Anjali Sharma
GG News Bureau
UNITED NATIONS, 13th August. International Organization for Migration on Monday stated that it is boosting up emergency operations in Yemen to support thousands of families affected by relentless rains and catastrophic floods in Yemen.
OCHA said that the floods began in late June and intensified through early August some 57 people were killed and over 34,000 families impacted, as torrential rains devastated Hudaydah, Taiz, Marib and other regions.
The crisis is unfolding after the ongoing war between Government forces, backed by a Saudi-led coalition, and Houthi rebels, which began a decade ago.
The devastation caused by the floods and windstorms has worsened the already dire humanitarian situation in Yemen, where millions are grappling with the impacts of the prolonged conflict as well as displacement and poverty.
The situation for internally displaced persons has become even more critical as the destruction of shelters, coupled with limited access to essential services, hampers their recovery, IOM said.
IOM Yemen’s Acting Chief of Mission Matt Huber said the magnitude of the disaster is overwhelming and needs are enormous.
“Our teams are on the ground, working tirelessly to provide life-saving assistance to those in need, but the resources at our disposal are limited,” he said.
“Without significant and sustained support from international donors and partners, the ability to meet the needs of those affected will remain severely limited.”
The floods have displaced over 6,000 families and caused severe infrastructure damage in Hudaydah governorate, among the hardest-hit areas.
The flood waters have buried wells, washed away farmlands and caused widespread destruction of homes and essential public services. Roads have been closed and access to affected areas remains challenging, which is further complicating relief efforts.
IOM said the situation is equally dire in three districts on Yemen’s west coast- Hays, Mokha and Al Khokha – where 5,800 families have been affected and thousands displaced. Crops and critical infrastructure have been destroyed, including roads and water supply systems.
The flooding has swept landmines into new areas, thus complicating access and increasing risks of those trying to reach communities in need.
IOM has provided aid to over 300 families in Hays and Al Khokha districts.
The agency has distributed shelter materials to 83 households as well as 3,000 hygiene kits. Teams are also conducting assessments, including in Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene protection, and shelter/non-food items.
In Marib, windstorms and floods have caused extensive damage, with broken electrical poles, widespread power outages, and severe impact on shelters.
IOM manages 21 displacement sites there and preliminary assessments reveal that 600 shelters were fully damaged and 2,800 partially damaged, affecting over 20,000 people. Four deaths and several injuries were reported, with 12 people referred to IOM-
supported hospitals in Marib city for urgent care.
The flooding raised serious health concerns as the combination of stagnant water and poor sanitation provide a breeding ground for mosquitoes, which could lead to diseases such as malaria and dengue fever.
Contaminated water sources also may exacerbate the risk of waterborne diseases and the current cholera outbreak.
IOM’s teams have been conducting initial assessments, activating emergency response committees and restoring critical infrastructure, such as water and sanitation systems.
Teams have been deployed to open channels for water discharge and construct embankments to prevent further damage.
IOM said the scale of the disaster has exposed critical gaps in resources, among partners supplying shelter and non-food items, due to low contingency stocks.
The agency is closely coordinating with local authorities and humanitarian partners to ensure a comprehensive and effective response.
IOM has called the international community to increase support to address the overwhelming needs in Yemen.
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