ASIA: Several countries have been hit by severe drought, particularly the Islamic Republic of Iran, India and Pakistan. The food situation remains precarious in Mongolia, following excessive snowfall last winter which killed large numbers of livestock, and in DPR Korea, suggesting continued dependence on food aid. In East Timor the situation continues to ease. In the Near East, Afghanistan faces a severe food crisis due to drought and economic difficulties. Iraq and Jordan have also been affected by drought.