Torrential rains in mid-September resulted in flooding and landslides, leaving behind more than 30 victims and a large number of homeless in the district of San Lucas Tolimán. By contrast, light to moderate rainfall in the last weeks of August benefited development of the 2002/03 first season maize crop currently being harvested; however, rains were rather irregular and ill distributed in the departments of El Progreso, Zacapa and Chiquimula, in the east, and damage to crops is reported. Tentatively the output of maize is forecast at 1.1 million tonnes, a slight improvement over last year’s average level. About 590 000 tonnes of maize imports, mostly yellow, in marketing year 2002/03 (July/June) will still be required to meet domestic demand. Planting of the important bean crop is underway and early production forecasts indicate that a satisfactory output should be collected if adequate weather conditions persist in the main growing areas. Food assistance from the international community continues to be distributed to farmers affected by last year’s drought or unemployed from coffee plantations. It is reported that hundreds of coffee plantations have been closed due to the continuing crisis affecting the coffee sector. Cases of severe malnutrition in certain areas, such as in the administrative districts of Pasaco, Quesada. Jalapa, Malacatán, Sibinal and San Carlos Alzatate have been registered and international assistance provided in nutritional and recovery centres.