reported to
be calmer, as a result of AU civilian police patrolling the area, but
the security situation is still not good enough for food distributions
to resume. Korma and areas west of Tawila therefore remain 'No-Go' for
the UN.

(b)  Instability has increased in West Darfur during the reporting
period, following the attempted coup in Chad on 13 April 2006. There are
reports of Chadian opposition groups moving back into Sudan to prepare
for another attack in Chad. Some of them have been sighted in Habila
locality. The Sudan border with Chad is now susceptible to further
instability. The UN remains on Phase IV (high alert); though the general
feeling is that Geneina is not under imminent threat.

(c)  Meanwhile, attacks on humanitarian vehicles and staff are
continuing in Geneina town as reported in the following incidents that
occurred during the reporting week: (i) A WFP vehicle was stolen in the
middle of the town on 20 April by armed men in uniforms. It is not clear
who these uniformed armed men are. (ii) A vehicle belonging to the
Catholic Relief Services was also stolen at gunpoint, 8km north of
Geneina, on 17 April. This stretch of road, previously closed due to
insecurity and reopened in March, has subsequently been categorized as D
(restricting travel) by UN security. Access to the north of Geneina is
now by helicopter only. (iii) A WFP national staff member's house was
broken into by armed robbers. These incidents have been reported to
authorities and point to the volatile nature of security in the area.

(d)  The security situation has not improved from last week, as attacks
on civilians are continuing and banditry on commercial and humanitarian
vehicles ongoing in South Darfur. The traditional areas of insecurity
and tension remain - Jabal Mara, Shearia and Gereida. This week
militiamen attacked civilians in villages in Shearia and Gereida areas.
More blatant civilian attacks by militiamen occurred outside the African
Union compound in Shearia, where militiamen fired indiscriminately to
scare off about 100 IDPs that have been camping there for the past four
months. Also, movements of armed Arab militia have been observed in
Shergeilla.

(e)  A convoy of three NGO trucks carrying CSB was shot at on
Zalingei-Nyala road, about 20 km west of Nertiti, by two men in military
and civilian clothing. Fortunately no fatalities were reported. Another
commercial truck was attacked east of Billel, resulting in one
casualty..

(f)  Authorities are continuing to harass WFP staff at the airport when
entering Nyala, therefore contravening the SOFA agreement, which grants
UN staff freedom of movement. The UN and Government of Sudan are
discussing the SOFA implementation and access issues, which affect other
parts of Sudan as well.

(g)  WFP food distribution in Malualkon, Northern Bahr El Ghazal was
disrupted when an armed group demanded food and harassed beneficiaries
at the distribution site. Consequently, WFP rescheduled the exercise
until 25 April.

(h)  Movement of UN personnel between Torit and Kapoeta road in Eastern
Equatoria was temporarily suspended following the discovery of a newly
laid land mine on the road 20-km east of Torit. UNMAS is investigating
the issue.

(i)  According to the Sudan Rehabilitation and Recovery Commission, some
1,265 persons were displaced from Nadiangere Payam in Yambio, Central
Equatoria as a result of a conflict between farmers and cattle owners.
The displaced are temporarily residing in Thaura and Lirangu where WFP
cannot provide them with food assistance as both locations are under the
UN Security Phase Four.

(j)  Movement restriction continued to hamper WFP activities in Kassala

during the reporting period. A WFP mission travelling from Kassala to
Hadalia area to monitor general distributions in IDP camps was denied
access and turned back from Raiba checkpoint due to lack of travel
permits. Another joint WFP/UNHCR mission travelling to Shagarab refugee
camps was stopped at Sharagab checkpoint, 45 km from Showak, and had to
return to Showak. Furthermore, WFP Head of Sub-Office was relocated from
Kassala after having received a letter from the Humanitarian Aid
Commission requesting him to leave the state in 24 hours due to failure
in submitting required documentation.

(k)  Two military forces arrived in Kassala from Eritrea according to
different agreements with the government. The first force was the El
Fatih force comprising of 400 soldiers of the opposition Democratic
Union Party, who entered Kassala town after being disarmed at Shallalob
area. The second force was SPLM troops who started the first phase of
redeployment. These troops are expected to proceed to south Sudan
through Girba Madani and Kosti, White Nile.

(l)  A WFP team was forced to stop a registration and verification
exercise in Wadaga payam (Blue Nile) when a SPLM soldier interrupted the
activity. Local security personnel who requested travel permits later
stopped the same team, on their way to Kurmuk. Both incidents were
reported to the state's government representatives who assured WFP that
such actions will not reoccur.

(m)  Overall, the general security situation was reportedly calm.
Despite lifting of movement restriction for UN staff in Abyei, UN police
and UNMIS military observers were not allowed to move North of Abyei
during the reporting period.

(n)  UNMIS vehicles were stopped and checked on the road to Kauda, South
Kordofan by some SPLM soldiers who also tried to confiscate some
communication equipment. UNMIS staff returned to Kadugli where they
reported the incident. Additionally, another UNMIS convoy in Kurchi was
stopped and drivers were demanded by force to take civilians on board.
UNMIS is investigating both incidents.

(o)  WFP is continuing communication campaigns to inform local
communities of the imminent ration reductions, which will be implemented
from May, and the rationale behind the exercise. Food rations are being
reduced due to the prevailing food pipeline shortfalls and the
reductions will help the limited stocks to last longer during the hunger
season, from around June to September, when needs are greatest.
Insecurity is continuing to impede on food distributions and monitoring
in various localities. In addition, banditry on humanitarian property is
continuing. Insecurity is also continuing to displace and re-displace
civilians as people flee from conflict areas.

