WFP Emergency Report
Issued weekly by the United Nations World Food Programme
Report No. 19 / 2006 - Date 12 May 2006


This report includes:

(A) Highlights
(B) Middle East,Central Asia and Eastern Europe: (1) Afghanistan
    (2) Occupied Palestinian Territories
(C) East & Central Africa: (1) Burundi (2) Ethiopia (3) Kenya (4) Rwanda
    (5) Somalia (6) Sudan (7) Tanzania (8) Uganda
(D) West Africa: (1) Cameroon (2) Cote d'Ivoire
(E) Southern Africa: (1) Angola (2) Lesotho (3) Malawi (4) Mozambique
    (5) Namibia (6) Zambia (7) Zimbabwe
(F) Asia: (1) Sri Lanka
(G) Latin America and Caribbean: (1) Bolivia (2) Ecuador (3) Guatemala
    (4) Nicaragua



(A) Highlights

(a)  Between 1 and 6 May, WFP dispatched a total of 4,304 tons from
Khartoum and El Obied to the three Darfur states.

(b)  Due to impassable road conditions in south Somalia, a Special
Operation for airdrops has been activated.

(c)  Of the over 19,000 Rwanda asylum seekers hosted in camps in north
Burundi, 1,000 were rejected as refugees and are returning home.

(d)  WFP's refugee operation in Tanzania continues to distribute reduced
rations in anticipation of shortfalls expected in June 2006.



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

(1) Afghanistan

(a)  During the reporting period (4-10 May), the southern, southeastern
and eastern regions remained extremely volatile with incidents of
improvised explosive device (IED) attacks and ambushes targeting the
coalition forces and government workers. However, the security situation
remained relatively calm in other areas of the country.

(b)  WFP is extremely concerned about severe drought conditions
affecting various districts of Badghis, Ghor, Bamyan provinces as well
as some districts in provinces in the east.  Food-for-Work or enhanced
Food-for-Education programmes are being assessed. However, the
resourcing situation of the Protracted Relief and Recovery Operation
(PRRO) is very worrisome especially for wheat beginning in late July,
early August.

(c)  Heavy floods in the some of the northern provinces killed and
injured dozens of people and destroyed property.  WFP is responding with
required food assistance with the Government in the lead. According to a
rapid assessment team, floods swept away homes, schools and mosques
affecting over 300 families across Gurziwan district in the northern
province of Faryab. Further, over 3,000 livestock were also lost. In
response, WFP delivered 20 tons of food aid to the victim families,
enough to cover food needs of 322 households (or 1,930 beneficiaries)
for a period of one-month.

(d)  WFP also distributed food to flood-affected people in the provinces
of Sari Pul and Baghlan, where many houses, bridges and mills were
damaged and several hectares of agricultural land were washed away. WFP
delivered seven tons of wheat, pulses and vegetable oil to the district
of Doshi in Baghlan province and two tons of mixed food to Kohistanat in
Saripul province. This assistance will cover the food needs of 774
people for a period of four weeks.

(e)  Protracted Relief and Recovery Operation (PRRO) 10427 is currently
resourced at 20 percent against the appeal. Donors are strongly
requested to support the PRRO as pipeline breaks will begin in July
2006. To meet needs until end 2006, approximately US$25.5 million is
required to meet a shortfall of 43,000 tons of commodities, including
39,000 tons of cereals. Pledges are urgently required to ensure the
efficient and essential winter pre-positioning of 25,000 to 30,000 tons
of cereals. The pre-positioning begins in August and runs through
October. This implies that commodities need to arrive in Afghanistan
latest in mid-July.


(2) Occupied Palestinian Territories

(a)  During the reporting period (1-11 May), the security situation in
Gaza continued to plummet, arguably linked to the deteriorating economic
situation. Crime rates are also on a rapid increase and riots are a
daily occurrence. Internal violence is escalating.

(b)  Access to Gaza very difficult for all UN staff except diplomats due
to the crossing procedures. Access for West Bank staff between North and
South West Bank is becoming increasingly difficult. No Palestinian staff
were able to work at the Country Office for two days on owing to a total
closure of the West Bank over the Jewish holidays.

(c)  Food security has deteriorated significantly over the past weeks
and a grave humanitarian crisis is unfolding. The cut of Palestinian
National Authority (PNA) funding and closures continue to have a direct
impact on increasing the level of impoverishment in the West Bank and
Gaza Strip. People at all levels of society are being affected. WFP is
extremely concerned about the deterioration of coping mechanisms among
the poorest sector. The severity of the situation are indicated by:
National institutions are collapsing as PNA employees are not going to
work, shops are no longer giving credit to PNA employees, many families
are being forced to sell their remaining assets, the number of people
affected by poverty and food insecurity is increasing, prices of basic
foods have increased, and in some cases doubled, fuel prices and public
transport have increased by some 50 percent, preventing many workers
from accessing their place of employment.

(d)  To buffer the impact of the cut in PNA funding and closures on
vulnerable households, and prevent a further deterioration of the
household status, WFP plans to increase its caseload by 25 percent to
cover the basic food needs of the poorest most food insecure sector of
non-refugee society through the current crisis.  WFP urgently needs
funds to cover the pipeline break for Social Hardship Cases and
Institutions after July in order to continue assistance to this
vulnerable caseload.

(e)  Under the Social Hardship Case programme, the general distribution
organised by the Ministry of Social Affairs in all governorates is
completed in the West Bank and Gaza strip for the third cycle and there
were no distributions during the reporting period.

(f)  Distributions are ongoing under phase two (January - March)
allocation, through participation in Food-for-Work (FFW) and
Food-for-Training (FFT) activities in West Bank. Some 28,170
beneficiaries received some 1,120 tons of food in exchange for FFW/T
during the reporting period. Some 30,000 beneficiaries received 44,535
tons of food through the framework of FFWT.

(g)  The second distribution cycle for kindergartens registered with
Near East Foundation (NEF) was completed. Some 2,050 children benefited
from the project from 31 kindergartens.

(h)  Preparations for Walk the World are continuing in cooperation with
TNT. The event will take place in Jerusalem on the 20 May instead of the
21st owing to the local holidays.

(i)  Some 1,550 tons of goods were delivered to Gaza Strip, 1800 tons to
the West Bank. 7000 tons of goods arrived at Ashdod in the reporting
period. Some 1,000 tons of Wheat Flour were delivered to the Gaza strip
through Kerem Shalom Terminal from Egypt. Local suppliers of wheat flour
in Gaza have delivered total of 300 tons during the reporting period. At
the port of Ashdod the maximum container load has been limited to 17
tons instead of 22 tons 75 percent capacity. Due to the extended
holidays and Security alerts port of Ashdod is facing serious congestion
and the cleaning process is now taking as long as two weeks instead of
the usual 4-6 days.



