Report No. 35 of 1999 Date: 3 September 1999
This report includes: A) Afghanistan B) FR Yugoslavia - Kosovo C) Angola D) Somalia E) Tanzania F) Sahel: Mauritania, the Gambia and Chad G) Recently approved WFP EMOPs and PRROs.
>From Manuel Aranda da Silva, Chief, Technical Support Service. Available on the WFP Home Page at http://www.wfp.org/ or by electronic mail from Deborah.Hicks@wfp.org or Natasha.Nadazdin@wfp.org (fax 39 06 6513 2854). For information on resources, donors are requested to contact Aleesa.Blum@wfp.org or Marius.deGaayFortman@wfp.org at WFP Rome, telephone 39 06 6513 2004 or 06 6513 2250. The address of WFP is Via Cesare Giulio Viola 68, Parco dei Medici, 00148 Rome, Italy.
This issue of the Emergency Report was prepared by Natasha Nadazdin.
PART I - HIGHLIGHTS (Details below in Part II)
A. AFGHANISTAN
1. Update - information as of 2 September a) On 31 August, ten-day UN mission to Panjshir Valley returns to Islamabad; mission estimates up to 100,000 displaced in the valley; 20 percent are without shelter. b) Displaced currently live on locally available food and their own stocks; WFP provides initial 108 tons of wheat flour to be distributed by ACTED as bread. c) Particular concerns of the mission : displaced persons without shelter, cold weather and difficult access to the valley. d) IDPs in Kabul: a total of 9,150 displaced in ex-Soviet Embassy compound in Kabul; WFP and other humanitarian actors provide food, clean water, and warm clothing; local authorities distribute bread.
B. FR YUGOSLAVIA - KOSOVO
1. Update - information as of 31 August a) The report of the FAO/WFP Crop and Food Supply Assessment Mission to Kosovo from 2-8 August available at ReliefWeb, go to <http://www.ReliefWeb.int>, then Complex Emergencies, then Balkans. b) According to the report, rural populations lost a variable proportion of this year's agricultural production due to mass displacement; Mission forecasts 1999 wheat production to be 113,000 tons or 65 percent less than estimated 1997 crop, with uncovered import gap for the July 1999-June 2000 crop season about 85,000 tons of wheat grain; markets well stocked with imported vegetables and prices are reported to be similar to those in 1998; population relying on remittances.
C. ANGOLA
1. Update - information as of 31 August a) Resident populations in Huambo, Malange and Kuito increasingly running out of food. WFP registering vulnerable resident population in Malange to include them in food distributions. Security situation remains tense in Bie and Malange. More than 9,000 people reported to have arrived in Negage and Uige, fleeing clashes between the Government and rebel forces in the north-west. b) Donations sought to cover food shortfall for WFP emergency operation (EMOP 6138), which is 34 percent of the requirement (approximately 25,680 tons of cereals, 2,820 tons of oil, 520 tons of CSB, and 460 tons of salt). WFP planning to distribute some 13,000 tons of food aid in September, compared to 9,500 tons in August. c) Attached as a supplement to this report is the full text of the address of the WFP Executive Director Catherine Bertini to the UN Security Council on 23 August in New York: "A Crisis Neglected: The Growing Humanitarian Tragedy in Angola".
D. SOMALIA
1. Update - information as of 31 August a) Clearance issued by Kenyan Government for humanitarian flights from Nairobi to Somalia from 1-15 September, following ban of all flights on 26 August; Government still outlining clearance procedures.
E. TANZANIA
1. Update - information as of 3 September a) According to annual refugee re-registration/verification in Kigoma camps, overall reduction of refugee camp population 14 percent; WFP providing full ration and currently pre-positioning food stocks in the area before the rainy season.
F. SAHEL: MAURITANIA, THE GAMBIA AND CHAD
1. Update - information as of 29 August
a) Regional WFP drought emergency operation (EMOP 6041) received 14,920 tons of food (cereals, pulses and vegetable oil) for distribution to rural vulnerable populations in Mauritania, the Gambia and Chad; current shortfall 24,880 tons. WFP requests further funds for local and regional purchases.
G. RECENTLY APPROVED WFP EMERGENCY AND PROTRACTED RELIEF AND RECOVERY OPERATIONS (EMOPs AND PRROs)
1. Update a) Details given below for the WFP emergency and protracted relief and recovery operations approved since 11 June 1999.
