Yemen Floods Affect 294,000 in August, Reports Shelter Cluster

Sana’a, Yemen – The Shelter Cluster, a humanitarian organization led by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), has reported that severe rains and floods have impacted more than 294,000 individuals across Yemen since the beginning of August. The organization is urgently calling for donor support to provide immediate relief to those affected.

Catastrophic Floods Hit Yemen

Yemen has faced an extreme climate emergency, characterized by catastrophic flooding that has caused widespread destruction, particularly in displacement sites and surrounding communities. The Shelter Cluster’s recent report highlights the urgent need for $25 million to address the escalating needs due to the heavy rains and floods that have struck several governorates in the country.

Devastation Across Governorates

The report details the extensive damage caused by the recent floods, including numerous deaths and significant destruction in governorates such as Hajjah, Sa’ada, Taiz, Ibb, Hodeidah, Marib, Amran, Dhale, Al Jawf, Abyan, and Lahj. Over the past three weeks, the floods have severely affected 294,002 people, destroying homes, farms, livestock, and livelihoods.

Immediate Assistance and Ongoing Needs

Immediate aid has been provided to 67,500 people in the affected governorates, including the distribution of 7,889 non-food item kits, 1,658 emergency shelter kits, and 1,121 shelter repair kits. Despite these efforts, 108,000 affected individuals still lack shelter assistance. The report warns that without additional support, many families will remain vulnerable, lacking not only a roof over their heads but also the essential household items needed for daily life.

Urgent Call for Donor Support

The Shelter Cluster emphasizes that the required funding will enable the provision of immediate relief in essential supplies, such as emergency shelter for those in urgent need, replenishment of non-food items, and measures to mitigate and reduce the impact of floods on affected communities. It will also enhance disaster preparedness and mitigate future climate impacts. Without this support, affected families face the risk of prolonged exposure to harsh weather conditions, potentially leading to further health complications and increased vulnerability.

As Yemen continues to grapple with this crisis, the Shelter Cluster’s appeal underscores the critical need for international donor support to prevent the humanitarian situation from deteriorating further.

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