(p)  The State level training for the Sudan Household Health Survey,
launched in February, was completed during the reporting period. The
survey, implemented by the Government of South Sudan in collaboration
with humanitarian agencies, aims at establishing national health care
strategies as well as social and economic indicators. It's the first
survey of its kind since the civil war broke out in South Sudan. A
WFP-supported food security component was added at a total cost of US$
90,000. WFP has also provided logistical support to the survey.

(q)  Staff of the Commission of Refugees in Kassala, Eastern Sudan went
on a seven-day strike due to unsolved internal issues with their
management. The action affected WFP food deliveries, distributions and
monitoring activities in the refugee camps. Subsequently, three trucks
loaded with WFP food commodities were stranded at the Shagarab refugee
camps for one week, as they were not offloaded. A joint team from WFP
and UNHCR visited Um Gargour camp to monitor the condition of refugees
during the strike period. Refugees indicated that they have already
received part of April food rations. Distributions will be resumed as
soon as the strike ends.

(r)  A USAID delegation visited WFP's new field office in Kurmuk, South
Blue Nile and discussed with WFP and the Norwegian People's Aid their
activities. WFP briefed the delegation on its planned relief and
recovery activities in Southern Blue Nile from April through October
2006. The delegation appreciated WFP's operational activities in the
state such as pre-positioning of food stocks prior to the rainy season;
the assessment conducted in March 2006 to identify required needs;
ongoing registration and verification exercise; establishing new Final
Distribution Points as well as WFP's logistics cost-effective strategy.

(s)  As a result of the current funding constraints and breaks in the
food pipeline, a decision has been made to reduce the scope of
Food-for-Asset programme under the emergency operation in North
Kordofan. WFP agreed with the Ministry of Agriculture and the
Humanitarian Aid Commission (HAC) to continue its support for
implementing Food-for-Asset activities (watermelon bug collection) in
North Kordofan state until the end of July 2006. Thereafter, the
Ministry will continue to implement the project through the support of
the Strategic Reserve. HAC will follow up with government authorities on
the allocation of required food quantities.

(t)  Between 1 and 24 April, WFP transported by road a total of 10,597
tons of food in the three Darfur states, realizing only 29 percent of
the April plan due to a serious shortage of food available in Port Sudan
and in the hubs of El Obeid and Khartoum. The food will be
pre-positioned in remote locations that are anticipated to become
inaccessible during the rainy season to ensure the continuation of food
aid during the 'hunger period'.

(u)  WFP dispatched 5,844 tons of food commodities by road to different
locations in the South. Of the total, 2,909 tons was dispatched from El
Obeid, 1,652 tons from Koboko and Tororo, Uganda and 1,283 tons from
Lokichoggio, Kenya (1,283 tons). WFP continued to erect rub halls in the
south to enhance storage capacity and allow pre-positioning of food
stocks prior to the rainy season. Four additional rub halls were erected
in Majakliet, Marial Bai, Acumcum and Barurud in Northern Bahr El Ghazal
and Lakes states.

(v)  Awareness campaigns are ongoing at community level to inform food
aid beneficiaries, local authorities and community leaders of the new
ration cuts in North Darfur. Food distributions in Korma and Shangil
Tobayi are still suspended due to ongoing insecurity. In Tawila,
distributions were also temporarily suspended due to insecurity. There
is a new caseload in Tawila, fleeing attacks by the SLA-Minnawi faction,
west of Tawila, which WFP hopes to reach as soon as the security
situation allows. An inter-agency mission found that 2,000 to 3000 new
arrivals into Tawila have settled around the AU camp. Most of them are
already registered for food distributions from their previous locations.
WFP will provide food assistance as soon as possible.

(w)  WFP has now verified the number of IDPs from Shearia who are
currently in Wadaa, Dar El Salam. Some 9,905 IDPs were identified and
will receive food in the coming days.

(x)  A new influx of people was reported in Tundosa and Gobe areas -
about 1,800 returnees and 3,500 refugees. The UNHCR and Save the
Children-US are verifying and registering the reported caseload. Once
registered, WFP plans to distribute a one off distribution as per the
standing agreement with UNHCR.

(y)  A monitoring team visited villages in Morni to inform them of
upcoming food ration cuts and to inquire from the community if they
preferred one or two-month ration distributions at a time. The
communities informed WFP that they prefer one-month rations due to lack
of storage and also the fact that 2-month rations may give them a false
sense of food security, which may lead to exchanging the food for other
goods.

(z)  A mission composed of WFP, UNHCR and UNDSS has verified that
numbers of Chadian refugees in Gellu have declined from about 10,000 to
about 1,000. The refugees are believed to have dispersed into the nearby
villages. Those left behind are mainly the elderly, unable to travel
long distances. UNHCR is looking into the situation further to establish
needs and the new refugee locations.

(aa)  WFP is continuing to inform beneficiaries of ration cuts in South
Darfur. OCHA is also assisting in disseminating the same information to
the humanitarian community in Nyala and Zallingie. In Zallingie, MSF-F
has reported a rise in malnutrition cases at Tebya camp. WFP plans to
deploy a nutrition team to assess the situation further.

(ab)  During the reporting period, WFP distributed 2,665 tons of food to
165,939 beneficiaries in all targeted locations in South Sudan. All
commodities were distributed at full ration except for sugar and pulses
that were distributed at half ration due to unavailability of these two
commodities. Beneficiaries reached included returnees and vulnerable
local residents.

(ac)  An inter-agency assessment team comprising of WFP, UNHCR, UNOCHA,
Sudan Aid and Sudan Rehabilitation and Recovery Commission verified and
registered 1,582 persons displaced from Rajaf and 64 IDPs displaced from
Yambio in Katur, Western Equatoria. The mission recommended immediate
provision of food and non-food assistance. In response, WFP distributed
28 tons of food commodities to these IDPs.