PART II - DETAILS
A. AFGHANISTAN
1. UPDATE - information as of 2 September
1.1 Internally displaced in the Panjshir Valley:
a) The ten-day UN mission to the Panjshir Valley returned to Islamabad on 31 August. Mission members estimate that there are up to 100,000 displaced people in the valley. Along the 150 km long valley, which reaches altitudes of 2,500 m at the northern end, 40 percent of the displaced are concentrated in the lower southern end, 50 percent in the middle of the valley and 10 percent in the northern end. Of the total group, approximately 60 percent are being housed by residents, 20 percent are in public buildings and the remaining 20 percent are currently without shelter. Those families currently living in the open are mainly concentrated in the southern end of the valley.
b) The displaced currently receive food from: limited food distributions by local authorities, though their stocks are believed to be dwindling; food stocks, such as wheat, brought from homes in the Shamali Plains, for up to 20 percent of the displaced; fruits, maize and vegetables picked from the crops planted by the residents of the valley, which reduces the crops for the upcoming harvest. The mission expects that these sources of food will be severely reduced in the coming weeks. As an initial response, WFP Afghanistan has provided 108 tons of wheat flour to be distributed in the form of bread to the most vulnerable groups by ACTED, an international NGO. This is sufficient to provide a half ration for two weeks to 28,800 people.
c) The mission identified major concerns. The weather is becoming progressively colder and snow is expected in the higher valley from October onwards. Of great concern are the 20,000 people currently living without shelter, blankets and warm clothes. The food currently available to the displaced is expected to run out in two-three weeks, although some may be able to obtain fresh supplies from the Shamali Plains. Even those displaced who brought food from their homes are expected to experience shortages. Furthermore, access to the valley is extremely difficult. Northern routes are in bad condition, and vehicles leaving from Faizabad can take up to three days to reach the main group of displaced people. The southern route into the valley passes through areas of intense military activity between the Taliban and the Northern Alliance.
d) In light of the findings of the UN mission, the UN task force is evaluating the information gathered by the mission and identifying possible solutions to be implemented rapidly.
1.2 Internally displaced in Kabul:
a) The UN in Kabul reports a total of 9,150 displaced in the ex-Soviet Embassy compound in Kabul, as of 31 August. Humanitarian agencies including WFP are providing food, clean water, and warm clothing of the increasing numbers of people in the compound. WFP has been distributing CSB, oil and sugar, to the displaced since their arrival in the compound. In addition, the local authorities distribute two loaves of bread per family per day.
B. FR YUGOSLAVIA - KOSOVO
1. UPDATE - information as of 31 August
1.1 As a result of a joint FAO/WFP Crop and Food Supply Assessment Mission fielded to Kosovo from 2 to 8 August, FAO and WFP released a report on 30 August with the findings of the Mission. On the basis of the Mission's findings, and in addition to WFP emergency food aid, WFP is planning its further relief assistance.
1.2 The Mission, which built on the findings of earlier assessments in June and July 1999, concluded that rural populations have lost a variable proportion of this year's agricultural production due to mass displacement. The Mission's forecast for the wheat production in 1999 is 113,000 tons or 65 percent less than the estimated 1997 crop, meeting only 30 percent of the province's requirements. Maize, the major spring cereal crop, is sharply reduced and spring/summer vegetable production was interrupted during the planting season. However, markets are well stocked with imported vegetables and the prices are reported to be similar to those in 1998. Widespread looting and slaughter of livestock has reduced the cattle levels to roughly 50 percent of 1997 levels. Some 60 percent of rural cash income was derived from the sale of crops and livestock/livestock products in 1997, with the balance coming largely from remittances. In the next months, rural populations are expected to depend more on remittances, especially for the reconstruction of housing. Taking into account the wheat flour deliveries/pledges included in the Revised UN Consolidated Appeal for July-December 1999, the uncovered import gap for the July 1999-June 2000 crop season is of about 85,000 tons of wheat grain.
1.3 To read the full text of the Missions report, go to <http://www.ReliefWeb.int>, then to Complex Emergencies, then Balkans, then click on Special Report: FAO/WFP crop and food supply assessment mission to the Kosovo province of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia.
