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WFP Emergency Report No. 14 of 2001

Countries
Afghanistan
+ 21 more
Sources
WFP
Publication date

This report includes:

(A) FYR of Macedonia

(B) West and Central Asia: (1) Afghanistan, (2) Pakistan (3) Iran, (4) Georgia

(C) Northern Caucasus: (1) Ingushetia, (2) Chechnya

(D) Horn of Africa: (1) Ethiopia, (2) Kenya, (3) Eritrea

(E) Southern Africa: (1) Malawi, (2) Angola, (3) Namibia

(F) West Africa Coastal: (1) Guinea, (2) Sierra Leone

(G) Latin America and Caribbean: (1) El Salvador, (2) Bolivia, (3) Peru, (4) Dominican Republic

(H) Emergency Response Roster

From Francesco Strippoli, Senior Humanitarian Adviser; available on the Internet on the WFP Home Page (www.wfp.org), or by e-mail from Zlatan.Milisic@wfp.org.

For information on resources, donors are requested to contact Valerie.Sequeira@wfp.org at WFP Rome, telephone 39 06 6513 2009. Media queries should be directed to Trevor.Rowe@wfp.org, telephone 39 06 6513 2602. The address of WFP is Via Cesare Giulio Viola 68, Parco dei Medici, 00148 Rome, Italy.

(A) FYR of Macedonia

a) A new registration and verification exercise for Temporary Humanitarian Assisted Persons (THAP) in FYR of Macedonia is currently taking place. The duration of the new THAP status and identification cards will be for six months. The Albanian Kosovars may be excluded from the next THAP status or have their status extended only until summer, in which case this group - estimated at 142 persons - would be repatriated.

b) During March and early April, WFP provided food assistance to approximately 7,600 refugees.

c) Due to low intensity conflict between ethnic Albanian armed groups and Macedonian Security Forces in the Northwest, the March-April distribution of food to refugees accommodated with host families has not been completed yet. Delivery of the April food aid ration to refugees residing in collective centres has been completed, except for the Radusha collective centre in the Northwest. WFP also provided repatriation packages to 90 refugees who voluntary repatriated to Serbia.

d) Following the offensive by the Macedonian Security Forces on ethnic Albanian armed groups, in late March, the situation in Tetovo region is now reported to be calm. There are clear signs that the situation is rapidly returning to normalisation. Among the population in Tetovo, there is a small number of displaced from hillside villages and residents that have been directly affected by the recent fighting. Concerns are growing about the plight of civilians who may still be trapped in the Crna Gora region, which was the scene of renewed military activity recently.

(B) West and Central Asia: (1) Afghanistan, (2) Pakistan (3) Iran, (4) Georgia

(1) Afghanistan

a) Recent data compiled by WFP's VAM Unit shows a sharp decrease in the purchasing power of the people in Afghanistan - by up to 50 percent of the average at the same time last year. The price of wheat in Faizabad in the Northeast has reached an amount double the average price in the rest of the country (USD 0.45/kg).

b) The situation in Herat in the west is deteriorating rapidly. The number of new IDP arrivals currently exceeds 200 families per day. Some 1,232 new IDP families or 6,366 individuals have been registered at the Maslakh camp just during the last week of March. The number of IDPs in the camps is estimated to have reached 110,000. The majority of IDPs who came during March are from Badghis (47 percent) and Ghor (41 percent) provinces.

c) Three new Food Distribution for Asset Creation (FOODAC) activities were approved for implementation in Ghor and Badghis provinces, using a total of 4,990 tons of wheat. WFP activities in the two provinces are expected to help stop out-migration.