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

(1) Burundi

(a)  Although no military confrontation occurred last week, several
security incidents including armed robbery, rape and targeted killings
were reported in various areas of the country.

(b)  UNHCR has transferred the first 67 Congolese refugees from the
capital, Bujumbura to a new refugee camp in Rutana province.  UNHCR also
reported that another group of Congolese refugees would be transferred
to Muyinga province.  Most of these refugees arrived from DRC in late
2005 fleeing persisting insecurity. The new camp in Rutana hosts 52
Rwandans who were recently granted refugee status and transferred from
the north. WFP continues to coordinate with UNHCR to assist them.
Moreover, around 1,000 Rwandan asylum seekers whose applications for
refugee status were rejected are returning to Rwanda. They will benefit
from one month food packages before being transferred home. As reported
last week 19,000 Rwanda asylum seekers are hosted in camps in the north.

(c)  WFP distributed 1,155 tons of food aid to 217,109 beneficiaries
during last week.

(d)  WFP has completed the second round of "Crisis Indicators
Monitoring" in the drought affected provinces.  The final report from
various assessments concluded that the return of rainfall coupled with
regular food distributions and the ongoing seasonal activities for the
coming season 2006B had reduced migrations.  Burundians, who had gone to
Tanzania in search of food, returned with one month food packages and
will be included in the targeted feeding of May and June, as agreed
between WFP, UNHCR and the Tanzanian and Burundian authorities. This
assistance, coupled with the closure of the Kibondo way station in
Tanzania, contributed towards halting the Burundi-Tanzania cross border
movement of people in search of food.

(e)  However, the prevailing negative coping strategy reported in some
hunger affected zones include the sale of farms, land and properties by
poor households leading to a situation where the poorest will remain
dependent on food aid even after the lean periods and the actual
crisis.. Although the relatively good coffee production in the northern
provinces is expected to generate additional resources to rural
households, the need of food aid remains until the harvest of season
2006B. There is also concern about negative coping mechanisms adopted at
the household level, including erosion of the traditional social
assistance, increase of prostitution, theft and begging.

(f)  During the reporting period (5-12 May), a joint (OCHA, WFP and
UNICEF) rapid assessment was conducted in Cibitoke following heavy rain
in Cibitoke and Bubanza provinces. The conclusions indicated that no
additional food assistance was needed. A similar mission will be
organized in Bubanza. (g) WFP is currently estimating the shortfall at
around 3,500 tons of pulses for the next five months and 162 tons of
salt over the next two months.  As a result of the shortfall, some
distributions were conducted without pulses last week.


(2) Ethiopia

(a)  Good amounts of rain were received in Dessie Zuria and Kallu
districts of South Wello zone of Amhara region during the week. There
has been no report of rainfall from Afar region in the last seven days
except from parts of zone one and zone four where the amount and
distribution is rated very good. 'Sugum' rains (short rainy season) are
normally not expected in the region after mid April. Adadle and Gode
districts of Gode zone of Somali region received some rains during the
week. On 09 May, heavy rainfall accompanied by stormy wind in Shekosh
district of Korahe zone damaged 80 houses and injured seven people, two
of them very seriously. The 'gu' rains (main rainy season) are beginning
to improve in Fik Zone.  Two to four days of rainfall have been received
in the first ten days of May. Gashamo and Gunagado districts of
Degehabur zone and Danot and Geladi districts of Warder zone also had
2-4 days of good rains in the last week of April. The 'gu' rains are
normally expected to last until the third week of May. In Southern
Nations and Nationalities Region (SNNPR), a generally moderate and
evenly distributed rainfall has been obtained in most special districts
of the Rift Valley during the reporting period. The rains in South Omo
zone have however been uneven. The situation in Gamo Gofa zone was
likewise mixed. Heavy rains caused floods in Arbaminch zuria district
where some farmlands were inundated and transportation was temporarily
held back. Tigray region received sufficient belg rains (short rainy
season) in April, without any adversities.  Consequently, belg crops
continue to grow well.

(b)  Some light and localized rains were reported in Dire Dawa, Harar
and Alemaya, Deder and Goro Gutu districts of East Harerghe zone of
Oromiya region. Water and pastures are adequately replenished. In
Gambella region, the rains during the last week of April have been good
in both amount and distribution. Agricultural activities for meher crops
(long rainy season crops) and planting of maize are underway in most
zones. However, the prevailing insecurity is severely impeding such
efforts in some parts of the region.

(c)  A humanitarian coordination meeting of Somali region took place on
04 May in the regional capital of Jijiga. The issues on the agenda
included updates on the current emergency situation and on the
humanitarian response. The meeting gathered a wide range of different
agencies with shared concerns over the situation. The meeting discussed
possible flood scenarios in Gode zone and stressed that a multi-agency
contingency plan should be drafted.

(d)  Daily food dispatches continue to Somali region and Borena zone of
Oromiya region. The federal Disaster Prevention and Preparedness Agency
(DPPA) has now transported 83 percent of the 23,500 tons of relief food
allocated in February and has also started moving small quantities of
the March food allocation.  There is improvement in road conditions
especially in Afder zone of Somali region and more trucks are expected
to be deployed in the coming week. Nearly 100 percent of the food
allocated for Borena zone of Oromiya region has been dispatched, and the
next round of food allocations are due to start shortly. The federal
DPPA is transporting the latest allocation of 875 tons to Afar and so
far 76 percent of the food has been dispatched. Road conditions have
also improved in Afar; however some delays are still expected due to
transport related problems.

(e)  For the WFP's Targeted Supplementary Feeding component of the
"Enhanced Outreach Strategy", the first dispatches were completed in
zone one of Afar region; a total of 228 tons of Corn Soya Blend (CSB)
and 25..55 tons of oil was moved to 54 identified sites in 6 districts
to feed a total of 7,927 beneficiaries.  The second round of dispatches
is almost completed in SNNPR.  This brings the total tonnage moved in
the first half of the year to 5,558 tons, covering almost 100,000
beneficiaries.  In Tigray region, the second round of food dispatches
will begin next week to the southern, eastern, central and north western
zones, where a total of 78,457 beneficiaries will receive rations.  In
Somali region, food dispatch is 60 percent completed in 14 of the 21
districts. Dispatches of food in the region have been hampered by
current rains and shortage of trucks. Dispatches will be completed
within the next 2 weeks.  In Somali region, The Disaster Preparedness
and Prevention Bureau (DPPB) is beginning the contracting process to
ensure that the next round of food will be moving in early June.  This
will bring Somali region on schedule to distribute for the next round of
screening due in August.  In Oromiya region, 12 out of 63 districts are
still to receive food.  In Amhara region, dispatches are almost 98
percent completed with 1,675 tons of CSB and 188 tons of oil being
dispatched by the end of this week.  In both regions one distribution
was achieved in the first half of 2006 and not two as planned.  WFP and
DPPB continue to work to tackle and reduce the delays experienced.


