Report No. 44 of 1997 Date: 31 October 1997This report includes: A) East Africa: Somalia - flooding, Sudan, Rwanda, Burundi and Uganda B) Central Africa: Democratic Republic of Congo and Republic of Congo (Brazzaville) C) West Africa: Angola - demining D) Democratic People's Republic of Korea.
>From J.-M. Boucher, Chief, Programming Service. Available on the Internet at WFP Home Page http://www.wfp.org/ or by e-mail from Deborah.Hicks@wfp.org (fax 39 6 6513 2837). For information regarding resources, donors are requested to contact Francesco.Strippoli@wfp.org or Aleesa.Blum@wfp.org at WFP Rome, telephone 39 6 6513 2504 or 6513 2004.
PART I - HIGHLIGHTS (Details below in Part II)
A. EAST AFRICA: SOMALIA , SUDAN, RWANDA, BURUNDI AND UGANDA
1. Somalia a) Assessment underway of damage caused by severe flooding in various parts of Somalia; population living along some parts of the Juba River very badly affected and many people stranded. b) UN and non-governmental organizations prepare for emergency interventions. c) Flooding also reported in north-west Somalia (Somaliland); joint aerial assessment has been assessing extent of flood damage.
2. Sudan a) Peace talks between the Khartoum Government and the SPLA open in Nairobi on 29 October. b) WFP increases planned food interventions in southern Sudan during November and December to a total of 6,500 metric tons. c) WFP interim appeal is being prepared to avoid breaks in the food pipeline during early months of 1998.
3. Rwanda a) WFP asked to assist some 900,000 persons in seven different prefectures in November (monthly food requirement approximately 8,800 metric tons).
4. Burundi a) Distribution of return packages to formerly regrouped populations in Muramvya continues, with implementing partner CARE; similar programme starts in Bujumbura Mairie. b) Supplementary and therapeutic feeding programmes, currently reaching 46,000 malnourished children, are expected to be expanded in the future.
5. Uganda a) Gulu-Kitgum direct route still closed due to insecurity. b) Camps for displaced persons in Kitgum report fresh influxes of displaced. Total displaced in the area now stands at 63,000 people in the original six original camps and a reported 50,000 additional people in new camps.
B. CENTRAL AFRICA: DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO AND REPUBLIC OF CONGO (BRAZZAVILLE)
1. Update a) Assessment mission to Brazzaville concludes food aid needed for 350,000 persons returning to the city. b) In Pointe-Noire, WFP provides food for refugees from Cabinda (Angola); distribution made in conjunction with UNHCR and IFRC.
C. WEST AFRICA: ANGOLA
1. Demining update a) Six people, including two staff members of German demining NGO, the Saint Barbara Foundation, killed in ambush in Benguela province on 23 October. b) Overview of demining activities in Angola funded by WFP given below; support which previously focused on clearing roads to enable humanitarian relief to be transported by truck to the interior has been extended this year to demining of roads in resettlement areas.
D. DEMOCRATIC PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF KOREA
1. Update a) Total pledged for the WFP emergency operation in DPR Korea since November 1995 now at 638,000 metric tons (including 150,000 metric tons from the EU and USA supplied on a bilateral basis with WFP undertaking certain responsibilities). A further 376,000 metric tons supplied by donors to DPR Korea on a purely bilateral basis, with no WFP involvement b) Some 237,000 metric tons delivered through WFP between May and September 1997. A total of 163,000 metric tons is scheduled to arrive in October, and 90,000 metric tons in November. c) FAO/WFP Crop and Food Supply Assessment mission began 25 October; joint mission report is expected before the end of November.
PART II - DETAILS
A. EAST AFRICA: SOMALIA , SUDAN, RWANDA, BURUNDI AND UGANDA
1. SOMALIA FLOODING - information as of 30 October
1.1 Severe flooding as a result of heavy rains which began on the weekend of 25 October has been reported in various parts of Somalia, particularly along the Juba River, which burst its bank, flooding fields and homes. Rains this heavy have not been seen in Somalia since 1960. The rains have damaged crops and cereal storage pits. In the most affected areas, some 6,000 families along the Juba River are without food reserves, and have lost most of their personal belongings. These families are reported to have fled their homes to escape the flooding, whereas others are trapped in their villages as the rain has washed away roads, which has also made access to the area and to the people in need difficult.