(2) Pakistan

a) WFP released food commodities for distribution to 65,751 Afghan refugees living in Shamshatoo and Akhora Khatok camps. The distribution of these monthly rations is scheduled between 6 and 23 April, to be implemented by Shelter Now International.

b) The deadlock between the UN and Government of Pakistan regarding registration of refugees who recently arrived in Jaluzai and Akhora Khatok camps continues. UNHCR has not been able yet to organise the registration of new refugees. According to media and NGOs sources, over 70,000 refugees have arrived in Jaluzai in the recent months and another 10,200 reached Akhora Khatok. The inability to undertake registration limits food distributions to the long-term residents of the camps only.

c) The ad hoc assistance from NGOs and private donations of food and cash remain the principal source of assistance to the new population in Jaluzai camp.

d) WFP is planning to provide blended food for malnourished children, through MSF. To date, 150 children have been admitted to the programme but that number is expected to rise rapidly.

(3) Iran

a) UNHCR has confirmed that about 1,000 Afghan refugees are entering Iran daily, and that 70 percent of them are being settled in temporary camps set by the authorities. The fate of those settled in temporary camps is currently being discussed between the Government and UNHCR.

b) WFP is expecting a request to initiate food assistance to the newly arrived Afghan refugees. WFP has the resources to assist up to 5,000 people, but further resources will be required to cater for the food needs of an additional refugee caseload.

(4) Georgia

a) WFP and NGO implementing partners have completed sensitisation campaigns and pre-distribution monitoring in all 6 drought-affected regions. Preparation of beneficiary lists in all regions is almost complete.

b) The first round of EMOP food distribution in Kakheti and Imereti regions is to be completed by early April. Around 277,012 beneficiaries in the two regions will receive half-ration for two months, a total of 3,930 tons. Distribution in Kvemo Kartli region started later and is currently ongoing, with 97,385 beneficiaries assisted so far.

c) Post-distribution monitoring (PDM) is ongoing in Kakheti and Imereti regions, as well. Preliminary findings suggest that beneficiaries had consumed the food two weeks after they had received it. Some 44 percent of the beneficiaries interviewed are still experiencing energy deficit, 24 percent are selling assets and 40 percent are taking loans in order to cover their food needs.

d) Winter has been very dry and the crop forecast is not very optimistic. Land preparation started slowly, mainly due to the lack of cash to buy seeds, fertiliser and fuel. The rainy season has just started.

e) So far, only 35 percent of the EMOP food requirements have been resourced. As a result, beneficiaries were given half-ration during the first round of distribution and only in two regions (Kakheti and Imereti) they received a full food basket.

(C) Northern Caucasus: (1) Ingushetia, (2) Chechnya

a) Donors have so far pledged USD 4.3 million for the current WFP emergency operation (EMOP) in the Northern Caucasus. This represents only 18 percent of the requirement. During March, there have been almost no distributions of WFP food in either Ingushetia or Chechnya due to poor funding and lack of food supplies.

(1) Ingushetia

a) Danish Refugee Council (DRC) registered 2,149 new IDPs from Chechnya, in Ingushetia, during the last two weeks. The total number of IDPs in Ingushetia (as of 31 March) is 154,211.

b) Due to the breakdown of WFP food pipeline, no basic food rations were distributed in March in any IDP camps, except for 457 tons of wheat flour for about 33,600 beneficiaries. Some small distributions of food supplied by other agencies and donors have been carried out.

c) WFP monitored food distribution centres run by DRC and interviewed the beneficiaries. All beneficiaries expressed dismay over the lack of distribution of WFP food rations during March. WFP food monitors also conducted a market survey of daily consumable food items in all four districts of Ingushetia. The survey revealed that prices of wheat flour, pasta and edible oil have risen, compared to February, while the prices of fresh vegetables have gone down.

d) The Government of Russian Federation approved a resolution, which provides for food assistance to IDPs living in Ingushetia and transportation assistance on their return to Chechnya. Budgetary allocation of Rur 500 million has been made for food distributions. According to the Ministry responsible, bread and one hot meal per day will be provided to about 50,000 IDPs living in camps and other official settlements, effective 1 May. The allocated funds are expected to last for about two months.

e) The President of the Republic of Ingushetia stated that international humanitarian assistance to IDPs in the Republic is still needed. During the meeting with the UN team, the President also urged the international community to support Ingush families who have been hosting IDPs for more than one year and have been facing severe hardship to maintain their generous hospitality.