C. ANGOLA
1. UPDATE - information as of 31 August
1.1 General:
a) Resident populations in Huambo, Malange and Kuito are increasingly running out of food. The major indicator is the high rate of daily admissions of the residents into the therapeutic and supplementary feeding centres. WFP is preparing food security surveys of resident populations.
b) The security situation remains tense in Bie and Malange.
c) The current WFP emergency operation (EMOP 6138) in Angola for the period from September through December 1999 has a shortfall of 34 percent of the requirement (approximately 25,680 tons of cereals, 2,820 tons of oil, 520 tons of CSB, and 460 tons of salt). WFP is planning to distribute some 13,000 tons of food aid in the month of September, after having distributed 9,500 tons in August.
d) The full text of the address of the WFP Executive Director Catherine Bertini to the UN Security Council on 23 August in New York is attached as a supplement to this report: "A Crisis Neglected: The Growing Humanitarian Tragedy in Angola".
1.2 Bie/Kuito: Some 3,000 new internally displaced persons (IDPs) from different localities around Ungundo have arrived in Lungungo. Approximately 700 newly displaced, reportedly from Savimboto, Nakolo and Yeyelo, have also arrived in Ekovongo and Kambew (about 24 km south of Kuito). Food distribution for the month of August was concluded during the week, and approximately 70,000 IDPs benefited from WFP food assistance during the month.
1.3 Malange:
a) Registration of vulnerable resident population is under way in Malange for their possible inclusion in WFP food distributions.
b) Several collective kitchens were opened during the week of 25 September by WFP implementing partners in order to alleviate the high malnutrition rate in the province.
c) A total of some 470 tons of WFP food was distributed during the week to approximately 58,210 various target beneficiaries by WFP implementing partners. About 3,000 tons have been planned for distribution by WFP for the month of September.
1.4 Uige: More than 9,000 people who fled recent clashes between the Government and rebel forces in the north-west are reported to have sought refuge in Negage and Uige. Malnutrition rates in Uige have so far been contained with the setting up of more collective kitchens. Food for the kitchens is provided by WFP. In Candonbe Velho, a collective kitchen for 250 children, became operational this week.
1.5 Huila: About 6,000 new IDPs from Kuvango and Domgo, concentrated in Vissati (34 km south of Matala) were assisted by WFP during the week, with approximately 88 tons of emergency food. WFP provided a total of 60 tons of millet seeds to MINARS for agricultural resettlement of IDPs. Approximately 1,090 hectares of land so far, has been provided for the reinstallation of IDPs. WFP has purchased maize locally in Huila. To date, a total of 480 tons of maize were locally purchased for WFP operations in Angola.
D. SOMALIA
1. UPDATE - information as of 31 August
1.1 Following the ban of all flights from Nairobi to Somalia by the Government of Kenya on 26 August, a clearance was issued by the Government of Kenya for humanitarian flights for 15 days commencing 1 September. Clearance procedures are yet to be outlined by the Government.
1.2 Meanwhile, an inter-agency needs assessment mission to the regions of Bay and Bakool, departed for Baidoa, Bay region, on 1 September. These regions, the once-bread basket of Somalia in the heart of the Sorghum Belt, have experienced a disastrous failure of the sorghum crop this year. Mission members include WFP, FSAU, CARE, UNDP/OCHA and UNICEF. The mission is expected to return on 11 September.
E. TANZANIA
1. UPDATE - information as of 3 September
1.1 The annual refugee re-registration/verification exercise was conducted in all camps in Kigoma region on 23 -26 August. WFP staff from all offices participated. According to the preliminary figures released by UNHCR, there has been a reduction in refugee population in the camps in Lugufu, Kibondo, and in Kasulu. The greatest reductions were noted in camps that have been receiving new arrivals, most notably Lugufu and Mtendeli. An overall reduction of 14 percent was reported for the region. As a result of the substantial reductions, a full WFP food basket is ensured for the next distribution.
1.2 The rainy season in Kigoma has started with two days of intense rain. WFP is currently pre-positioning food stocks in the area before roads become impassable.
1.3 According to the preliminary results of IFRC/TRCS nutritional surveys for children under five conducted in four Tanzanian villages around Lugufu camp, the global malnutrition rate was reported to be 5.2 percent while severe malnutrition was 2.8 percent. Six oedema cases were also identified in the surveyed villages of Kazuramimba, Nyanganga, Uvinza and Basanza.
