By Anjali Sharma
UNITED NATIONS – International Migration agency said on Thursday that unprecedented floods and winds have displaced thousands of families, destroyed homes, and severely damaged critical infrastructure, impacted half a million people in Yemen.
Matt Huber, IOM Yemen’s Acting Chief of Mission emphasized that “Yemen is facing yet another devastating chapter in its relentless crisis, exacerbated by the intersection of conflict and extreme weather events.”
The storms hit Yemen battling with a cholera outbreak and escalating food insecurity, further exacerbating the vulnerability of displaced families and strained health systems.
More households are at risk of displacement and exposure to disease outbreaks due to damaged water and health infrastructure as the harsh weather conditions are expected to continue, IOM stated.
Yemeni Government has been battling a storm of its own against Houthi rebels for more than a decade, as both vie for control of the country.
Thousands have been killed and despite a lull in fighting, peace talks have yielded little progress
Across multiple governorates, thousands of people have been left without shelter, clean water, or access to basic services, and scores of lives have been lost.
Ma’rib Governorate northeast of the capital city of Sana’a, with strong winds since 11 August severely damaged 73 displacement sites and affected over 21,000 households.
Public services such as electricity networks have been severely affected, aggravating the crisis in one of Yemen’s most vulnerable regions.
Over 15,000 families in Al Hudaydah and 11,000 in Ta’iz are in desperate need of emergency support as floodwaters have damaged shelters, roads, water sources, and medical facilities there since early August.
IOM emphasized “These rains have not only led to tragic loss of life but have also wiped out entire communities’ belongings and means of survival.”
IOM has launched a USD 13.3 million appeal to deliver urgent life-saving assistance.
It has targeted 350,000 people with shelter, non-food items, cash-based interventions, health, camp management, and water, sanitation, and hygiene interventions, the resources available are insufficient to cover the vast needs.
“The scale of the destruction is staggering, and we urgently need additional funding to ensure that the most vulnerable are not left behind,” said Matt Huber.
“We must act immediately to prevent further loss and alleviate the suffering of those impacted,” he added.
IOM has called on the global community to support this appeal to provide lifesaving aid and address the overwhelming needs of those affected.
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