(2) Chechnya

a) Federal Minister for the Chechen Republic announced that about 7,000 IDPs might return to Chechnya, from Ingushetia, by the end of May and emphasised the need to create conditions conducive for voluntary return. He asked the international community to channel more humanitarian assistance inside Chechnya. Fluid security conditions have so far hampered access and regular presence of humanitarian workers inside Chechnya.

b) No WFP food commodities were supplied this month, except for 10 tons of high-energy biscuits, distributed to 6,000 school children in Achkoy-Martan district bordering Ingushetia. Small distributions of food aid supplied by other agencies and donors have been carried out.

(D) Horn of Africa: (1) Ethiopia, (2) Kenya, (3) Eritrea

(1) Ethiopia

a) Ms. Catherine Bertini, the Executive Director of WFP, visited to Addis Ababa from 29 March to 1 April, in her capacity as the Special Envoy of the UN Secretary General (SG) for the Horn of Africa. During the visit, Ms Bertini met with Government, UN, donor and NGO representatives and made a presentation entitled "Meeting the Challenges to Food Security in the Horn of Africa" at the International Livestock and Research Institute. Ms. Bertini appealed to donors to meet the urgent relief requirements for the UN Horn of Africa Drought Appeal.

b) Belg rains that were late in the onset and had poor performance at the beginning of the season have improved significantly - in amount and area covered - in the second and third dekads of March. Belg areas in which dry planting has been reported due to delayed onset, such as Hadiya, Welaita, Gamo Gofa, North Shewa, North and South Wello, are expected to benefit from the improved performance of rains.

c) In Somali region, the onset of rains in Shinnile zone is expected to alleviate the water problem that has been reported from various woredas. Significant rainfall reported over the past few days in the area between Negele and Filtu, in Liben zone, has filled ponds and eased the critical water situation in this area. Severe water shortages are still reported in many other parts of Somali region. Rainfall in the lowlands of Bale and East and West Hararghe, which have also been reporting water shortages, has been below normal.

d) Prices of grains are falling in East Gojjam in Amhara region, with most cereals selling at significantly less than their normal value. This is attributed to over-supply of cereals in the market (as farmers are selling their grain in order to repay their debts) and decline in the purchasing power of traders.

e) In response to the deteriorating situation in the Bale lowlands in Oromiya region, DPPC and WFP have agreed to send cereals and supplementary food to the affected woredas. High malnutrition in these areas has been attributed to poor performance of rains in the past 3-4 years that led to a gradual depletion of assets, and irregular and insufficient relief food distributions in November. There are also concerns in some parts of East Haraghe Zone and West Haraghe Zone.

f) The new phase of the WFP drought EMOP was approved on 22 March, for a total of 206,202 tons to cover needs of 2.5 million people, between April and January. WFP has already received a pledge from the USA for 42,000 tons of cereals. Additional pledges are crucial to avoid disruptions in food positioning and distribution. Cash pledges would allow local purchase of cereals and blended food and would be particularly useful.

g) The use of the WFP-contracted short haul trucks in Somali region will continue until 15 April in order to allow completion of deliveries from the last allocation. After this date, the short haul trucking operation will finish.

