Kenya
Power rationing in Kenya continued during the month despite widespread rains as prior drought conditions have left water
levels below operational levels at some hydroelectric dams. (PMA)
Armenia Low water levels in the Chernrechensky reservoir, the main source of drinkable water in Sevastopol, has left the city facing
possible water shortages. Water resources are less than 50% of capacity indicating water reserves of no more than two
months. Authorities regretted the discharge of water from the reservoir during the spring rainy season. Officials were
considering water use restrictions in an effort to conserve resources. (CNN)
Afghanistan Widespread rains brought some relief to ongoing severe drought, especially in the western and southwestern parts of the
country. Prolonged drought and ongoing crop failure has forced tens of thousands of people in the war-torn country to
move to urban areas or into neighboring Pakistan. More rain and snow is needed to raise water tables which have been
greatly reduced by the drought. (EA, Reuters)
Pakistan Drought conditions over the past year have reduced overall water levels to 65% of the long-term average. The most
affected areas are sectors within Sindh and most of Balochistan. The drought has resulted in considerable loss of livestock
and natural resources. About 2.2 million people are affected. (OCHA)
Agriculture
Kenya
Unusually low temperatures and accompanying frost destroyed hundreds of hectares
of maze in primary growing areas in
the central Laikipia district. According to local media reports,
the frost destroyed nearly the entire crop in the district's 3
maize producing divisions of Ngarua, Moran and Rumuruti. (CIP)
Indonesia The heavy rains in northern and western Sumatra have resulted
in damage to thousands of hectares of dry season rice, which was
near harvest. More rains forecast as the North East Monsoon sets in.
The FAO has issued a special report as food concerns mount following
the serious floods.
(FAO)
Argentina
Heavy rains in Central Argentina during late October have
flooded the rich crop region of northwestern Buenos Aires, southeastern
Cordoba and northeastern La Pampa provinces. More than 3.5 million acres
are under water, almost one third of the total cultivated land in the
region. Winter wheat, which will soon be ready for harvesting, has been
affected, as well as the planting of soybean and maize traditionally in
December. Losses are estimated at about 60 million dollars, including damage to
livestock. (La Nacion, Clarin)
Australia Heavy rains (100-200 mm) over a two week period caused 12 rivers in New South Wales to reach flood stage. The state
government declared the flooded region - which covered one-third of the state - a natural disaster. The flooding,
considered the worst in 20 years, resulted in crop damages estimated at $500 million USD. Especially hard hit awere the
northern inland cropping areas of NSW. Heavy rain over much of Queensland produced localized flooding and road
closures during the month. (CNN)
Fisheries
Peru Yearly cumulative catch of small pelagic fish in Peru
through the month of November was approximately 8.8 million metric tons
(compared
with approximately 6 million metric tons for the same period in
1999). Given the ban on meat and bone meals in Europe due to fear of
mad cow
disease, soymeal prices have increased dramatically, and there was an
expectation of increased demand of fishmeal (made from small pelagic
fish)
as a source of protein for animal feed. However, recent reports
indicate
that fishmeal will likely be included in the ban as well.
(FEO)