(3) Kenya

(a)  Good rainfall is reported in most of the districts previously
affected by drought. However, due to the heavy rains the condition of
many roads has deteriorated.  The worst affected is the road between
Mombasa and Garissa, which has become impassable due to flooding. WFP
trucks heading to areas in north-eastern Kenya are being diverted
through Nairobi, a much longer route.  This caused delays in the
distribution cycle for April, which is now ongoing in 20 out of 25
drought-affected districts.

(b)  The latest confirmed private donation of USD one million in early
May has brought the level of confirmed funding for the EMOP to USD 105
million or approximately 47 percent of the total requirement covering
the period from March 2006 through February 2007. Some more
contributions totalling USD 8 million are awaiting confirmation.

(c)  A high-level US delegation and WFP representative from Rome are
currently visiting WFP operations in Kenya including Dadaab refugee
camps and various drought-affected districts in Kenya.


(4) Rwanda

(a)  The Emergency Food Security Assessment (EFSA) estimates that
294,000 people (58,850 households) are severely food insecure, among
them 3,760 malnourished children enrolled in supplementary feeding
programs. However, due to food shortages in the country stocks, WFP will
not be able to cover the needs as planned.  Only 250 tons of CSB could
be provided through nutrition centers as an emergency measure together
with therapeutic milk from UNICEF stocks. WFP is urgently soliciting for
USD 25 million in order to implement the EFSA recommended emergency
intervention for the population identified as severely food insecure and
the contingency plan to assist this caseload over a further 5-6 months
if the expected harvest in June 2006 is less than normal.

(b)  Food security prospects are improving as season 2006B rainfall
continues. If this positive trend continues through the end of May, a
relatively good harvest is anticipated in about two-thirds of the
country. However for drought-affected districts, sorghum, maize and
beans planting was affected by late and unseasonable rainfall. Food
production is already expected to be less than normal.  The affected
population is coping mainly through off-farm employment and petty trade
in addition to assistance from WFP-supported nutrition centres and
school feeding programs and other limited government aid. The most
vulnerable households are skipping meals and eating less preferred
foods. The Disaster Management Unit (DMU) is currently tendering for
local procurement of maize, beans and cooking oil to be distributed by
mid-May to 275,000 people in the most affected districts of the southern
and eastern provinces.

(c)  Data from the Comprehensive Food Security and Vulnerability
Assessment (CFSVA) conducted in March-April countrywide is being
processed. The expected results will provide more information on the
location, size and characteristics of the most vulnerable group.

(d)  The number of Congolese and Burundian refugees in Rwanda remained
stable at 41,171 and 2,557 respectively. The total number of refugees in
Rwanda currently stands at 43,728.

(e)  More than 40 tons of food was distributed to 3,319 refugees in
Nkamira transit camp (TC) and Kigeme camp.

(f)  A total of 120 returnees from DRC passed through Nkamira TC and
they were provided with a three-month ration consisting of 6.5 tons of
food commodities before being transferred to their home communities.

(g)  The verification exercise of the over 19,000 Rwandan asylum seekers
in camps in northern Burundi continues.  Thus far, 1,080 Rwandan asylum
seekers were rejected and are expected to return this week. A monthly
food ration will be provided to them on the Burundian side before
departure. Most of them are from the most affected communities (Kibingo
and Mugombwa) as per EFSA study. The technical group on the assistance
for returning Rwandans, set up by the UN Country Team during their
meeting in the Southern province last week, is preparing a work plan for
assistance in the concerned communities.


(5) Somalia

(a)  The security situation in Mogadishu remains fluid after escalation
of fights between the different rivalling groups. The situation is being
closely monitored and a possible contingency plan will be worked out at
an inter agency level. There has been no direct impact on WFP activities
at the moment.

(b)  The 2006 'gu' rains are continuing, with heavy rainfall reported
all over south Somalia in the past weeks. This has considerably improved
pasture conditions, but also resulted in the deaths of weak animals.
Production of milk and ghee remains low. The effect of drought on
livestock and pastoral communities has been substantial. With estimated
livestock deaths between 40 to 60 percent in certain areas, the recovery
process might continue till the end of the year even if the 'gu' rains
are normal.

(c)  Localized flooding has been reported along Juba River, in areas
such as Buale district.  Water levels in the main rivers continue to be
monitored in both Ethiopia and Somalia as an early warning signal to
possible flooding.

(d)  Rains in the northeast, especially the Sool plateau have been
late.. However, good rainfall was reported during the last week of April
and in the first days of May.  These rains have helped replenish water
points and provided some relief to local pastoral population.

(e)  The inter agency nutrition assessment lead by the Food Security
Analysis Unit (FSAU) in middle and lower Juba regions is ongoing. Most
teams are expected to return to Nairobi around 11 May, however, the
Bardera district team has already returned and preliminary results
should be available next week.

(f)  Ocean transport is ongoing from Mombasa. Two vessels with a total
of 10,624 tons of food commodities arrived in Kismayo (3,124 tons) and
Merka (7,500 tons). A third vessel with 2,442 tons is en-route to Port
Elmaan, although it might be diverted to Kismayo or Merka depending on
the security situation in Mogadishu.

(g)  Middle Juba, parts of lower Juba, Bay and Gedo regions are now
inaccessible due to impassable road conditions as a result of heavy
rains. The contingency special operation (SO 10518) for airdrops has
been activated and plans are underway to commence airdrops on 20 May,
pending resource availability. On 10 May, training on food airdrops
started in Wajid.

(h)  The second round distribution has started with food dispatches to
final delivery points (FDPs) in Qansahdhere district, Bay region.

(i)  Laying of the foundations for four mobile storage tents are in
progress in Buale. The tents will be installed by end of May, creating a
storage capacity of 3,000 tons for middle Juba region.


(6) Sudan

(a)  During the reporting period (1-7 May), SOFA related movement
restrictions and harassment of UN Agency staff at checkpoints continued
to hinder humanitarian activities in El Fashe, North Darfur. A
discussion with authorities is ongoing to resolve the situation.
Meanwhile, in the wake of last week's temporary discontinuation of
activities in Kebkebiya after denial of access for WFP staff, the state
government was informed in this matter and affected WFP staff members
relocated to El Fasher returned on 8 May after an improvement in the
situation.