(2) Kenya

a) Ms. Catherine Bertini, WFP Executive Director, visited Nairobi, to participate in the first regular session in 2001 of the UN Administrative Committee on Coordination (ACC)and to brief donors in her capacity as the Special Envoy of the UN SG for Drought in the Horn of Africa.

b) A total of 2.4 million Kenyans are being targeted by WFP for the March general distribution, which is a 25 percent decrease from the previous distribution. Around 1.1 million school children will also continue to benefit from the Expanded School Feeding Programme (ESFP). A phase-out strategy for the EMOP is being developed, initially concentrating on areas where general distributions are being stopped.

c) Further steps to phase out general emergency distributions of WFP in six districts - Kitui, Mwingi, Makueni, Tharaka, Mbeere and Machakos have been undertaken. Transition from general distribution to Food for Work (FFW) in these districts is expected in the coming weeks. WFP is currently working in close collaboration with lead partner agencies, visiting target groups and identifying potential community-based projects.

d) The food pipeline situation for the 16 districts that continue to receive general emergency distribution remains critical. While pledges to date have covered around 71 percent of the commodity needs for the annual period of the EMOP, the actual shortfall for the remaining four months - March to June - is around 50 percent. Only 30,000 tons of cereals are available until the end of June.

e) UNICEF has been coordinating three nutritional surveys across Turkana district and although the results are not yet conclusive, there is a general perception that the nutritional situation in the district has improved. However, dependency of population on relief food remains high.

f) Heavy thunderstorms in Northern Kenya, during past two weeks, affected roads and bridges and delayed food deliveries. Heavy rains in Samburu, Moyale and the border of West Pokot and Turkana represent a security threat as well, because they often result in increased banditry. Rain was also reported in Wajir district, for the first time in many months.

g) Tribal tensions were particularly problematic in Turkana, Tana River and Isiolo districts. A security incident was reported in the central division of Isiolo when food distribution began on 19 March. An attack on a Turkana village forced two WFP trucks to return to the warehouse.

(3) Eritrea

a) The Government agency implementing food aid distributions, ERREC, reported distribution of 5,288 tons of food to 301,356 beneficiaries during the last two weeks of March. WFP monitors reported that 68 percent of the food recipients were women, who also make part of the group distribution committees and regional committees.

b) WFP conducted post-distribution monitoring in Gheleb and Kerebet sub-zones of the Anseba region. In the Gheleb sub-zone the beneficiaries received planned food aid rations. In Aibaba centre, only oil and pulses were distributed due to a shortage of cereals. The distributions were augmented with LWF-donated cereals. In order to augment field monitoring capacity, five national field assistants have been recruited and posted in the sub-offices of Keren, Decamhare and Barentu.

c) Considering the in-country stocks and expected food pipeline arrivals, which amount to approximately 53,000 tons, it is expected that the drought response EMOP can cover the needs of beneficiaries for about four months. Additional 7,000 tons are expected to arrive in May for the EMOP assisting war-affected population and meet the needs for about two months. WFP has organised a loan to cover the food pipeline rupture expected in April.

d) WFP attended a tripartite meeting in Khartoum, which discussed the modalities for the repatriation of 62,000 Eritrean refugees from Sudan.

e) A meeting was held with ERREC to discuss registration of beneficiaries to be assisted under the new phase of the two WFP EMOPs that target drought and war-affected population. WFP was requested to delay the exercise pending a Government decision. It is anticipated that registration will not take place before the start of the new EMOP phases.

(E) Southern Africa: (1) Malawi, (2) Angola, (3) Namibia

(1) Malawi

a) In response to the worst floods to hit Malawi in over a decade, WFP launched on 3 April a three-month emergency operation to feed 208,500 people affected by the disaster. In order to run the operation for a planned period of three months - from April to June - WFP urgently needs USD 3.3 million in donations from the international community, to purchase 8,800 tons of food.

b) Sudden floods that swept across much of the country in February washed away or destroyed thousands of houses, leaving homeless thousands of families. Infrastructure damage is also serious. Many people have lost their crops and are facing massive food shortages. Increased malnutrition, or even starvation, is possible if food aid is not provided promptly. Southern Malawi was hardest-hit, as the Lower Shire River overflowed and completely filled its flood plain in Nsanje and Chickwawa districts. The floods struck at the worst possible time, just prior to the March harvest, causing widespread crop destruction. The majority of farmers affected in these often-inaccessible areas - primarily female heads of the household - are extremely poor and require immediate food aid.