(ad)  An interagency rapid assessment was conducted in West Mundri
County (Mundri and Mvolo Counties, Western Equatoria) following an
ethnic conflict that resulted in displacement of the host community.
This was compounded by a drought that hit the region last year. The
assessment team recommended immediate provision of food assistance to
the displaced. WFP plans to include these IDPs in the next round of
distributions.

(ae)  The Sustainable Return Team and OCHA informed WFP that 126
returnees were received and registered in Adol Manyeil Payam, Central
Rumbek County, arriving from Khartoum through Wau, Bahr El Ghazal.
Another 12,000 persons are expected to arrive from IDP camps in Khartoum
en route to Lakes state through Shambe Port.

(af)  WFP, ADRA and the Return Rehabilitation and Reintegration
distributed two-week rations of 6 MT to 520 registered returnees and 125
refugees on transit on the barge to Sahmbe, Bor and Juba (Malakal, Upper
Nile)

(ag)  An OFDA/USAID mission visited WFP sub-office in Kassala during the
reporting period. The mission was briefed on WFP activities in the state
and the challenges being faced in implementation of activities, such as
movement restrictions and the future of Hameshkoreib after eventual
withdrawal of SPLA. The mission requested WFP to resume general food
distributions as soon as authorities lift restriction of movement
outside of Kassala.

(ah)  The Humanitarian Aid Commission (HAC) and the Sudan Relief and
Rehabilitation Commission (SRRC) discussed with humanitarian agencies,
including WFP, in Blue Nile the situation and possible means for
providing assistance to returnees in Kelly. According to HAC and SRRC,
an estimated 5000-6000 persons, who are in need of immediate assistance,
arrived in Kelly from Bonga and Sharkole refugee camps in Ethiopia. HAC
and SRRC jointly requested agencies to provide support to these
returnees. OCHA and WFP are planning a joint needs assessment to verify
and register returnees in Kelly. However, the road to Kelly is still
'no-go' to UN staff, thus OCHA is exploring the possibility of using
UNMIS helicopter for the assessment on 27 April.

(ai)  During the reporting period, WFP distributed one-month rations of
6 tons of food to 356 returnees (54 percent female) who arrived in
Challi payam in Kurmuk County from Sherkole camp. So far, only 28
percent of the 4,800 returnees, planned to be repatriated by UNHCR
before the rains, have arrived in Blue Nile. WFP will continue to
support these returnees until harvest time in October 2006.

(aj)  WFP distributed about 22 tons of food to 1,277 returnees (58
percent female) in several locations in Rosaries, Geissan and Kurmuk
localities.. Distributions were at 100 percent rations except for pulses
and sugar, which were distributed at 50 percent due to unavailability of
these commodities. Food was distributed simultaneously with assessments
of the storage capacity in distribution centres for pre-positioning of
food before the rains.

(ak)  WFP field office in Kurmuk conducted registration and verification
for returnees and vulnerable groups residing in Jerru, Gos Rassien and
Mayac Bomas in Wadaga and Mayac payams. Teams registered 2,119
beneficiaries of whom 218 are returnees and 1,901 were vulnerable people
who are eligible to receive WFP food assistance.

(al)  WFP and Save the Children-US dispatched and distributed 1,088 tons
of food to 12,514 returnees in Rumamer, Mabok and Mijak returnee
villages to cover food requirements during the rainy season. In
addition, WFP dispatched 1,006 MT of food in eight returnee villages
during the week. Pre-positioning of food stocks will continue in five
returnee villages next week.

(am)  During the reporting period, the Norwegian Refugee Council
reported that 223 returnees arrived in South Kordofan in way stations
from northern and southern parts of Sudan. All returnees proceeded to
their areas of origin in different locations in Kauda and Talodi.

(an)  Verification and registration of beneficiaries continued during
the reporting period in South Kordofan. WFP teams reported the presence
of 190,769 returnees and vulnerable residents in Kadugli, Lagawa,
Dilling, Chawere, Abu Gebeiha, Rashad and Talodi. Of the total, 82,315
(43 percent) are returnees.

(ao)  As of 22 April, the Emergency Operation 10503.0 had received
contributions totaling 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.

(ap)  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.

(aq)  Phase III of WFP's Emergency Road Repair and Mine Clearance
Special Operation 10368.0 in South Sudan faces a funding shortfall of
US$66.5 million. In the absence of funding, the project is now missing
the beginning of the dry season for works under Phase III contracts.


(8) Tanzania

(a)  The WFP Protracted Relief and Recovery 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 gram per person per day was implemented for the
distribution of 10 April. As a result, refugees are provided with a
daily intake of 1,588 kcal which is 76 percent of the approved ration
level. It is expected that WFP will continue distributing reduced
rations until additional resource are contributed to WFP.

(b)  Following the tripartite agreement in March on the voluntary
repatriation of Burundian refugees, about 11,669 asylum seekers returned
home, as of 14 April. Upon arrival at the Burundi's Nyabitare and Gisuru
reception centres, the returnees received one-month food packages
through the German development agency German Technical Cooperation
(GTZ). Immediately after having collected their food ration, the asylum
seekers returned to their homes. Distribution of food packages to the
asylum seekers will continue on a monthly basis at the reception centres
until June, when a needs assessment of the food support will be carried
out. Some 170 asylum seekers are still hosted in Mugunzu transit centre
in Tanzania.

(c)  General distribution covers 364,399 registered refugees. During the
past week, WFP distributed 1,467 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.

(d)  A shortfall of 19,624 tons (USD 12 million) exists up to the end of
December 2006. New contributions have not been received since the last
update on 19 April.


(9) Uganda

(a)  Over 35,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs) from three camps in
Lira district are the initial caseload targeted for assistance to
transition from food aid to self-reliance as they prepare to return to
their villages of origin. To date, WFP has supported 12,693 households
with 146 tons of assorted seeds, as well as tools (hoes and pangas).