(b)  In Fasher, an estimated 300 IDPs peacefully demonstrated on 4 May
in support of the Abuja peace process and to express their concerns
about ration reductions.

(c)  The emerging risk of destabilization in Chad, which could further
jeopardize the crisis in West Darfur remained a major concern with
clashes, troop movements inside Chad and in some cases along the border.
Banditry incidents targeting the international aid community also
continued to be reported. Militia in Geneina robbed the COSV compound
and armed men along the Ardamata-Geneina road ambushed an SC-US vehicle.

(d)  Despite the relatively calm security situation in the Shearia and
Gereida localities, clashes affecting IDP camps have been reported in
the past week. Tensions continued to rise and to negatively affect
access to beneficiaries. The number of clashes between the Sudanese
Armed Forces and SLA decreased during the reporting period although
skirmishes continued and new population displacements from recent combat
operations occurred. An inter-agency assessment mission to Gereida on 3
May estimated more than 4,000 new IDP arrivals with a total of up to
100,000 IDPs in the town.

(e)  After the SLA's recent relocation and concentration of combatants
in areas near Nyala, the possibility of increased tensions between SLA,
Sudanese Armed Forces and militia with potential spill over effects into
Nyala remains high in the coming weeks. This could have severe
implications for humanitarian agencies operating in the area.

(f)  Concerns over banditry incidents along access roads continued to
restrict the movement of commercially hired trucks ferrying WFP
commodities.

(g)  An inter-tribal conflict between Agar Dinka and Jur Bel over access
to water and pasture resulted in displacement of an estimated 540 people
from their locations in Wulu County to Wulu center, Western Equatorial.
Inter-tribal conflict has affected parts of Lakes and Western Equatoria
since February 2006, causing displacements and impacting on the food
security situation of local communities.

(h)  UNDSS advised humanitarian agencies to resume relief activities in
Pochalla, Jonglei following the revision of the Security Level in this
location to Two.

(i)  A disarmament exercise of the Nuer White Army by the SPLM resulted
in a two-day gun battle where an unknown number of fatalities and
causalities occurred. A WFP food distribution exercise targeting 14,200
beneficiaries in Poktap, Pakam and Pajut was subsequently suspended. In
addition, an unconfirmed quantity of WFP food, which was pre-positioned
in Pajut, was also looted.

(j)  WFP also suspended food distribution to 25,000 beneficiaries in
Motot, Pieri and Pathai, Wuror County following increased tension in the
County. UNDSS revised the Security Level of the County to Four following
the tension that resulted from an announcement by the SPLM of a planned
disarmament exercise. Meanwhile, Old Fangak remained under Security
Level Four due to insecurity and rising tension.

(k)  A mine accident reportedly took place on the road to Timikrif, 62
km north of Kassala town, when a lorry with seven persons on board drove
over an anti-tank mine. Three persons were injured. Another mine
incident occurred when a fifteen-year-old child riding a camel run over
a mine in Korotabe, 178 km south of Kassala. The child was severely
injured.

(l)  An armed group in two military vehicles stopped a commercial bus
travelling on the Kassala-Port Sudan highway in an area between Hadalia
and Amadam villages, 80 Km to the north of Kassala. The attackers looted
passenger belongings and some vehicles.  The attack was reportedly an
attempt to ambush the local government officials returning to Kassala
from Port Sudan.

(m)  The Government of National Unity and the Sudan Liberation Movement
(SLM) Minawi faction signed the Darfur Peace Agreement in Abuja, Nigeria
on 5 May.

(n)  Banditry incidents, movement restrictions and denial of access
continued to pose a challenge to the humanitarian community.

(o)  WFP continued to experience food looting in many locations in the
South. Food looting incidents were reported in Namurunyang and Lomeyan,
Eastern Equatoria. In addition, three trucks transporting food to Akobo
and Walgak were commandeered by an unknown group of armed men and were
forced to offload food in Pathai and a quantity of food on transit to
Macha was offloaded in Kapoeta town. Furthermore, the Sudan
Rehabilitation and Recovery Commission reported that the community in
Gumruk, Pibor County, looted 250 tons of food. All these incidents are
under investigation by local authorities. In an official forum held
during the reporting period in Juba, the Vice President/President of
South Sudan committed to prevent such illegal activities and urged
southerner Governors to follow suit.

(p)  WFP staff continued to experience travel restrictions to any WFP
distribution/project sites (for emergency, recovery or development
programmes) in areas outside of Port Sudan or Kassala towns, East
Sudan.. This is due to the Government non-respect of the SOFA, an
agreement that allows UN staff to travel freely all over Sudan with a
valid UN identification card.

(q)  As of 11 April, WFP food distribution to 10 IDP camps was suspended
due to lack of access past checkpoints around Kassala town by any WFP
staff for monitoring purposes. Only 19percent of the 68,000 IDPs in the
12 camps in Kassala state received their April ration. In addition May
general food distribution to 73,000 refugees in Kassala State is on hold
due to lack of access to seven refugee camps in Kassala State.
Furthermore, UNHCR and WFP have agreed to postpone the annual Joint
Assessment Mission to the refugee camps, partly due to access issues.

(r)  Food pre-positioning need to be completed in refugee and IDP camps
by the end May (before the rainy season June-August). However, if
pre-positioning of commodities cannot take place before that date, the
refugee camps will operate without food assistance during the rainy
season.

(s)  Suspension of WFP activities would affect a total of 285,000 people
in Red Sea and Kassala states including 70,070 school children. Halting
of activities could also lead to a migration of rural populations
towards urban areas and heightened malnutrition rates in states where
GAM rates are already well above the emergency threshold affecting over
17,300 people in supplementary and therapeutic centers. Talks continue
between the UN and the high-level GNU representatives to resolve this
problem.

(t)  Between 1 and 6 May, WFP dispatched a total amount of 4,304 tons
from Khartoum and El Obied to the three Darfur states. WFP's 6x6 truck
fleet transported a total of 1,807 tons to the three states. However, in
West Darfur due to security constraints, the WFP fleet is being used in
Geneina town and in South Darfur dispatches were on hold for two
locations.

(u)  In El Fasher, cooperating Partner ACF resumed general food
distributions in Korma and in Shangil Tobayi after security incidents in
early March 2006 prompted a temporary suspension in activities. In Abu
Shouk and El Salam camps, awareness campaigns on ration reductions
continued.