c) On 21 February, the Government of Malawi declared a state of disaster and released emergency funds for immediate food and non-food assistance to the most affected people, while appealing for international aid. In early March, WFP launched a short-term immediate response operation with food borrowed from other WFP projects to immediately feed some 60,000 people in the six most affected districts. Despite difficulties in transporting food because of severe damage and flooding of roads, WFP managed to deliver nearly 700 tons of food to stranded people in Nsanje, Chickwawa, Phalombe, Zomba and Machinga districts in the south, and Salima district in central Malawi. The same districts, and the additional district of Mangochi, will be assisted in the wider three-month relief operation.

d) WFP's immediate objective is to prevent the loss of life and malnutrition among children and their parents. The food is also expected to stop families from selling off crucial farming tools and give them sufficient energy to plant in May for the July/August harvest, to recover from the disaster.

(2) Angola

a) Security situation remained unstable in most provinces. Arrival of new IDPs was reported in the provinces of Bie, Kuanza Norte, Lunda Sul, Malange, Moxico and Uige.

b) New phase of the WFP EMOP, targeting victims of the conflict in Angola has started on 1 April. During the week, WFP airlifted 367 tons of food and 12 tons of non-food items and transported by road 30 tons of food.

c) Major breaks in the food pipeline are envisaged for the months of April, May and June. Unless 15,000 tons of cereals are received by mid-May, there will be a serious break in June. In addition, very limited quantities of pulses will be available for distribution in May.

d) Heavy rains caused damage to the coastal regions in Benguela province. Assistance to IDPs in the Dombe Grande area has been constrained during the last three weeks due to the prevailing insecurity along the road to Dombe Grande.

e) Distribution of non-food items to IDPs has begun in Bie province. Re-verification of beneficiary numbers was carried out at the Nharea III camp for IDPs. Nutritional review was carried out in Camacupa by MSF and the initial findings indicate worsening nutritional state of the children. A detailed report is expected later in the week.

f) WFP organised training in Lubango (Huila province) for VAM staff and food aid monitors working in southern provinces. Methodology to be used during the April Vulnerability Assessment was reviewed. The assessment is tentatively planned for the second week of May.

g) The Ministry of Health visited Mussende (Malange province) and found indications of serious deterioration of nutritional situation there. A follow up mission by the Government is planned for the next week to identify causes of the malnutrition. WFP already provided emergency food rations for the most vulnerable in Mussende.

h) Kuito airport is still accessible only by the more expensive propeller L 100 aircraft. With Negage airport closed to all WFP aircraft, limited landings have taken place in Uige. WFP is currently operating from three airports in the Benguela/Lobito area, with up to 13 flights per day. Fuel problems at Catumbela have continued to affect deliveries from that airport. From mid April, WFP is hoping to start using Lubango as an alternate airport for Catumbela.

(3) Namibia

a) Donor contributions toward the Namibia EMOP, which is assisting refugees from Angola and DR Congo, are still urgently needed. Despite reduced rations provided to refugees, the food pipeline problems remains serious. The available food is expected to run out completely in June.

b) UNHCR and the Namibian Government are planning a census in the Osire camp in mid this year. The reported number of the Osire camp population at the end of March was 19,465. Less than 300 arrivals were reported in March, which is lower than average.