(b)  The new US Ambassador to Uganda, H.E. Steven Browning, visited Gulu
district on 19 April to familiarise himself with the humanitarian
situation among IDPs. He travelled to Pabbo IDP camp and witnessed
relief distribution.  He also visited Abera Primary School, which was
displaced and is hosted by Pabbo Primary School. During these
acquaintance visits the Ambassador was particularly concerned with
protection, return/resettlement/decongestion and food security issues.

(c)  Following the signing of a tripartite agreement between the
Government of Uganda, Government of Sudan and UNHCR for the repatriation
of Sudanese refugees residing in Uganda in March, refugees will be
voluntarily repatriated from Palorinya settlements in Moyo district to
Sudan beginning in May 2006 with 165 persons in the first convoy. A
total of 2,880 refugees will repatriate over the month of May 2006 in 13
planned convoy trips.

(d)  WFP, together with the Embassy of France, through its Social
Development Fund (SDF), have entered into a partnership to co-fund
small-scale development oriented projects designed by NGOs, Community
Based Organisations (CBOs) that aim to enhance livelihoods of IDPs
returning to their areas of origin in the Teso and Lango sub-regions.
WFP will complement the cash grant from the French Embassy with
food-for-work and food-for-training support through recovery activities.

(e)  The Italian Cooperation and Development (ICD) has completed
drilling seven boreholes in seven WFP assisted primary schools in the
Karamoja region. Under a contract signed in November 2005, ICD will
drill 12 boreholes in 12 WFP-assisted schools in Karamoja to enhance
access to safe water in schools in the region. Provision of water within
school areas is expected to promote establishment of school gardens and
help girls to regularly attend classes instead of walking long distances
to fetch water.

(f)  WFP food distribution continues to reach 1.45 million displaced
persons, 165,000 refugees and other vulnerable persons. During the past
two week, WFP distributed 3,250 tons of food assistance to 265,542
persons including IDPs sheltering in camps in Gulu, Kitgum, Pader and
Lira districts, refugees, children in nutrition centres and other
vulnerable persons.

(g)  WFP pipeline shortfall through December 2006 currently stands at
63,000 tons representing USD 34 million. WFP is facing a pipeline break
in cereals, CSB and vegetable oil owing to a combination of defaulting
suppliers and late arrival of shipments. As a result, the limited stock
available is prioritized for food-for-health interventions. The high
price of cereals and UNIMIX in country continues to cause concern. WFP
general food distribution continues without oil and CSB with no
commodity substitution.



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

(1) Cote d'Ivoire

(a)  During the reporting period (20-26 April), the security situation
remained calm. However, the security in the Western part of the country
is worrying, particularly in the zone of confidence (Duekoue - Bangalo)
where ethnic tensions between Baoules and Gueres are still tense.
Criminals and robbers took advantage of this situation to create panic
amongst local populations. It was reported that some alarming incidents
in the neighbouring villages of Bangolo (Gohouzagna, Bahebly, Dieouzou,
Petit Pine, Glopou & Douekpe) occurred this week end with displacements
of populations to Duekoue. The reasons of these disorders are not easy
to determine. The Licorne Forces strengthened their presence in this
sector by bringing one infantry company from Odienne.

(b)  Security recommendations to UN staff remained unchanged. Caution
and high vigilance is advised all over the country.

(c)  The International Working Group held its 4th meeting on Thursday 20
April. It urged key players to press ahead to disarm and identify
simultaneously ahead of the end October poll deadline.

(d)  Further to notification of a humanitarian crisis in Bangolo zone
with displacements to Bangolo, an interagency mission has been conducted
to Bangolo on Sunday 23 April. It has been evidenced that there is no
humanitarian emergency but the security situation is worrying.

(e)  Voluntary repatriations of Liberian refugees were going on. Weekly
convoys are organised by UNHCR.

(f)  During the reporting period, WFP delivered a total of 483 tons food
to 73,565 beneficiaries.

(g)  From 24 to 28 April 2006, a training workshop on agricultural
techniques and sensitization is being held in Fapaha (Korhogo) for
Cooperating Partners involved in the implementation of the joint WFP/FAO
agriculture programme. It aims at elaborating identification criteria
for the targeted villages and at putting in place community-based
committees. The WFP Bouake and Korhogo sub-offices are attending the
workshop.

(h)  As part of the joint WFP/FAO agriculture programme for 2006, a
total of 11,054 households have been identified to be assisted with seed
protection rations in the 18 Montagnes region.

(i)  A monitoring visit of school canteens was conducted in Toulepleu,
West of Guiglo on the border of Liberia.

(j)  As of 26 April 2006, the regional Protracted Relief and Recovery
Operation (PRRO);Cote d'Ivoire, Burkina, Ghana, Mali, has received a
total of 36.8 million US dollars against the operational needs of 50.1
million US dollars (26.4% shortfall or 13.2 million US dollars against
operational requirements). Additional funding is required in order to
avoid pipeline breaks.


(2) Guinea

(a)  During the reporting period (3-16 April), attacks on private houses
and businesses continued to be reported frequently in Kissidougou and
N'Zerekore. On 2 April, a GTZ car was reported stolen in Voinjama,
Liberia, it was later found in Gueckedou, Guinea.

(b)  A total of 923 Liberian refugees were voluntary repatriated during
the reporting period. As usual, WFP provided hot meals for the refugees
in the convoys. Additionally, in order to accelerate the repatriation
process, the 534 refugees received their May monthly food distribution.

(c)  A mission of officials from the US embassies in Monrovia and
Abidjan went through N'Zerekore, where they met with partners and
refugees in Kouankan 1 and Laine camps. During its visit, the delegation
made clear that the resettlement process for Liberian refugees will be
over in September 2006 and humanitarian partners were encouraged to
transfer their activities to the Liberian Counties where refugees and
IDPs returned.