(v)  ACF reported an increase in admissions into its therapeutic feeding
programme in El Fasher noting that 25 percent of admissions were from
residents. MSF Spain phased out their health and nutrition interventions
in Zamzam camp owing to funding shortfalls while IRC reported an
increase in malnutrition cases in Al Salaam.

(w)  Over 208,000 beneficiaries are due to receive two-month rations
along the Kulbus corridor and within the Habila cluster, West Darfur
owing to the impact of continued insecurity and in anticipation of
inaccessibility during the rainy season.

(x)  Results of a nutrition survey in Morni, conducted by Concern and
the Ministry of Health, found Global Acute Malnutrition (GAM) at 6.4%,
well below the emergency threshold.

(y)  A slight increase in cereal prices possibly due to a raise in
demand following ration reductions was reported, in Geneina market.

(z)  In a meeting with WFP, OCHA and AU, the Governor made an urgent
request for assistance to the Dito, Joghana and Donkey Deresa areas,
South Darfur. WFP was operating in these locations before security
incidents forced a suspension of activities. The possibility of resuming
humanitarian assistance will be evaluated once the security situation
stabilises and population returns commence.

(aa)  Some 10 WFP contracted trucks carrying 138 tons of food returned
to Nyala after being denied access to Feina by armed militias who
requested food before allowing the trucks to proceed to the East Jabal
Mara area. WFP dispatched food assistance to one of the two distribution
points in Shearia rural targeting about 12,800 beneficiaries.

(ab)  An NCA nutrition survey conducted in March to April in Kubum,
Degauss, Umlabassa, administrative units indicated that mortality rates
were below emergency levels. However, GAM rates were 18.3 percent above
the emergency threshold of 15 percent.

(ac)  According to a market survey in Mukjar, all commodity prices
remained stable during the reporting period. However, there was a slight
increase in livestock prices.

(ad)  WFP approved 31 development and rehabilitation projects were
approved in Jonglei state, South Sudan. Implementation of these projects
commenced on 1 May. Food-for-Training activities target Traditional
Birth Attendants and community animal health workers.

(ae)  WFP Nutritionist together with a WFP Senior Fortification Advisor
and other WFP staff undertook a two-day mission to Port Sudan on 3 May
to initiate the implementation plan of the Salt Iodization project in
Red Sea state. The mission visited salt production sites and factories
to assess the size and magnitude of the salt industry and met with salt
producers, state ministers of Health, Finance and Industry. The mission
recommended; reactivation and enforcement of the Iodized Salt
Legislation at Federal level and drafting of Salt Iodization Law at
State level; minimizing taxes on salt production; social mobilization
campaigns; sustainable technical assistance after launching of the
project; and defining of counterparts' roles.

(af)  WFP expedited food dispatches as rains have already started in
Kadugli, Kawalib, Ardikanan and parts of Hajar Hatab and roads to some
locations will become impassable by mid-May. Dispatches to WFP's
Cooperating Partners, CARE International, Save the Children-US and the
Ministry of Education, were completed in many areas including Abu
Gebeiha and Rashad and is ongoing in Kauda. A total of 12,728 tons of
assorted commodities was reported as the current stock balance in South
Kordofan state.

(ag)  Under General Food Distribution, WFP provided 212 tons of assorted
food commodities to 1,280 returnees and 4,771 vulnerable groups in six
villages in Northern Blue Nile state. Returnees received three-month
full rations that will cover their requirements from May through July,
while the vulnerable groups received half rations for the same period.
Simultaneously, Islamic Relief Worldwide distributed about five tons of
treated local sorghum seeds variety to 600 farmers half of whom are
female. Farmers in Khor El Doum and Bulang were provided about eight kg
of locally purchased seeds from an FAO donation. Another two tons of
maize seeds were distributed by the Ministry of Agriculture to 500
farmers in 18 villages located along the western bank of the Blue Nile
River.

(ah)  WFP completed registration and verification in all locations in
Abyei. A total of 98,473 beneficiaries were registered of whom 35
percent are returnees, 10 percent are IDPs, 30 percent are vulnerable
local residents and 25 percent are nomads. Food distributions will be
undertaken shortly.

(ai)  WFP participated in a meeting called by the Humanitarian Aid
Commission (HAC) in White Nile. WFP discussed with a mission coming from
Khartoum comprising of HAC, Centre for Voluntary Return and the Sudan
Rehabilitation and Recovery Commission major challenges encountering
safe return of IDPs. Participants proposed short and long-term
strategies to facilitate voluntary return to areas of origin.

(aj)  As of 10 May, the Emergency Operation 10503.0 had received
contributions totaling US$341.8 million, 45.8 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.

(ak)  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..

(al)  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.


(7) Tanzania

(a)  The WFP refugee operations (PRRO) continues to distribute reduced
rations in order to extend resources in anticipation of shortfalls
expected in June 2006. Refugees were provided with a reduced ration of
287g maize grain (or 266g maize meal), 90g pulses, 40g corn-soya blend
(CSB), 20g oil and 10g salt. The current ration provides refugees with a
daily intake of 1,588 kcal, which is 76 percent of the approved ration
level of 2,100 kcal. It is expected that WFP will continue distributing
reduced rations until additional resources are received.

(b)  On 4 May, 96 persons arrived in Mugunzu way station from Kirondo in
Burundi after having walked for two weeks. Some of the new arrivals had
been rejected by the local authorities earlier this year, while others
had never been to Tanzania. While the screening exercise is being
carried out by local authorities, WFP is providing the new arrivals with
food commodities. Some Congolese asylum seekers are still at Mugunzu way
station; however they are expected to be transferred to refugee camps in
Kibondo during this month.

(c)  In April, 221 Burundian and 772 Congolese refugees repatriated
voluntarily to their home areas.  A total of 149 newly arrived asylum
seekers were recorded in Tanzania during April.

(d)  General distribution covers 351,845 registered refugees. During the
past week, WFP distributed 1,243 tons of food through general
distribution, supplementary and therapeutic feeding in refugee camps in
western Tanzania. Around 8,573 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)  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 3 May.


(8) Uganda

(a)  On 4 May, the President of Uganda launched the Joint Monitoring
Committee (JMC), chaired by the Prime Minister, which will oversee the
development and implementation of an "Emergency Plan for Humanitarian
Intervention in conflict-affected northern Uganda". The President also
expressed his support for the appointment of a senior UN envoy to work
with the Governments of Uganda, Sudan and DRC to address regional
cross-border issues related to the presence of the Lord's Resistance
Army (LRA) on the territory of the three countries. The JMC is to be
comprised of Government of Uganda Ministries, the "core group" of donor
nations (the United Kingdom, Norway, Netherlands, USA and European
Union) and the UN system.. The JMC has been tasked with proposing an
action plan within one month.