(F) West Africa Coastal: (1) Guinea, (2) Sierra Leone

(1) Guinea

a) The situation in calm in Kissidougou and Kountaya, but volatile in Massakoundou. Katkama is accessible only with a special security clearance. Gueckedou district remains inaccessible for UN staff. The Office in Massakoundou has been closed since 26 March, for security reasons. The local authorities in Kissidougou have requested that Massakoundou camp be closed within two weeks. UNHCR has already relocated 2,750 refugees to the new campsite in Kountaya. Once its capacity of 28,000 persons is full, refugees will be transferred to the second new site in Boreya.

b) Following a joint-mission by WFP, UNHCR and Premier Urgence to Gueckedou, it was decided that distributions in the Parrot's Beak would be restarted. The Guinean army will grant security during distributions. Full support of the local authorities has been received.

c) WFP delivered to ICRC food commodities for 3,000 new IDPs located in Lola and Yomou, near Nzerekore. A WFP team went to Mamou where it is expected to start interviews, registration and distribution procedures for an estimated 11,000 IDPs.

d) WFP team is scheduled to join OCPH/CARITAS in Kankan during this week, to start the socio-economic surveys preceding the next food distribution. WFP is planning to open a sub-office in Kankan within two weeks. Premier Urgence is expected to finalise food distribution for the remaining 7,000 IDPs located near Koundou in the Parrot's beak shortly.

e) According to the medical NGOs, the nutritional situation in the camps outside the Parrot's Beak remains alarming but stable, with malnutrition among children under five years at 10-15 percent.

f) The census in Massakoundou revealed a total of 14,000 refugees there instead of the estimated 37,000. WFP has delivered 15-day food rations for the first 2,000 new arrivals in the campsite of Boreya. During last week, there has been an average daily influx of 500-800 refugees from the Parrot's Beak into the transit camp of Katkama. The camp has reached its capacity, with about 12,000 refugees at present. No decision for the enlargement of the camp has been made yet. WFP participated in a refugee census organised by UNHCR in Kouankan camp (near Macenta) that revealed a number of 13,500 refugees in this camp. WFP food assistance will be delivered there shortly.

g) In Forecariah, WFP provided food to additional 3,885 refugees, increasing the number of assisted persons to 15,885. The current number of refugees in the transit camp in Conakry is 5,598 according to OCPH/CARITAS. Some 500 refugees departed for Sierra Leone and 917 new arrivals were registered this week. WFP continues supplying the camp with food aid.

(2) Sierra Leone

a) The flow of returnees from Guinea and Liberia continues both by sea and foot through the borders in Pujehun, Kailahun and Kono district. WFP is planning to assess the situation of 914 returnees that have crossed into the Pujehun district. Current rate of return is around 50 to 60 returnees per day, according to UNHCR/OCHA. WFP is providing food for the returnees.

b) The resettlement of IDPs is in progress, but some problems are envisaged with distribution in Freetown camps. Of the 30,921 people who registered for resettlement in Western Area only about 13,000 are reportedly intending to move while the rest intend to stay. Food for Work activities implemented in collaboration with partners and community work groups, in support of the resettlement process - road construction, rehabilitation and construction of houses - continue in all WFP operational areas.

c) To avoid a break in the food pipeline during April, WFP made local arrangements with NGOs World Vision and Catholic Relief Services. Based on the current projections, the pipeline position is secure until July/August.

d) During the week WFP distributed 213 tons of food to 27,881 beneficiaries in the country.

(G) Latin America and Caribbean: (1) El Salvador, (2) Bolivia, (3) Peru, (4) Dominican Republic

(1) El Salvador

a) The first round of distributions to earthquake victims following the immediate response phase began on 20 March. Four NGO partners are presently distributing 1,645 tons of food to 40,000 families, in coordination with over 25 different organisations.

b) The main FFW activities to be carried out with WFP food in the 45 selected municipalities (over 500 communities) during April include clearance of debris, construction of temporary and semi-permanent housing, rehabilitation of water systems and wells, social infrastructure and rehabilitation of roads.

c) The delivery of NFIs received through OCHA began with the distribution of 70 tents to WHO/PAHO. These were given to the Ministry of Health for various refuge centres. Other items such as water tanks, latrines, cooking kits, hygiene kits and agricultural kits are being distributed through other UN agencies, NGOs and government counterparts.

d) WFP EMOP has so far received USD 3.8 million in contributions, which represent only 38 percent of the requirements up to July. Current resources available for the operation will allow distributions for approximately two months. The severity of resource situation has been slightly relaxed by favourable reaction of donors who provided WFP with cash contributions, which resulted in quick local purchases and important savings.

