Information Minister appeals to UNESCO for urgent intervention to preserve flood-damaged archaeological sites.

In a pressing call for international support, Yemen’s Minister of Information, Culture, and Tourism, Muammar Al-Eryani, has reached out to UNESCO’s Director-General, Audrey Azoulay, and the Regional Director for the Gulf States and Yemen, Salah Khaled. The appeal seeks immediate action to safeguard and restore the ancient cities damaged by recent torrential rains and floods, particularly those under the control of the Houthi militia.

Historic Cities in Peril

Al-Eryani’s urgent message highlighted the devastating impact of severe weather conditions on several of Yemen’s historic cities, including Sana’a and Zabid, both recognized as World Heritage Sites. The minister reported that the intense rainfall and resulting floods have caused significant destruction, including the partial collapse of Zabid’s historic fortress’s northern facade. In Old Sana’a, numerous historic homes are now at risk of collapse, with one of the city’s ancient palaces already succumbed to the floods. The situation is equally dire in the historic fortress of Radaa, which has also suffered collapses.

A Call for Preservation and Restoration

The continued threat posed by the floods to these historic areas underscores the urgent need for intervention to preserve and restore the affected archaeological sites. Al-Eryani emphasized the importance of these sites not only to Yemeni history and culture but to humanity as a whole. The loss inflicted by the destruction represents a significant blow to global heritage, making the restoration efforts critical for future generations.

Challenges Exacerbated by Conflict

Al-Eryani also pointed out that the ongoing conflict, fueled by the Houthi militia’s coup, has severely hindered the state’s ability to protect and maintain these historic cities and other archaeological sites under militia control. This has exacerbated the challenges faced in preserving Yemen’s cultural heritage.

Conclusion

The appeal to UNESCO underscores the dire situation of Yemen’s ancient cities, threatened by natural disasters and compounded by ongoing conflict. The international community’s immediate response is crucial to prevent further loss and ensure the preservation of these invaluable sites for future generations.

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