FAO/GIEWS - Foodcrops & Shortages 04/02 - ECUADOR (19 April)
Heavy rains and flooding and resulting landslides, in late February and the early half of March, along the coastal areas of the provinces of El Oro, Guayas and Manabi, have inflicted death to a number of people and left more than 400 families temporarily homeless. Relief and food assistance from the international community has been provided to the affected population. Harvesting of the paddy crop in the stricken areas has been disrupted while the start of the harvesting operations of the maize crop has been delayed. An assessment of damage has not been available yet, but it is reported that some losses might have been incurred to the crops. Both crops had been earlier affected by dry weather late in 2001 and beginning of this year. Damage to the important coffee crop is also reported. The Government has declared a state of emergency in the affected areas.