(2) Bolivia

a) The number of flood victims continues to increase as the heavy rains persist. The latest report of the Civil Defence Service (SENADECI) confirms that some 313,270 people have been affected. La Paz (117,030 people) and Cochabamba (77,860 people) are by far the most affected departments. Most of the victims are being assisted either by WFP or by SENADECI and NGOs working with USAID. The assistance is being provided only for one to two months, but the victims of the disaster are threatened by food insecurity in the medium term as well, due to loss of crops and other sources of income.

b) SENADECI has distributed food, tools and blankets disbursed by the Government, benefiting some 74,843 people and is preparing a further assistance plan. The new plan aims at assisting some 170,000 people with food and non-food items worth around USD 1.5 million. Considering the financial constraints of the Government, it is expected that SENADECI would also appeal for support to national and international organisations.

c) WFP has so far distributed 972 tons of food to approximately 97,730 affected people, drawing from its in-country development project stocks. These stocks are quickly being depleted.

d) The Emergency Plan prepared by the Ministry of Agriculture, in collaboration with WFP and FAO, includes resources from WFP's approved EMOP, which will be used to rehabilitate the rural infrastructure and provide alternative income sources to the affected population. However, no formal donor commitments for the WFP EMOP have been received to date.

(3) Peru

a) Rains in Peru have been the worst since 1986. The Government has declared a three-month state of emergency in the departments of Puno, Arequipa and Tacna. Also hit are the provinces of Piura, Cajamarca, Tumbes, Lambayeque, La Libertad and Lima. The total number of people affected is 170,000. The most seriously affected department is Puno, where 8,000 homes have been damaged or destroyed and 60,000 persons affected. In addition, 48,000 hectares of crops have been damaged and 50,000 heads of livestock lost.

b) The National Institute of Civil Defence (INDECI) issued a report with priority needs for the affected population. This includes 2,500 tons of food and 2,000 kitchen kits. INDECI has sent this report to WFP, requesting assistance. WFP has sent an assessment team to Puno to consider a response to the disaster.

(4) Dominican Republic

a) The Government has declared the El Factor and Nagua districts in a state of emergency after torrential rains flooded large areas. The number of affected people is estimated to be up to 30,000. Agriculture, particularly rice plantations, has been seriously affected. Government officials have indicated that rice production will not be re-established until next year. A joint Government-WFP assessment team visited the hardest hit areas. In response to the Government request, WFP has provided on loan 126 tons of food from its development stocks, for the 5,600 most affected people (to assist them for two months). The Government has agreed to return these commodities.

(H) Emergency Response Roster

a) Second Training of WFP's Emergency Response Roster staff was completed in Galoffsta Sweden, from 21 March to 1 April. A total of 28 WFP staff from all operational units, including programming, logistics, finance, administration, TC/IT and human resources that have been selected for the Emergency Response Roster were trained in a number of processes and activities relating to emergency situations and operations.

b) WFP staff attended classroom exercises on main elements of the emergency operation including emergency assessments, programming, logistics, administration, finance, humanitarian challenges, main actors in emergencies, international humanitarian law and human rights, team dynamics, conflict resolution; underwent practical training in personal security, first aid, survival, driving on rough terrain, mine and fire awareness, and completed a three day simulation of an emergency operation.

c) This group of 28 WFP staff, which includes a Team Leader, will represent the first line of response and potential deployment for WFP in any new emergency situation, for a period of three months. The new team replaces the Emergency Response Roster team that was trained and on stand-by for emergency deployment since last November.

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

(End WFP Emergency Report No 14)