“Yemen is facing a new devastating chapter in its ongoing crisis, exacerbated by a combination of conflict and extreme weather events“, Matt Huber emphasized, IOM Acting Head of Mission of Yemen.
The storms come as the country grapples with a cholera outbreak and rising food insecurity, exacerbating the vulnerability of displaced families and the strain on health care.
As severe weather conditions are expected to continue, more households are at risk of displacement and exposure to disease outbreaks due to damaged water and health infrastructure.
Meanwhile, the internationally recognized Yemeni government has been waging its own war against the Houthi rebels for more than a decade, with both sides vying for power in the country.
Tens of thousands of people have been killed and despite a lull in fighting, peace talks are underway aimed at a long-term solution. produced little progress.
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Life-saving aid is being distributed in Al Hazm in Yemen’s Al Jawf governorate following deadly flooding.
Entire communities ‘wiped out’
In several provinces, thousands of people are without shelter, clean water or access to basic services, and dozens of lives have been lost.
One of the worst-hit areas is the Ma’rib governorate northeast of the capital Sana’a, with strong winds since August 11 that have severely damaged 73 displacement sites and affected more than 21,000 households. Public services, including electricity networks, have been severely affected, exacerbating the crisis in one of Yemen’s most vulnerable regions.
Meanwhile, more than 15,000 families in Al Hudaydah and 11,000 in Ta’iz are in urgent need of emergency aid as floodwaters have damaged shelters, roads, water sources and medical facilities since early August.
“These rainfalls have not only resulted in a tragic loss of life, but have also wiped out the assets and livelihoods of entire communities,” the IOM stressed.
Urgent help needed amid ‘staggering’ devastation
In response to severe flooding and strong winds, the IOM has launched a $13.3 million appeal to provide urgent life-saving assistance.
Although IOM is already assisting 350,000 people with shelter, non-food items (NFI), financial support, health care, camp management and water, sanitation and hygiene measures, available resources are insufficient to meet the enormous needs.
“The scale of the devastation is staggering and we urgently need additional funding to ensure the most vulnerable are not left behind,” said the IOM head in Yemen.
“We must act immediately to prevent further losses and alleviate the suffering of those affected,” he added.
The organization urgently calls on the international community to support this appeal, continue to provide life-saving assistance and meet the enormous needs of those affected.
