Heavy rains, typical of the hurricane season, and consequent flooding and landslides since mid-September have caused considerable damage to urban and rural housing and infrastructure all over the country, and particularly around the capital, Managua. Some minor damage to crops is reported. Harvesting of the 2002/03 second season maize, bean and sorghum crop is underway. Despite the damage, an above-average maize output is early forecast. Production of sorghum should be slightly above-average, while the output of beans is also expected to be above-average. The number of small rural families affected by the closure of coffee plantations, particularly in the northern coffee growing areas, continues to increase. Thousands of workers have remained unemployed for the last three years. Food assistance from the international community is being distributed to the affected families. Extreme food insecurity is reported in various municipalities.
PANAMA (30 October)
Heavy rains and flooding since mid-September are reported in various parts of the country, including the areas around the capital, with consequent damage to urban and rural housing and infrastructure. Planting of the second season paddy crop for this year has been completed. Harvesting is due from late November and a slightly below-average production is tentatively forecast, despite the considerable losses incurred by dry weather at planting in the important producing province of Chiriquí. The country is virtually self-sufficient in rice consumption, but some imports would be probably required in 2003 (January/December) to offset the losses incurred.