GUATEMALA (4 August)
Heavy rains and flooding are reported early in July in various parts of the country, particularly in the southeast, resulting in landslides with serious damage to rural housing and infrastructure. The capital of the country and surroundings were also affected by the intense rains. Damage to the grain crops is reported in some localities.
Harvesting of the 2003/04 first season cereal crops, mainly maize, is about to start. The outlook is good so far and an average maize production is expected. Food assistance from the international community will continue to be provided until February 2006 (World Food Programme’s Protracted Relief and Recovery Operation 10212.0 ) to families affected by the natural disasters that for the past 5 years have hit the country, in particular women and children. The assistance provided will also help mitigate the adverse effects of economic shocks of recent years and should contribute improve household food supply. Some 200 000 persons per year are expected to benefit from this programme.