LATIN AMERICA AND THE CARIBBEAN: In Central America, first and second season maize and bean crops have been damaged by dry weather conditions and food assistance is being provided to the affected families. In Guyana, torrential rains have caused severe flooding and river overflow. Food assistance continues to be provided in Haiti to families affected by recent floods and droughts. In South America, overall prospects for wheat, maize and paddy crops are favourable, except in Ecuador and Peru where production of maize and rice may be affected by dry weather at sowing.