ASIA: A food crisis persists in DPR Korea due to chronic food shortages, and food assistance is urgently required. Emergency relief, including food, is being provided to some 100 000 most vulnerable people of earthquake victims in the Islamic Republic of Iran. Emergency assistance is also being provided to the farmers affected by avian influenza virus in several countries. The rice crop has been severely affected by drought in several districts in Sri Lanka. In the Asian CIS, improved precipitation and snow cover have provided favourable conditions for winter crops. In Afghanistan, above-average precipitation and snow cover have improved prospects for the winter cereal crops.