1.2 WFP's FSAU (Food Security Assessment Unit) staff made an initial partial assessment of the extent of floods and damage while overflying the upper part of the Juba Valley, between Dolo and Bardera, on 29 October. Some villages were observed to be under water and irrigation schemes along the river destroyed or severely damaged. Further assessments downstream were planned over the next few days. Water levels are expected to rise further, as rain is continuing in the Ethiopian highlands. As of 30 October, the flood crest was approaching the lower parts of the Juba valley, where large tracts of densely populated land are already under water due to the heavy rains of recent days.
1.3 WFP, in coordination with other UN agencies and non-governmental organizations, is preparing for emergency interventions to aid people displaced or stranded as a result of these floods. Deliveries of blankets, high-energy biscuits and medicines are planned as an initial response. Delivery will be by airlifts and airdrops by small aircraft. Contingency stocks of high-energy biscuits are available in Kampala, and will be airlifted to Kismayo, for onward delivery to distribution points by Caravan aircraft.
1.4 Floods are also affecting plans for the emergency intervention that WFP is about to launch in Bay, Bakool and Hiraan regions of Somalia, where localized crop failure has necessitated food distributions to avert famine.
1.5 Some flooding has also been reported in north-west Somalia (Somaliland). A joint aerial assessment was organized by the Somaliland authorities together with aid agencies operating in the region, to assess the extent of the flood damage.
2. SUDAN
2.1 Peace talks between the Khartoum Government and the rebel Sudan People's Liberation Army (SPLA) opened in Nairobi on 29 October under the auspices of the regional Inter-Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD).
2.2 Following the latest food security assessments and reports of new groups of internally displaced persons, WFP has increased the level of planned food interventions in southern Sudan during November and December to a total of 6,500 metric tons. Contingency plans have also been drawn for possible emergencies interventions in areas of intensified armed conflict. Latest population displacements were reported in Aweil East County of Bahr-el-Ghazal region and South Bari of Eastern Equatoria. Food assessments continue to be carried out by WFP in several areas of southern Sudan.
2.3 To ensure that quantities of food are made available in time to avoid shortages during the initial months of 1998, WFP is preparing an interim appeal. A poor food pipeline situation is expected from mid-December onwards, and this appeal is to bridge the gap until donors respond to the consolidated Operation Lifeline Sudan Appeal for 1998, currently under preparation.
3. RWANDA
3.1 From 20 to 26 October, WFP delivered 2,150 metric tons of food commodities in Rwanda. This brings the total delivered during the month, until 27 October, to 7,885 metric tons, the highest distribution level since June, when the distribution of return packages was completed.
3.2 WFP has been requested to assist approximately 900,000 persons in seven different prefectures during the month of November. This represents a monthly food requirement of approximately 8,800 metric tons. The prefectures with the highest requirements are Butare and Kibuye, followed by Gikongoro and Umutare.
4. BURUNDI
4.1 The distribution of return packages to formerly regrouped populations in Muramvya continued during the week. Under this programme, implemented by CARE, 309 metric tons of WFP food commodities were delivered to 11,902 persons. A similar programme has just been started in Bujumbura Mairie, in collaboration with the Ministry of Reinstallation, other UN agencies and non-governmental organizations.
4.2 A WFP mission from Headquarters is presently in the country. The mission is expected to devise a strengthened plan of action, to better assist malnourished children. There are currently 46,000 malnourished children receiving supplementary and therapeutic feeding in Burundi, but the number is expected to increase.
5. UGANDA
5.1 Displaced Ugandans in the Awach and Unyama camps in Gulu district received 140 metric tons of WFP food commodities between 20 and 26 October. These distributions benefited 4,819 households, representing close to 25,000 beneficiaries. All distributions were undertaken by women to women recipients. The Gulu-Kitgum direct route is still closed due to insecurity and WFP distributions in areas far from Gulu town have to be made with military escorts.
5.2 The planning caseload for displaced persons in Kitgum stands at 63,000 people. All six original camps are reporting fresh influxes of displaced persons and new camps have been established in other areas, with a reported additional population of approximately 50,000 persons.
B. CENTRAL AFRICA: DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO AND REPUBLIC OF CONGO (BRAZZAVILLE)
1.1 Kinshasa and Congo/Brazzaville
a) Following the joint UN/NGO assessment mission to Brazzaville, it is estimated that 350,000 persons returning to the city will need food assistance. Preliminary recommendations of the mission are that returnees receive a one-month food ration and vulnerable groups in and around the city be provided with corn-soya blend, vegetable oil and high-energy biscuits for a period of three months. It is also proposed that food-for-work projects be identified and implemented, to clean the city and assist in the rebuilding of water and sanitation infrastructure.
b) In addition to the one-month ration recently distributed to 61,000 displaced Congolese in Pointe-Noire and surrounding areas, WFP has also provided 210 metric tons of food, to cover a one-time a three-month ration, to refugees from Cabinda (Angola). This distribution, carried out in conjunction with UNHCR and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, benefited some 6,000 refugees.
c) The 2,000 Rwandan refugees in Bilolo, north of Brazzaville, have been without assistance for over two weeks, following the closure of the border between Congo and the Democratic Republic of Congo. DHA/IRIN reports that as of the evening of 29 October, the border between Brazzaville and Kinshasa had reopened. UNHCR puts the total figure of Rwandan and Burundian refugees in Congo/Brazzaville at 9,985 persons.