(d)  During the reporting period, under the Protracted Relief and
Recover Operation (PRRO), 295 tons was provided to 23, 291
beneficiaries.

(e)  Guinean refugee camps host currently over 47,751 individuals who
are assisted by WFP. The present count includes 2,999 refugees from
Ivory Coast and the balance from Liberia.

(f)  During the reporting period, a total of 288 tons were distributed
to 22,368 beneficiaries during the February General Food Distribution in
Kouankan 1, Kouankan 2 and Kountaya camps.

(g)  On 8 April, UNHCR and WFP met to review the list of beneficiaries.
WFP agreed to add 122 new beneficiaries, including new born and
vulnerable Ivorian refugees, to Kouankan 2 caseload.

(h)  On 6 April, WFP N'Zerekore met with its Cooperating Partner AACG to
discuss the monitoring of the activity, the progress of school gardens,
the performance of parent of students associations and the ARGOS
monitoring project.

(i)  During the reporting period, trainings on the school feeding
activity were conducted for participant schools' directors in the Forest
region. This training aims to familiarize them better with the activity,
their roles and the monitoring practices.

(j)  On 12 April, the head of WFP N'Zerekore sub office met with the
representatives of two local associations to prepare a first proposal of
47 households, beneficiaries of the pilot project of food support for
people living with HIV/AIDS.


(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
items, 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 including 11.7 million USD for WFP. Out of a total of 25
million USD required for WFP's Protracted Relief and Recovery Operation
(PRRO) in 2006, 13.3 million USD has been received to date. 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 5,800 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
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 pipeline 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) Namibia (7) Swaziland (8) Zambia (9) Zimbabwe

(1) Angola

(a)  WFP's new PRRO started on 1 April and will run until March 2009. At
least 24, 000 tons of food or USD 19 million are urgently needed to
ensure the project gets off to a solid start, enabling WFP to meet its
obligations in support of the continuing return and resettlement
programme, as well as to expand the school-feeding, health and nutrition
programmes.  Unless new contributions are soon confirmed the operation
will not be able to adequately support the resettlement process,
reducing the incentive for people to return to, and remain in, their
areas of origin. Without additional contributions it will not be
possible to extend the School-Feeding programme, which has become a
priority of the Angola Government.


(2) Lesotho

(a)  From 18-26 April, WFP and Cooperating Partners provided food to
some 17,000 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)  WFP finalized an agreement with the Clinton Foundation HIV/AIDS
Initiative and the Ministry of Health & Social Welfare for the provision
of supplementary rations (CSB & Oil) for children enrolled in the
HIV/AIDS Paediatric Treatment Programme at the Queen Elizabeth II
Hospital in Maseru. WFP is repackaging the rations, using a local
Home-Based Care Support Group that has volunteered. It is estimated that
there are some 22,000 HIV-Positive children under the age of 14 years
who may be in need to nutritional assistance in Lesotho.

(c)  Due to limited treatment facilities, around 450 beneficiaries are
receiving treatment with 200 children to benefit from food assistance
through the combined efforts of WFP and the Clinton Foundation HIV/AIDS
Initiative. Adequate nutrition is crucial to treatment.


(3) Madagascar

(a)  After a good beginning to the 2005/6 rainy season over southern
Madagascar, rainfall significantly reduced during late February and
March. According to the Famine Early Warning Systems Network (FEWS NET),
many areas have received little rainfall since late February, resulting
in seasonal rainfall deficits of 100 to 250+ mm, and an end to the rainy
season that is two months premature. This early cessation of seasonal
rains has resulted in the development of drought in some parts of the
country and has likely resulted in reductions in crop production and
crop losses. Losses will be highest for crops sown late.


(4) Malawi

(a)  The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security has released the
final results of the crop estimates for maize. For the first time in
five years, drought-stricken Malawi will have a bumper maize harvest,
according to the estimates. Good rain and a successful
government-sponsored fertiliser and seed distribution programme is
reported to have boosted farmers' yields.. The country is forecast to
produce about 2.35 million tons of maize, just over the annual
requirement of 2 million tons.

(b)  In Karonga and Nkhata Bay districts in the north, flash floods in
April have affected sources of livelihood for some communities. About
10,600 households and 3,500 Ha of crops have been mildly or severely
damaged. The crop includes maize, rice, cassava and bananas. The extent
of livestock and crop damage was still to be fully assessed last week.
This will give input to further discussions with government on how to
assist the affected households.


(5) Mozambique

(a)  The price of maize continues to decline due to the increasing
supply of this year's crops. As harvest continues, the food security
situation of most populations is improving particularly in southern and
central Mozambique.  Targeted food aid distributions also continue to
contribute to food availability. WFP plans to scale down the food
assistance for drought affected households in southern and central
regions. CSB pipeline break in the central Manica and Sofala provinces
has prevented supplementary feeding distributions to take place as
planned.

(b)  Joint WFP/UNHCR assessment is underway in northern Nampula province
to determine the food assistance needs of the refugee population
currently living in Marratane camp. The assessment should be completed
by the end of the week and preliminary results are expected in May.


(6) Namibia

(a)  The Government of Namibia and WFP's new programme to provide food
assistance to 111,000 Orphans and Vulnerable Children (OVC) in Namibia's
Northern and North-eastern regions starting last week. The programme
will secure food for OVC in six regions with the highest HIV/AIDS
prevalence rate in the country and as a result has high number of OVC.

(b)  It is expected that WFP's food assistance will run for
approximately two years, after which most of the children should be
receiving Government grants to enable them to buy basic food supplies.

(c)  Joint UN High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) and WFP assessment
mission (JAM) started on 24 April. The mission will assess the food
security and livelihood conditions in Osire camp, which is home to
approximately 6,000 Angolan refugees and asylum seekers.  The outcome of
the JAM will provide guidance for future food assistance programmes.