(b)  On May 12, the President will be sworn into office for a new five
year term. Appointment of a new Cabinet is anticipated within the next
two weeks.

(c)  The Ministry of Health and WFP have launched the Maternal Child
Health and Nutrition (MCHN) initiative in 12 pilot districts, with
special attention on Karamoja region and northern Uganda. The MCHN
initiative will address the special nutritional needs of children under
five, and pregnant and lactating mothers by enhancing access to maternal
and child health services.

(d)  WFP, French Development Cooperation and NGOs/Community Based
Organisations (CBOs) signed a Memorandum of Understanding to jointly
support the resettlement process in Teso and Lango sub-regions through
small grants.

(e)  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 3,027 tons of food assistance to 316,407
persons including internally displaced persons (IDPs) sheltering in
camps in Gulu, Pader, Kitgum and Lira districts, refugees, children in
nutrition centres and other vulnerable persons.

(f)  WFP's pipeline shortfall through December 2006 is 64,000 tons (USD
35 million).  Grain prices in Uganda remain high, limiting the scope for
local purchase of cereals until the next harvest in late July 2006.
Regional demand for cereals also remains high due to the dry spell that
affected neighbouring countries. Rainfall has been well distributed
during the current growing season and the next harvest appears
encouraging. WFP relief distributions continue without oil and CSB, due
to temporary pipeline shortfalls.



(D) West Africa: (1) Cameroon (2) Cote d'Ivoire

(1) Cameroon

(a)  Early this week, WFP resumed food distributions to 237,000 people
affected by drought in the Logone and Chari division, in the Far North
province of Cameroon. A total of 1,222 tons of maize locally purchased
will be distributed before mid-June coinciding with the start of the
"hunger season".

(b)  The Emergency Operation (EMOP) 10474, "Food Assistance to
Populations Affected by Drought in the Division of the Logone and Chari
(Far North Province)", was extended for five months from the 28th of
February to 31st of July 2006. Logone and Chari was affected by serious
food shortages due to poor and irregular rains during the 2004-2005
agricultural season.

(c)  In October 2005, due to funding shortage, 1,197 tons of maize was
distributed instead of the planned 2,853 tons. EMOP 10474 is 73 percent
funded with contributions totalling US$1.5 million out of the US$2.1
million required to provide food assistance to over 237,000 people for
one month.

(d)  A recent joint Government, WFP, FAO and UNICEF food security
assessment mission in Northern Cameroon showed a satisfactory 2005-2006
rainy season leading to a normal rain-fed crop production. The mission
took place in February in the Adamaoua, North and Far North provinces.


(2) Cote d'Ivoire

(a)  During the reporting period (3-10 May), the security situation was
fairly calm, except in the Cavally region and the zone of confidence
where inter-community clashes prevented populations of Gohouo
Zagna/Bangolo to return home yet.

(b)  In the northern part of the country (Korhogo), crime rates has
declined due to the combined patrols of UN peacekeeping forces (UNOCI)
and Forces Nouvelles armed forces (FAFN). UN staff are recommended to be
very cautious and to comply with security instructions.

(c)  The Avian Influenza was announced officially by the Government on 4
May. Three sites have been identified to date. Subsequently, these sites
have been put under quarantine by the Government health officials.
Training for health staff at the districts level is also being planned.
It will deal with the notification and the care of Avian Influenza
cases. The Government is further preparing a round table to pledge for
the funding of the national Avian Influenza plan.

(d)  The 11th round of the National Vaccination Days against the
poliomyelitis will be launched from 12 to 15 May all over the country.
Children from 6 to 59 months are targeted. Vitamin A will be also
administrated. Chickenpox cases were reported in the region of Guiglo.

(e)  During the reporting period, WFP delivered a total of 116 tons food
to 13,050 beneficiaries. Convoys of refugees to be repatriated to
Liberia under the UNHCR voluntary repatriation programme are going on
weekly basis. However, the number of returnees is not significant.

(f)  The WFP Guiglo distributed food to 144 voluntary teachers in Vavoua
primary schools. Food distributions will continue during the next
reporting period under the OVC in families activity (200 families of
children associated to armed forces or 1,000 individuals) and food for
training activity (971 families or 4,855 individuals).

(g)  The agriculture campaign is at its height. As part of the joint
WFP/FAO agriculture programme for 2006 FAO already positioned seeds in
the Moyen Cavally and the 18 Montagnes regions for 4,139 households.

(h)  As of 10 May, the regional Protracted Recovery and Relief Operation
(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 percent shortfall or 13.2 million US dollars against
operational requirements). Additional funding is requested in order to
avoid pipeline breaks.



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

(1) Angola

(a)  WFP operations continue to face commodity and funding constraints.
As a result, half rations of cereals and pulses are being distributed to
some groups of beneficiaries. Growth in the School Feeing programme has
also been restricted to approximately one-third of the 2006 plan. At
least 15,200 tons of food or USD12.2 million, is urgently needed to
allow planned food distributions to continue through December 2006.

(b)  Work on the metallic bridge over the Lungue Bungo River, in Moxico
Province is in the final stage of construction. The 60 metre free-span
bridge was erected by Swedish Rescue Services Agency and the Angolan
National Institute of Roads with the support of WFP.  Once finished, the
bridge will allow access to Luvuei, a locality which has remained
isolated from the rest of the country and has considerable humanitarian
needs. The bridge also constitutes a major step towards reaching Lumbala
N'guimbo locality, thus facilitating the return and resettlement of
former Angolan refugees living in exile in neighbouring Zambia.

(c)  The joint FAO/WFP Crop and Food Assessment Mission is underway in
the north and south of the country.  Preliminary findings are expected
to be released by 18 May.


(2) Lesotho

(a)  From May 2006, WFP and Cooperating Partners provided food to an
estimated 10,000 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's Monthly Operational Plan for May 2006 has been significantly
reduced from the project planning figures. The reduced implementation
level is due to poor resource availability which will allow the country
office to target just under 50 percent of the planned beneficiaries.
Activities will continue to be focused towards people living with
HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and home-based care patients, orphans and
vulnerable children, and support to community based asset creation
initiatives through the Food-for-Work/Food-for-Training component of the
project.


(3) Malawi

(a)  The food security situation has improved in most areas of the
country where harvesting of maize and other main staple food crops is
taking place. The improved food accessibility situation has also helped
to stabilise market prices.