F. SAHEL REGIONAL
1. UPDATE - information as of 29 August
1.1 The regional WFP emergency operation (EMOP 6041) has received a donation of 14,920 tons (cereals, pulses and vegetable oil) for distribution to rural vulnerable populations in Mauritania, the Gambia and Chad, leaving the current food aid shortfall at 24,880 tons. WFP requests further funds for local and regional purchases. So far, to meet the needs of beneficiaries, WFP has been borrowing from other operations. To start the operation in Mauritania, WFP borrowed 6,000 tons of bulgur wheat from other WFP projects. Despite these borrowings, the operation in the three countries is experiencing shortfalls in food aid.
1.2 The operation is currently targeting 292,910 vulnerable rural people of Mauritania, Gambia and Chad identified through joint WFP/GOV/FEWS/NGO Rapid Food Security Assessments (RFSA) carried out during April and May 1999.
1.3 Food distributions are on-going in Gambia through the intensification of food for work activities in Swamp Development Dike Construction and through the delivery of food to 33 Day Care Centres. In Chad, free distributions of some 1,240 tons of cereals and 100 tons of pulses to selected households meeting the criteria of extreme vulnerability have been completed end of August. In Mauritania the lists of households by village that will benefit of food aid assistance is ready and distributions are going to begin 6 September in the Aftout and Affole.
1.4 The current WFP emergency operation (EMOP 6041) aims to provide emergency food aid to drought victims during the lean season when the food shortages are most acute. The operation is worth USD 23.4 million and targets 1,040,000 rural vulnerable persons, using 39,800 tons of food aid. The recurrent localized droughts, the subsequent cereal production deficits, the reduced farm stock levels and declining rural purchasing power have increased the vulnerability of rural populations in particular.
G. RECENTLY APPROVED WFP EMERGENCY AND PROTRACTED RELIEF AND RECOVERY OPERATIONS (EMOPs AND PRROs)
1. Operations approved since 11 June 1999 (some figures rounded off); list includes operations described in recent WFP Emergency Reports:
1.1 Emergency Operations (EMOPs)
D.R. Congo EMOP 6110 - Assistance to war-affected people and vulnerable groups Duration: 180 days; 350,000 beneficiaries; 37,230 tons; total WFP cost: USD 29.2 million. Jointly approved by FAO and WFP on 17 June.
Chad EMOP 6017.01 - Extension, food assistance to Sudanese refugees in eastern Chad. Duration: 180 days; 29,500 beneficiaries; 2,975 tons; total WFP cost: USD 2.6 million. Approved by WFP on 24 June.
F.R. Yugoslavia EMOP 6136 - Food assistance to refugees, IDPs and war-affected. Duration: 180 days; 2,500,000 beneficiaries; 297,030 tons; total WFP cost: USD 224 million. Jointly approved by FAO and WFP.
Bangladesh EMOP 6043.01 - Extension, emergency assistance for post-flood rehabilitation and recovery. Duration: 365 days; 2,984,000 beneficiaries; 125,040 tons; total WFP cost: USD 27 million. Jointly approved by FAO and WFP on 11 June.
Angola EMOP 6138. Assistance to victims of renewed war in Angola. Duration: 120 days; 798,000 beneficiaries; 53,520 tons; total WFP cost: USD 40.1 million. Jointly approved by FAO and WFP on 15 June as bridging operation, from September to December, before the new PRRO is approved by the Executive Board.
Jordan EMOP 6158 - Food assistance to drought-affected persons. Duration: 240 days; 180,000 beneficiaries; 14,835 tons; total WFP cost: USD 3.4 million. Approved by WFP on 23 July.
Djibouti EMOP 6169 - Emergency food assistance to drought-affected persons. Duration: 30 days; 30,000 beneficiaries; 414 tons; total WFP cost: USD 198,680. Approved by WFP on 13 August.
1.2 Protracted Relief and Recovery Operations (PRROs)
Bangladesh PRRO 6155 - Food aid for refugees from Myanmar. Duration: 365 days; 21,000 beneficiaries; 2,640 tons; total WFP cost: USD 928,550. Approved by WFP on 22 June.
Algeria PRRO 6099 - Food assistance to Western Sahara refugees. Duration: 365 days; 80,000 beneficiaries; 7,660 tons; total WFP cost: USD 3.3 million. Approved by WFP on 11 June.
Armenia PRRO 6120 - Relief and recovery assistance for vulnerable groups. Duration: 180 days; 170,000 beneficiaries; 8,733 tons; total WFP cost: USD 4.3 million. Approved jointly by WFP and FAO on 7 July.
Note: all tonnage figures in report above refer to metric tons
(End WFP Emergency Report No. 35 of 1999 - September 3, 1999)
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