(7) Swaziland

(a)  WFP participated in a meeting of the Vulnerability Assessment
Committee (VAC) to prepare for the upcoming crop performance and overall
food supply assessment for the 2006/7 marketing year (April/March).
Over the past decade, Swaziland has repeatedly experienced droughts or
inadequate rainfall and resultant poor harvests. The rainfall this
ending season, though more favourable overall, was characterized by
isolated unfavourable weather raising concerns about the potential
impact on the nation's food production.


(8) Zambia

(a)  Food distribution under PRRO 10071.2 started with reduced ration in
January 2006. As a result of contributions received so far, full rations
were restored in February 2006. However further contributions are still
urgently needed to meet refugee requirements for 2006 particularly in
Cassava meal, vegetable oil and maize meal. Agricultural land is very
limited in most camps and as such, the majority of refugees depend
solely on WFP food assistance to meet their basic daily nutritional
requirements. Reduced rations can greatly jeopardise the overall health
and nutritional status of refugees.


(9) Zimbabwe

(a)  WFP Field Monitors in Manicaland Province reported that food
security remains a concern for communities throughout the Province with
the winding up of WFP's Vulnerable Group Feeding (VGF) programme at the
end of April. Although some households in Buhera, Chipinge and
Chimanimani districts have started harvesting sorghum, respondents
indicated that yields will not last long.  In April, the last month for
the VGF programme, WFP plans to provide a half ration (5 kgs of cereals
and 1 kg of pulses) to more than 3.5 million beneficiaries.

(b)  According to WFP's Vulnerability and Mapping Unit (VAM), maize
grain prices in March 2006 continued to outpace overall inflation. Year
on year comparison of maize grain prices in Mutare, Harare, Bulawayo,
and Masvingo indicates that the current price levels are in average more
than 1,800 percent higher than prices of same month last year.

(c)  Overall, food access will remain critical in 2006 due to the
hyper-inflation, high unemployment, and improved-but still inadequate
crop production.



(F) Asia: (1) Myanmar (2) Nepal (3) Philippines

(1) Myanmar

(a)  During the reporting period (12-26 April), five bombs exploded in
downtown Yangon. Though the detonations were loud, no casualties,
injuries nor damages were reported.

(b)  A sharp rise in the price of basic essential commodities and goods
are still being observed. Salary raise for the Government employees is
said to be the main cause of inflation.

(c)  At completion, the EMOP 10345.1 Evaluation/Formulation Mission held
separate de-briefing sessions with NGO partners, Government counterparts
and donors and presented their findings and recommendations. Based on
the WFP nutrition survey result in project area which indicate high
prevalence of chronic and acute malnutrition and as recommended by ODB
led evaluation mission, WFP is planning to launch a pilot project on
Community Mother and Child Nutrition to children under 3 years of age,
pregnant women and lactating mothers, in selected villages in Northern
Rakhine State, Magway Division and Laukkai area. In this pilot phase,
WFP intends to provide a package of services including a weekly
take-home ration of fortified blended food, nutrition and health
education, de-worming, supplementation of vitamin and minerals etc, in
close collaboration with Ministry of Health, UNICEF and other health
NGOs.

(d)  Budget revisions to extend both Emergency Operation (EMOP) and
Protracted Relief and Recovery Operation (PRRO) until 31 December 2006,
as recommended by the Evaluation Missions are being prepared and
finalized..

(e)  Under EMOP 10345.1, a total of 272 tons of rice was dispatched to
Lashio, Laokai and Pang Kham Sub- Offices for Food-for-Education,
Food-for-Work and Food-for-Training activities. It has been reported
that unusual high temperature in Wa has caused insect infestation in the
warehouses.

(f)  The EMOP is currently resourced 78 percent against the appeal of
US$8,301,577 and the PRRO is currently resourced 68 percent against the
appeal of US$12,270,456.

(g)  Under PRRO 10066.2, a total of 145 tons of mixed food commodities
were dispatched to Maungdaw Sub-Office for General Food Distribution,
Mother and Child Nutrition and Food-for- Work activities. Assessment for
Vulnerable Group Feeding is being carried out in Northern Rakhine State.
A series of discussions held with UNDP, UNOPS and NGOs on joint
implementation of Food for Work and Food for Training activities in Chin
State.

(h)  NGO Cooperating Partners were provided with AHI awareness posters
in Myanmar and Chinese Languages to communicate health education to the
beneficiaries. Masks and tamiflu for staff have also been pre-positioned
both at the country office and the sub-offices.

(i)  WFP presented a paper on "Rural Livelihoods and Food Security" at
the DFID sponsored "Civic Society on Humanitarian and Development
Activities" Workshop in Yangon.


(2) Nepal

(a)  During the reporting period (10-27 April), the pro-democracy and
anti-monarchy nationwide strike and political unrest which began on 6th
April continued and gained momentum throughout the country. The
government imposed numerous day curfews - often violently enforced by
the use of baton charges, tear gas, rubber and live bullets - to prevent
the demonstrations. Up to 16 demonstrators reportedly lost their life
during the unrest.

(b)  With road travel severely curtailed, schools shut and major cities
under curfew for the last three weeks, WFP has not been able to deliver
critically needed food aid to communities around the country, including
to over half a million school children.

(c)  After food shipments to the Bhutanese refugees were disrupted
following the start of the general strike on 6 April, WFP and UNHCR
organised food convoys to the camps and appealed to all parties for safe
passage.  The convoys have been travelling without hindrance since 18
April.

(d)  A full resumption of the activities is planned the soonest after
the proclamation of a 3 month ceasefire.

(e)  Preliminary investigation has confirmed a particular difficult
"hunger gap" for some mid-west and far-west districts where the last two
harvests have been successively much lower than average due to an
exceptionally dry winter and very poor/erratic monsoon rains of last
summer. After collection of pre-EFSA data, it appears that additional
external food assistance will be needed on an emergency basis. WFP, in
collaboration with FAO, is currently considering launching an Immediate
Response Emergency Operation (EMOP).