(4) Mozambique

(a)  The price of maize continue to fall in the central provinces of
Manica and Sofala as buyers from the southern provinces are moving large
quantities of the cereal to the main commercial centres of the south. In
the last week, the price of cereals also dropped significantly on the
markets of Nampula Province due to increased availability and good crop
prospects.


(5) Namibia

(a)  A budget revision requesting an extension in time and additional
commodities for EMOP 10145.1 "Assistance to Angolan Refugees in Namibia"
was submitted for approval.  Following the recent Joint Assessment
Mission's recommendations, WFP plans to continue assistance to
approximately 6,000 refugees and asylum seekers until the end of
December 2007.


(6) Zambia

(a)  Despite excessive rainfall and recent flooding in some parts of the
Southern Province, the Emergency Relief Operation is winding down as
many families are now harvesting maize and other foods and household
food security and accessibility has improved.

(b)  Since the beginning of May, the maize market saw a decrease in
prices ranging from between 4 and 12 percent as small scale maize
supplies became available. While the Ministry of Agriculture and
Cooperatives crop forecast is expected in the coming days, all reports
indicate that the country will experience a favourable harvest.

(c)  Although WFP's commodity and funding shortfall has been reduced,
contributions are still needed to meet food requirements in five refugee
camps during 2006. Agricultural land is limited in most camps and the
majority of refugees depend solely on WFP food assistance to meet their
basic daily nutritional requirements. As experienced earlier in the
year, reduced rations jeopardize the overall health and nutritional
status of refugees.


(7) Zimbabwe

(a)  Monitoring reports indicate improved food security in some parts of
the country as an immediate outcome of the ongoing harvest. Some
indicators are an increased availability of maize meal on the market in
the Bulawayo and Mashonaland areas as well as stabilized maize meal
prices. However, villagers have reported widespread crop failure in
Chivi and Zaka districts in the south-eastern part of the country and
expect a further deterioration in their food security. WFP is reviewing
requests from non-beneficiaries for an expansion of ongoing food aid
programmes within these districts.



(F) Asia: (1) Sri Lanka

(1) Sri Lanka

(a)  Renewed violence has led to the death of over 200 persons during
the month of April. UN staff movements are carefully monitored by Area
Security Coordinators in all districts.

(b)  In April, the Sri Lankan Armed Forces (SLAF) launched retaliatory
air strikes against the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE)
positions in the Northern district of Trincomalee, which killed at least
18 civilians and displaced thousands of people. UN Inter-Agency teams
conducted a preliminary joint assessment missions in order to establish
humanitarian needs and vulnerabilities in the targeted areas. The team
reported some 6,000 families or about 21,000 people were displaced. The
displaced have sought temporary shelter in schools, churches and other
public buildings as well as with friends and relatives. In Trincomalee,
90 percent of planned monitoring missions were either suspended or
canceled due to the prevailing security situation.

(c)  WFP's activities have been significantly affected in Jaffna, due to
regular claymore mines attacks, targeting army convoys and creating
collateral damage and victims. Extrajudicial killings and harassment of
Tamil civilians are rife in the peninsula.

(d)  Schools were closed for first term vacation and most of the schools
in Trincomalee could not reopen as scheduled due to the recent upsurge
in violence. In March, 101,137 school children received mid-morning
meals through Food-for-Education activities. From the second term of the
school year, WFP intends to provide school meals to 314,426 children in
1,378 schools in 32 Zonal Education divisions. By the end of the second
term, WFP intends to reach over 330,000 children in 1,500 schools in Sri
Lanka.

(e)  WFP is reconstructing kitchens, stores and sanitary facilities in
221 schools in in Jaffna, Trincomalee, Batticaloa, Ampara, Kilinochchi
and Mullaitivu. In November 2005, WFP signed a partnership agreement
with World Vision within School Feeding, including amongst other things
construction works, nutritional education and funding of greeneries in
108 schools in Jaffna, Mullaitivu, Trincomalee Batticaloa and Ampara.
World Vision has now initiated work within most schools: the project has
advanced greatly in the first few months of 2006.

(f)  In March, WFP provided CSB to 80,046 children and pregnant and
lactating women through Mother and Child Nutrition activities. WFP
intends to provide CSB to 250,000 women and children in approximately 50
Medical Officer of Health areas covering 1,190 clinics.

(g)  Some 23,767 participants were involved in Food-for-Work (FFW)
activities and received food for their families in March, completing the
outstanding commitments from 2005. WFP has identified 1,586 FFW projects
to be implemented from June 2006, involving over 70,000 participants who
will receive 14,465 tons of mixed foods. Activities will include land
reclamation, cleaning lagoons to revive fishery activities,
environmental protection activities such as tree planting, construction
of roads and rehabilitation of wells and canal systems.

(h)  Draft reports were received on both impact analysis and process of
the Cash Transfer Pilot Project (under Vulnerable Group Feeding). A
step-by-step guide highlighting set up and implementation of the project
is currently being prepared as an aide for institutional memory. Final
versions of the reports will be disseminated once finalized.

(i)  WFP and ARC are working with the Vulnerability Analysis and Mapping
(VAM) unit in the design of their health and education projects for the
South in tsunami affected areas. An assessment will also be conducted in
the three Southern districts (Galle, Matara, Hambantota) to corroborate
the VAM findings through household data and provide some additional
nutritional research.

(j)  Data collection for VAM was completed in Matara and Galle and is
almost complete in Hambantota. Preliminary analysis has already been
completed for Matara. It will be finalized in May for the other two
districts. Training of trainers for data collection for Ampara and
Batticaloa was undertaken in April and training at district level is due
to start in late May with data collection due for June.

(k)  Out of the planned 102,003 tons required for the Protracted Relief
and Recovery Operation (PRRO), WFP has resourced 70,591 tons of food
commodities so far. This includes the 23,465 tons of food that was
transferred from the Emergency Operation to the PRRO.

(l)  According to monthly reports, some 1,150 tons of food were reported
as distributed in March to nearly 206,500 people.

(m)  WFP has dispatched 7,747 tons of food from Colombo central
warehouses under the PRRO (including tsunami assistance) since 1 January
2006 of which only 503 tons of food were dispatched in April due to the
security problems.

(n)  According to Beneficiary Contact Monitoring reports on Tsunami
assistance (Vulnerable Group Feeding), some 83 percent of the households
are satisfied with the quality of food they received and about 89
percent of the households were happy with the type of food they
received. The percentage of monitored households (355 households) that
had resumed their main economic activities was 61 percent, with the
lowest percentage in Matara and highest in Jaffna. About 7 percent of
households monitored have sold food



(G) Latin America and Caribbean: (1) Bolivia (2) Ecuador (3) Guatemala
(4) Nicaragua

(1) Bolivia

(a)  The inter-provincial transport sector held a 10-day strike. The
government improvised alternative means of transportation with the
reopening of a train line from El Alto city to Oruro.

