41.   Unlike the eastern half of southern Africa which had good rains earlier this year, the area is suffering a longstanding drought.

42.   However, some areas are suffering shortfalls as food aid purchased from neighbouring South Africa and Zimbabwe is late to arrive.

43.   In addition to chronic problems in the cities, rural areas are also suffering from serious overpopulation, prompting millions of migrant labourers to swarm to urban areas.

44.   During the war, the area suffered heavy fighting while the pre-war non-Serb majority was driven out of their homes.

45.   Eyewitnesses heard several explosions and the immediate area suffered a power cut.

46.   The delta area frequently suffers flooding but the inundations this year were particularly severe and have delayed planting of winter crops as the land has taken months to drain.

47.   The group said all business areas suffered drops in operating profits because of falling prices, the stronger krona and production restrictions.

48.   The Mekong delta area traditionally suffers serious flooding during several months of monsoon rains which regularly hit the southern provinces.