1.2 Eastern DR Congo
a) Security remained stable in Goma over the past week, and aid workers have resumed routine activities. Following a visit to Jomba and Rutshuru, north of Goma, WFP has released 220 metric tons of food to World Vision for distribution to displaced persons. Between 20 and 26 October, WFP also provided 28 metric tons of food to food-for-work participants and patients in special feeding programmes. Food for the Hungry has also identified a caseload of 1,800 vulnerable families in Sake and Nzulo, west of Goma, who will receive seeds and a seed protection ration from WFP.
b) Another two voyages across Lake Tanganyika during the week of 19-26 October brought home a further 1,220 Congolese refugees from Kigoma in Tanzania. UNHCR has decided to temporarily suspend the repatriation operation until security conditions improve.
C. WEST AFRICA: ANGOLA
1. DEMINING UPDATE
1.1 Six people were killed when unidentified gunmen ambushed a UN Observer Mission for Angola (MONUA) and a vehicle of the German demining non-governmental organization, the Saint Barbara Foundation (SBF), as they approached a road block near Bolonguera in Benguela province on 23 October. Two international staff members of SBF, two national police officers, an official of the Bolonguera administration and one Angolan paramedic were killed. The team was assessing the security situation for SBF to resume demining in the area, since state administration was re-established in Bolonguera on 16 October. Earlier, on 6 October SBF and WFP stopped demining activities along this road when SBF deminers were threatened by armed men 17 km from Bolonguera village. The WFP-contracted NGO is clearing the 50-km road from Chongoroi town to Bolonguera village, and resettlement of 18,200 displaced persons in Lobito and Benguela towns to Chongoroi municipality began on 8 October. Demining activities by SBF are currently suspended.
1.2 Overview of demining activities in Angola funded by WFP
a) WFP has been supporting demining in Angola since 1994, to open up logistical corridors to transport humanitarian relief by road to the country's interior. In support of its other activities, WFP is also involved in programmes responsible for the demining of roads in high priority areas of resettlement, in support of the peace process. Mines continue to maim and kill innocent civilians, with the majority of victims being women and children.
b) Since the beginning of the year, WFP has funded demining of secondary roads in Benguela and Bengo provinces, and has supported demining brigades in several other provinces, notably Bie and Huambo, through food-for-work.
c) In Bengo province, WFP funded the demining of feeder roads to facilitate the resettlement of 40,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs) from Boa Esperanca and Acucareira camps in Caxito to their areas of origin in Nambuangongo municipality, an important agricultural area in the past, which once supplied markets in Luanda. From July through October, Menschen Gegen Minen, another specialized German demining NGO contracted by WFP, demined part of the 120 km western route from Caxito to Nambuangongo, which is expected to facilitate the return of 6,000 internally displaced persons in the area. German Agro Action (GAA), the NGO currently assisting IDPs in Caxito, along with the Ministry of Social Affairs and the provincial government of Caxito, has begun the organized resettlement of displaced persons from the Caxito camps to areas already demined and to other areas as they are cleared. According to GAA, 10,000 IDPs have already resettled spontaneously in the cleared areas.
d) In Bie and Huambo provinces, WFP has been supporting the Halo Trust, the British mine survey and clearance NGO, through food for work to its deminers. As these two provinces were seriously affected by the war, the majority of Halo Trust's work has been to clear areas where NGOs are interested in carrying out rehabilitation and development projects, where basic services such as health and education are needed, and where the expansion of agricultural land and production is impeded by the presence of mines. The clearance of two key bridges by Halo Trust in Bie province has enabled the re-opening of the road linking Bie and Huambo provinces. Cleared areas have also meant safer fuelwood collection and access to new water sources.
e) In Cuanza Norte and Malange provinces, WFP has been supporting the demining activities of Norwegian People's Aid.
