Extremely low temperatures and snowstorms in July in the southern Andean areas caused over 60 victims and affected more than 86 000 persons. The freezing temperatures killed a high number of livestock and caused serious damage to pastures and crops, and rural housing. A state of emergency was declared by the Government and relief assistance to the affected population has been provided by national and international institutions. The bulk of the 2002 wheat harvest has been completed and output exceeds that of the previous year for the same period. Harvesting should continue through October and an above-average production of about 190 000 tonnes for the year is forecast. Harvesting of the 2002 white maize crop is virtually complete, while that of the yellow maize crop is still underway. Aggregate outputs, so far, are slightly above the previous year’s near record volumes. Thus, a well above-average maize crop is expected. Paddy is harvested all year round and indications are that another bumper crop, like last year’s, should be expected.