(3) Philippines

(a)  During the reporting period (30 March-12 April), the security
situation remains unchanged both in Manila and in Mindanao and there are
no movement restrictions.  The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP)
have stepped up operations against the communist insurgency group the
New People's Army in Davao del Norte and Asugan Provinces. A commander
of the Al- Queda linked terrorist organization Abu Sayyaf group and his
relative were killed by security forces in Zamboanga City on 3 April
2006.

(b)  WFP will be working in five provinces in Mindanao: Lanao del Sur,
Lanao del Norte, Maguindanao, Sultan Kudarat and North Cotabato. Two of
the provinces, Lanao del Sur and Maguindanao, form part of the
Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) and are particularly
affected by population displacement as a result of the conflict. It is
estimated that the EMOP will reach 60 percent of the populations in the
conflict affected targeted areas.

(c)  WFP is re-establishing a presence in the Philippines with an
Emergency Operation (EMOP) that will feed 2.1 million people in Mindanao
in support of the peace process.  The operation will be carried out in
two phases: Phase 1 (March-May 2006) will consist of setting up offices,
conducting some key assessments to fine tune targeting and establishing
a logistics network and partnerships with non-governmental
organisations. Phase 2 will commence in June 2006 with distribution of
food commodities to targeted populations along with monitoring and
training activities for partners.

(d)  WFP will implement a total of seven activities under the EMOP,
including school-feeding for primary school children,
Food-for-Work/Food-for-Training for vulnerable conflict affected
populations, resettlement support for Internally Displaced People and a
Mother and Child Nutrition programme for pregnant and lactating women
and children under the age of two.

(e)  Out of the US$27 million needed, WFP Philippines has so far
received IRA/DSC/ODOC-advances of around US$2.5 million to start up
operations. Part of this has been repaid. WFP has received confirmation
of a US$1.2 million donation, the first direct contribution to the EMOP.

(f)  WFP is working closely with Government counterparts to define the
parameters of WFP operations in the country.  A Letter of Understanding
will be signed shortly with main implementing partner the Department of
Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and a Basic Agreement concluded
with the Government of the Philippines in 1968 provides the legal basis
for WFP presence in the Philippines.  WFP is also meeting with the
National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) the country's independent
economic development and planning agency which coordinates all ODA and
other assistance to the Philippines.

(g)  During the reporting period, WFP focused on holding provincial
consultations with key departments in the five provinces targeted under
the EMOP.  Fruitful discussions were held with provincial
administrators, the provincial planning office, the Department of
Education, the Department of Health, and WFP's main implementing partner
DSWD. The input on perceived needs by these provincial authorities will
assist WFP with finalizing programme specifics including target areas
and ration compositions. WFP has also met with the Moro Islamic
Liberation Front (MILF), the Government's opposition group in the
Mindanao conflict.  The MILF have publicly expressed their support for
the EMOP and WFP hopes that this will have positive implications on the
security of WFP staff and operations.



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

(1) Bolivia

(a)  As of 26 April, 15,873 floods-affected families have received 518
tons of WFP food aid in the Departments of Santa Cruz, Beni, La Paz and
Potosi.

(b)  A general strike was called by the Central Labor Union (COB)
although many sectors refused to join the strike.  In the Department of
Oruro, the main road between the City of Oruro and La Paz was blockaded.
Protesters demanded the reimbursement of their monthly contributions for
housing. This blockade delayed for one day the transportation of IR-EMOP
food between warehouses of the two cities. The population of Puerto
Suarez in the Department of Santa Cruz continued their strike demanding
the legalization of a foreign-owned steel plant in the village, which
was considered illegal by the National Government.

(c)  During the reporting period (20-27 April), 71 tons of food was
distributed to an estimated 3,290 families in the Municipalities of El
Puente and San Julian in the Department of Santa Cruz; Chacarilla,
Catacora, Santiago de Cachaca and Ixiamas in La Paz;  and Sacaca in
Potosi.

(d)  Distributions of Emergency Operation (IR-EMOP) 10511.0 will be
completed on 30 April. These rations will last around 30 days (mid and
end of May). Distributions to the most needed areas with EMOP 10517.0
resources are expected to continue. Meanwhile, EFSA information
collection has been completed in all three intervention Departments.
Data is currently being processed.

(e)  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.


(2) Ecuador

(a)  Flood victims are living in shelters in Huaquillas and Zaruma
(located in El Oro); some returned to their homes and others moved to
relative's homes. Eleven families sheltered in a school were moved to
the Municipality Hospital and to a community center in Zaruma.

(b)  Heavy rains at El Oro's highlands have weakened El Calvario hill
putting at risk hundreds of houses. Landslides have also affected
Portovelo. According to the International Research Center for El Nino
Phenomenon (CIIFEN) report as of 20 April, there will be scarce rains in
the coastal areas and the north of the country until June.  The National
Meteorology and Hydrology Institute (INHAMI) stated that heavy rains
registered since January exceeds the normal rainfall levels.  As a
result, energy in the atmospheric system was very weak producing excess
of heavy rains and low sea temperatures.  Weather forecasts announced
that no rainfall will be reported for the upcoming months.

(c)  According to the National Geophysical Institute, 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 while on 21
April, a low intensity quake of 4.3 in the Richter scale was registered
234.76 km south from Quito in the coastal Province of Los Rios.

(d)  According to the National Geophysical Institute, volcanic activity
is high and it is increasing its activity. Strong explosions were
registered during the past days with moderate and strong emissions of
ashes, steam and gas.  Frequent loud roars are coming from the volcano
and incandescent rocks were also reported.  Continuous ash fall has
affected several communities in the Provinces of Tungurahua and
Chimborazo.