D. DEMOCRATIC PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF KOREA
1. UPDATE
1.1 Some 35 donors (including 19 countries plus NGOs, private enterprises and individuals) have pledged resources to the WFP emergency operation in DPR Korea since November 1995. From the beginning of the operation, a total of about 638,000 metric tons have been resourced. This total includes some 150,000 metric tons from the EU and USA, supplied on a bilateral basis but with WFP undertaking certain responsibilities.
1.2 Of the total, 237,000 metric tons were delivered between May and September 1997. October is the busiest month of this year with some 163,000 metric tons scheduled to arrive at DPR Korea ports, while in November it is expected that some 90,000 metric tons will arrive. For the period December 1997 to February 1998, taking into consideration already confirmed contributions, some 86,000 metric tons will arrive.
1.3 In addition to the above WFP emergency operation figures, some 376,000 metric tons have been supplied to DPR Korea on a purely bilateral basis, with no WFP involvement. This amount reflects those deliveries known to WFP.
1.4 The FAO/WFP Crop and Food Supply Assessment mission arrived in Pyongyang on 25 October and will remain until 4 November. The mission has been able to move throughout the country according to the planned itinerary. The FAO/WFP joint mission report is expected to be ready before the end of November.
1.5 Eleven new WFP international staff, of which eight are newly appointed project monitoring staff, will begin to arrive in the country on 8 November. An additional two project monitoring posts have been approved, and WFP is submitting names to the Government for clearance. WFP currently has 16 international staff members in DPR Korea; this number will reach 30 by early December.
1.6 WFP has so far been able to monitor activities in 109 counties, covering all provinces except Ryanggang and part of Chagang. With the additional international project staff, and the introduction of a detailed consignment notes system to follow each consignment from the port to the ultimate distribution point, closer monitoring of the donated food will be possible.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Supplement to WFP Emergency Report no. 44 of 1997 - October 31, 1997. El Nino - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
WFP Regional Contingency Planning for El Nino Information Update from WFP Regional Office for Southern Africa Maputo, Mozambique 28 October 1997
This is the second in a series of information updates provided on a fortnightly basis by the WFP Regional Office (but the first to be forwarded to WFP Emergency Report recipients). Please note that the WFP Regional Office coverage is Lesotho, Malawi, Madagascar, Mozambique, Zambia and Zimbabwe. Information received by Swaziland has also been included in this report.
I. El Nino Overview:
The El Nino index continues to show a negative pattern similar to previous events which resulted in droughts in Southern Africa. Below normal rainfall is predicted for most of South Africa, Lesotho, Swaziland, central, north-west and southern Mozambique, all of Zimbabwe and most of eastern and southern Botswana, southern Malawi and southern Zambia beginning in December. Rainfall in the region has been within normal range during the months of September and October; early offset is still highly probable.
WFP's monthly synthesis of more detailed information, including movement of the Southern Oscillation Index and data from satellites showing vegetation and rainfall patterns for southern Africa, will be available on the tenth of each month. October's information will be included in the next Information Update.
II. Regional Contingency Planning ? progress to date:
Three WFP teams are at work on the regional contingency plans being prepared by the Regional WFP office for Southern Africa, based in Maputo. The team charged with assessing socio-economic impacts of a possible drought has prepared a preliminary draft report including a summary of lessons learned from the 1991-2 drought response, key relevant economic and political indicators for each country, possible impacts on Southern Africa of the El Nino phenomenon and the response options available for the possible scenarios. The team surveying the market situations returned from the field on 24 October, while the logistics team will finish its country visits on 28 October. As reported, a draft plan incorporating the work of all three teams will be compiled in early November. The tentative date for a briefing on the preliminary planning results is November 7 at the WFP Maputo office.
The Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) Harare is organizing a Regional High-Level Drought Policy Seminar to be held November 17-19 in Gaborone. The purpose of the seminar is to review the extent of drought preparedness and mitigation in Southern Africa in light of El Nino. An EU contingency planning mission, which will cover Malawi, Zambia, South Africa and Mozambique, is due to visit the region in early November.
III. Country reports:
Following is a summary of situations by country, including government initiatives and preliminary information on food reserves. More systematic information on issues relevant to El Nino contingency planning will be included in the WFP document mentioned above.
Lesotho
The Disaster Management Authority continues to monitor the situation. Moisture has been sufficient to provide satisfactory conditions for winter crops.
