International Report: Over 340,000 affected by floods in Yemen in nearly two weeks.

In a recent international report, it was revealed that more than 340,000 individuals have suffered due to the heavy rains and floods striking Yemen over approximately two weeks.

Widespread Devastation

According to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, preliminary assessments indicate that about 48,755 families, totaling 341,285 people, have been directly affected by the rains and floods from July 28 to August 14, 2024. The Yemeni Red Crescent Society’s evaluations highlight that 12,915 families in Hodeidah experienced 30 deaths and five missing persons. In Marib, 12,305 families were affected; in Hajjah, 10,480; in Taiz, 6,494 families suffered with 15 deaths; in Saada, 3,451 families were impacted along with two deaths; in Al Jawf, 1,740; and in Ibb, 1,370 families were affected.

The report detailed the destruction and displacement caused by the severe weather, noting significant damage to residential sites, internally displaced persons’ shelters, infrastructure, and the agricultural sector. This has exacerbated the already dire humanitarian situation, with many families having been displaced for years.

Escalating Risks and Health Concerns

Floods have destroyed numerous mud houses and IDP camps, obliterated water sources and roads, disrupted livelihoods, submerged agricultural lands, and inflicted severe damage on livestock. This has threatened food security and moved unexploded ordnances into residential areas, raising risks for civilians and humanitarian workers. Furthermore, the flooding has damaged health care facilities, hampering access to essential health services amid a fragile health situation and outbreaks of acute watery diarrhea, cholera, and dengue fever, raising significant concerns over waterborne diseases due to contaminated water sources.

Humanitarian Response

The Yemeni Red Crescent Society, with support from the International Federation, has initiated a response by providing basic household items to 5,484 affected families. Additionally, they have distributed food parcels to 2,030 families and supplied 1,212 families with tarpaulins and mosquito nets. Rescue and search activities continue in the affected areas to mitigate the impact of this disaster.

This situation underscores the urgent need for increased international attention and aid to address the immediate and long-term impacts of the floods on the people of Yemen.

 

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