(e)  Seismic activity at Tungurahua Volcano is very high also.  Several
strong tremors were registered inside the volcano. Volcanic activity is
increasing rapidly and abundant ash fall may occur in agricultural areas
and communities near the volcano.

(f)  Monitoring and evaluation report will be presented at the end of
April.

(g)  A WFP Team continues to assess affected areas and updating
information in the Provinces of Los Rios, El Oro, Manabi, and Guayas.

(h)  During the reporting period, WFP in coordination with COE's will
start distribution of 3,643 food rations to beneficiaries.

(i)  Some several cases dengue fever, leptospirosis, malaria have been
reported in several areas in Manabi, El Oro, Guayas.

(j)  Ecuador EMOP 10381.0 has received a contribution of USD357,000 to
continue its operations. In order to complete the operation, there is a
need of funding for USD399,506.

(k)  The United Nations in Ecuador received a contribution USD80,000.
The fund has been used for food aid, medicines and health supplies for
floods affected provinces.


(3) El Salvador

(a)  The "seismic chain" that for three days has been affecting the
Department of Usulutan, located in the east of El Salvador, diminished;
however, the authorities still monitoring the situation. The "seismic
cluster", began 17 April, and until 19 April, recording 158 tremors,
between 2 and 4.5 in the scale of Richter. On 27 April, dawn tremors of
2.9 were reported.


(4) Guatemala

(a)  A total of 11,648 families were assisted with 1,242 tons of food in
departments of Jutiapa, Quetzaltenango, and San Marcos.

(b)  A total of 1,053 tons of food was delivered during the reporting
period in the Departments of Quiche, Huehuetenango and San Marcos.

(c)  A total of 235 tons were repaid by the Emergency Operation (EMOP)
10497 to The Protracted Relief and Recovery Operation (PRRO) 10212 and
Country Programme. To date, the total repaid from the EMOP to the CP and
PRRO is 1,053 tons, which represents 30 percent from the total borrowed
(3,631 tons). At the same time, the EMOP has borrowed 15 tons of beans
to the PRRO 10212 to attend food release notes for this project.

(d)  As of 25 April, the amount resourced for the EMOP 10497 is USD
8,579,334 or 60.9 percent a shortfall 0f USD 5,515,937, 39.1 percent of
the appeal made to the international community in October 2005.

(e)  OCHA staff based in Panama conducted a two-day workshop on 18-19
April aiming at strengthening UN emergency response capacity by
initiating the preparation of an Inter-agency Response Plan.  During the
workshop, the key concepts and tools of emergency preparedness and
response were re-visited. As a result of the workshop, an action plan
and timeframe for the preparation of the Inter-agency Plan was presented
to the UN Resident Coordinators and Heads of Agency.

(f)  UN agencies are preparing the final Guatemala flash appeal Stan
report covering the six months of the operation.  As agreed in previous
meetings, WFP emphasized that, together with the government, the EMOP
10497 was extended until October 2006 for the following reasons (a)
there is still a high percentage of the population in high-risk of food
insecurity and the next harvest of basic staple food is expected in
October and (b) There is not a short-term solution for people currently
living in shelters; therefore, they should be receiving food assistance
from WFP through the joint program (UNDP/WFP/FAO/ILO).  It is expected
that during the expanded period the EMOP would continue receiving
contributions to complete 100 percent of required funds.


(5) Honduras

(a)  A yellow alert was issued on 27 April by the Honduran authorities
of Civil Defense in four departments of Caribbean and North regions of
the country, heavy rainy weather has begun to cause problems. According
to the Service of Meteorology, landslides damaged houses, bridges, in
several localities. According to the Permanent Commission for Disasters
Contingencies (COPECO) the Departments of Atlantida, Colon, Cortes and
Yoro have been declared a yellow alert, and a green alert of monitoring,
in Isla de Bahia and Gracias a Dios.


(6) Nicaragua

(a)  The labor conflict in the health sector continues on it's forth
month without solution.  As a result, medical attention at public health
centers has been reduced since the 18th of January.

(b)  During the reporting period (23-26 April), several minor seismic
activities were registered in the pacific and northern part of Nicaragua
due to activities of the volcano San Cristobal, which is located 135 km
at the north-east of Managua.  No serious damages have been reported and
no eminent eruption on a large scale is expected; however, green alert
has been declared. The national Government is monitoring the situation.

(c)  Because of scantly harvest in the current month, the nutritional
and health situation of the population on the river Coco (Waspam)
remains precarious.

(d)  An estimated 2,149 pregnant and lactating women and 3,012 children
under the age of two continue to benefit from the food distributions
under the Protracted Relief and Recovery Operation (PRRO) 10212.0. This
significant decline of beneficiaries is due to the ongoing labor
conflict in the medical sector. At present, WFP has positioned food for
55,162 school children in the Northern Autonomous Atlantic Region (RAAN)
which will benefit them under the Food-for-Education programme.

(e)  Due to the fact that PRRO commodities were used in order to respond
to other emergencies, the operation is in urgent need of resources to
avoid pipeline break and continue to provide assistance to families
living in areas vulnerable to recurrent shocks.  The PRRO 10212.0 will
experience shortfalls for the next six months, beginning in June 2006,
of 930 tons of maize, 288 tons of CSB and 63 tons of vegetable oil.


(7) Peru

(a)  The volcano Ubinas located in the Moquegua region, has been
belching for some time.  Specialists are expecting it to go from actual
Orange phase to Red Phase quite soon.

(b)  The government will declare the area in emergency within the next
days. WFP Country office is closely monitoring the situation. The
regional authorities of Monquegua have put in place strategies to
relocate the population in safe areas. The Regional President of
Moquegua indicated that its office is not prepared to relocate six
thousand settlers of the District of Ubinas in case the volcano erupts.


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


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