Despite a recent significant decrease in the rains, the adverse effects of El Niņo continued to be felt until mid-May along the coastal areas, particularly in the provinces of Manabi, Los Rios y Guayas, where extremely high precipitation levels were reported. Intensive rains were also reported during the first half of May in the Andean areas, particularly towards the center and south of the mountain range, and in the Amazonian region with record precipitation levels registered in some locations. Damage to housing and infrastructure, as well as to the agricultural sector, continued to increase, causing instability in the prices of some basic food items. However, no shortage of food supplies has so far been reported. About 300 000 hectares of farm land, principally in the coastal areas, have been officially declared to be severely affected by the impact of the phenomenon. An official assessment of the damage incurred to the agricultural sector has just been completed and a national plan has been formulated for the rehabilitation of the sector. An appeal for assistance has been made to the international community.