Heavy and continuing rains since June culminated in extensive flooding at the end of July in the state of Apure, in the southwest, leaving more than 35 000 people homeless and covering huge expanses of farmland. A number of victims is also reported. Serious damage to infrastructure, as well as to livestock and crops, is reported. An assessment of damage has not been made available yet. The flooding and the lack of drinking water in some areas have also raised the risk of diseases. A state of regional emergency has been declared and relief assistance is being provided by national and international institutions. Harvesting of the coarse grain crops is underway and an above-average maize output is tentatively forecast, while that of sorghum is expected to be slightly below average. Harvesting of the important paddy crop is underway and a below-average output is also forecast.