Madagascar
The Ministry of Internal Affairs organized a session on El Nino on 22 October, which focussed on disaster preparedness and response, the El Nino event and its possible consequences was also included in the annual workshop on preparation for the cyclone season. The locust infestation, which has already caused a food supply shortage this year, continues to require urgent attention. As recommended by the recent joint WFP-FAO crops assessment mission, WFP Food-for-Work projects will be intensified in affected areas to provide an additional 442 tons of maize and 55 tons of pulses. The Chinese Government has provided 3,000 tons of rice for locust-affected areas.
Malawi
Several ministries (including Agriculture and Water) have compiled preparedness plans for a 1997-98 El Nino event but their significant budget requirements preclude quick action. WFP has convoked the UN Disaster Working Group to facilitate coordination. In order to confront the national shortfall of maize, estimated at around 151,000 tons, the Malawi government is planning to purchase approximately 34,000 tons using its own resources. Markets are being bolstered by the Government of Japan, which is prepared to make a significant donation of grains and/or rice, and the EU, which has agreed to assist with 14,000 tons of maize.
Mozambique
The Department for the Prevention and Management of Natural Disasters (DPCCN) held a meeting on 16 October for ministries, donors and UN agencies to discuss mitigation and preparedness plans for El Nino. The Ministry of Agriculture is preparing an extensive list of needs, including seeds, tools and livestock, and is encouraging farmers to plant cassava, millet and sweet potatoes. No hybrid maize seeds are in country, so short growing varieties are in scarce supply. The National Institute of Meteorology held a briefing on 23 October to report on the anticipated effects of El Nino on the rainy season. Normal to below normal rainfalls are expected in southern and central Mozambique for the period October through December, with below normal rainfalls from December onward. Normal rainfall is anticipated in northern Mozambique from now through February.
The Ministry of Commerce reported that EU funds are available for buying between 14,000 and 20,000 tons of cereal to build up a cereal reserve. USAID confirmed the contribution of USD 25 million for food aid and the availability of funds for the Ministry of Transport to improve internal transport and port capacity. The Italian Cooperation has indicated willingness to provide funds for transport and distribution of food in case of a drought.
Swaziland
The Swazi government has officially requested WFP's assistance in undertaking a rapid assessment of the drought expected as a result of El Nino. The National Food Security Consultative Committee has met to discuss contingency plans and strategies to assist farmers to be prepared for the drought. Total domestic cereal available is 127,300 tons, sufficient to cover only 70% of total domestic cereal requirements (assessed at 183,200 tons). The domestic cereal shortfall, mainly composed of wheat and rice, is projected at 55,900 tons but enough import plans are in place to cover demand. At the moment, Government does not have any food supplies, although a preliminary budget has been submitted setting out purchase, delivery and distribution costs for at least 1,000 tons of maize should an emergency situation arise.
Zambia
Three working committees coordinated by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Fisheries have completed the development of technical packages and an action plan has been disseminated. Information brochures have been prepared and translated into the four main languages of the southern part of the country (the area most likely to fact rainfall shortages), and will be distributed through the extension system. While the government is planning televised discussions on mitigation measures for the beginning of November, private seed companies are using radio campaigns to encourage the purchase of early maturing seed varieties. Zambia still faces a food stock deficit, although the Food Reserve Agency has procured 70,000 tons of maize from Zimbabwe and is considering the importation of 100,000 tons from other sources. The private sector has imported another 20,000 tons to strengthen food reserves.
Zimbabwe
The Government of Zimbabwe confirmed that the Grain Marketing Board has set up strategic grain reserves which will satisfy approximately five months of consumption (500,000 tons of white maize) and has a cash reserve which would allow the import of approximately 300,000 tons more. Zimbabwe will honor its present commitments for the export of around 350,000 tons of white maize; however, no new export permits will be issued prior to the first reliable estimate of the new crop at around late March 1998. The price for Zimbabwe white maize for local consumption has risen from about USD 150.00 per ton to about USD 172.00 over the past week.
IV. Cereal Supply Situation
While there have been reports of rapidly rising prices for RSA white maize, WFP has noted only slight modifications in price since its last update (15 October). It would appear that prices for white maize are stabilizing at around USD 187.00 ? 190.00 per ton (FOB Durban) while the price of yellow maize has increased slightly, from USD 147.00 to USD 148.00. Estimates of export availability of white maize range from 3-400,000 tons and of yellow maize from 2-300,000 tons. In comparison, the approximate price of USA maize is USD 158.00 for white and USD 122.00 for yellow (per ton FOB Gulf).
For further information, please contact
Ms Georgia Shaver Regional Manager for Southern Africa e-mail address: shaver@wfpcomoz.uem.mz
or Ms Andrea Stoutland WFP Maputo e-mail address: andrea@wfpcomoz.uem.mz.
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