(b)  Strikes in the Department of Santa Cruz were lifted as the
government negotiated with the sectors in conflict. The strikes
announcements of the health sector were also dismissed as the Minister
of Health reached agreements with the labor unions.

(c)  IR-EMOP 10511.0 completed distributions on 30 April.  A total of
16,381 floods-affected families (approximately 84,460 persons) were
provided with 612 tons of food in the Departments of Santa Cruz, Beni,
La Paz and Potosi. Additionally, 96 tons of food from development
resources have been distributed to the same beneficiaries before the
IR-EMOP started. It is estimated that food provided by the last IR-EMOP
distributions will last about 30 days. After this period, families will
still be in need of food that will most probably provided through EMOP
10517.0

(d)  After the IR-EMOP ended, post-distribution activities are being
carried out to follow up the situation of the affected families,
particularly those in camps.


(2) Ecuador

(a)  On 22 May, the Ecuadorian government will negotiate the contract
with Oxy Oil Company.  Indigenous organizations and other institutions
stated that actions will be taken against negotiations with Oxy and
announced that they will organize protests and blockades for the
upcoming weeks.

(b)  The UN has proposed Colombia and Ecuador to establish a technical
commission to study the negative impact of glysophate fumigations to
eliminate coca plantations on the border between the two countries.
Environmental groups in Ecuador have requested an official study of
fumigations since 2001. This proposal is a result of a preliminary study
carried out in February 2006 by a UN mission, following a request of the
Ecuadorian president at the UN general meeting in October 2005.
Fumigations along 10 km of the border have been suspended since February
2006.

(c)  A landslide was registered on 6 May in the Province of Chimborazo.
It destroyed 22 households in the community of Calerito Santa Rosa,
Riobamba canton while 22 families have been evacuated to a temporary
shelter and a school. Santa Rosa, La Calerita, Shobol and Shobol
Llinllin communities were declared emergency areas as the Baisan hill is
at risk of more landslides.  Another 400 families have been evacuated,
two deaths were reported and several people wounded.

(d)  Rain intensity has decreased during the past weeks in the coastal
provinces of Los Rios, El Oro, Guayas, Manabi, and Esmeraldas; however,
the situation is aggravating as health problems are becoming a major
concern.

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

(f)  Under the ECU EMOP 10381.0, procurement of 376 tons of commodities
(33,000 food rations) is under process.  Products will arrive to
provincial warehouses in Quito and Lago Agrio on the third week of May.
Food ration elaboration process will start on 19 May. Food distribution
to UNHCR's local distribution agencies will start on 29 May.

(g)  Since early March, WFP continues to distribute emergency food
rations to flood affected families. So far 266 tons was distributed to
11,534 beneficiaries.

(h)  WFP in coordination with COE's continued the distribution of 3,643
food rations

(i)  According to the Food Contingency Agreement among WFP, the Ministry
of Agriculture, the Ministry of Social Welfare and the Civil Defense in
coordination with the Red Cross, 50 food rations were delivered to
assist victims of the Calerito Santa Rosa community landslide.  The
Civil Defense and the Red Cross are carrying out an assessment in order
to determine the needs of the affected communities.

(j)  In order to complete with the Ecuador EMOP 10381.0 needs funding
for procurement of 142 tons of food.


(3) Guatemala

(a)  During the reporting period (5-11 May), heavy rains prevented food
deliveries to the Department of Santa Rosa because the roads access to
the targeted communities were damaged. Distributions will start on May
10, thus completing the third round of distribution for all affected
areas for the EMOP.

(b)  A total of 200 tons of CSB was received in WFP-INDECA warehouse in
Quetzaltenango while 1,575 tons of maize was also received.

(c)  A total of 548 tons were repaid by the EMOP 10497 to the PRRO 10212
and CP 10092. To date, the total repaid from the EMOP 10497 to the CP
10092 and PRRO 10212 is 1,559 tons representing 57 percent from the
total borrowed (2,733 metric tons).

(d)  During the reporting week, the EMOP 10497 borrowed an additional 92
tons of beans; 44 tons of vegetable oil from the PRRO 10212 and 130 tons
of CSB.

(e)  Some 108 tons of food commodities were dispatched by WFP for the
Departments of Santa Rosa, Huehuetenango y Totonicapan.

(f)  As of 9 May, the amount resourced for the EMOP 10497 continues at
USD 8,824,349 or 63 percent of the appeal made to the international
community in October 2005. Some USD 200,000 in multilaterals funds for
the EMOP 10497.0 has been confirmed.

(g)  On 8 April, an inter-institutional meeting organized by USAID was
held, with the participation of WFP, MFEWS, FAO, SESAN (Secretariat of
Food and Nutritional Security) (SESAN) and PROSAN (Food and Nutritional
Security Program). The main objectives were to learn the status of
Guatemala's preparedness for possible emergencies. It was discussed the
necessity to continue implementing the early warning system and the
surveillance of the nutritional status for children living in vulnerable
areas.

(h)  The changing climatic conditions are affecting parts of the
country. San Marcos highlands sudden frost (glitter) destroyed maize
crops.

(i)  On 8 May, a Joint Programme (WFP/ILO/UNDP/FAO) meeting was carried
out to discuss the expansion of the assistance to people affected
Hurricane Stan. An integrated project will support house rehabilitation,
productive activities, social infrastructure recuperation actions.


(4) Nicaragua

(a)  The health sector strike continues on its fifth month without a
concrete solution. As a result, medical attention at public health
centers continues to deteriorate.

(b)  During the reporting period (27April-10 May), several small scale
riots caused by University students have been reported.

(c)  Due to the poor harvest experienced last month, the nutritional and
health situation of the population living near Coco River (Wiwili and
Waspam) still remains precarious and WFP is closely monitoring the
situation.

(d)  Some 2,149 pregnant and lactating women as well as 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 strike
in the medical sector.  At the moment, WFP has positioned food for
55,162 school children in the Northern Autonomous Atlantic Region
(RAAN), which will benefit under the Food-for-Education programme.

(e)  The PRRO is in urgent need of resources to avoid a pipeline break
and continue with its regular programme of providing assistance to
families living in areas vulnerable to recurrent shocks.  The PRRO
10212.0 is expected to experience shortfalls for the next six months,
beginning in June 2006, consisting of 930 metric tons of maize; 288
metric tons of CSB and 63 metric tons of vegetable oil.


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


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