Heavy rains and flash floods have swept through northern Yemen, claiming the lives of at least 45 people and displacing thousands more. Local health authorities and the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported the tragic toll on Wednesday, highlighting a rapidly escalating humanitarian crisis in the region.
The province of Hodeidah has been particularly hard-hit, with 30 fatalities reported and nearly 500 families forced to flee their homes after being trapped by rising waters. In the Maqbanah district of Taiz, 15 people have lost their lives, and flash floods have affected an estimated 10,000 individuals across the area, according to OCHA.
Houthi media outlets have conveyed that dozens more have been injured, and five individuals remain unaccounted for in Hodeidah following the severe flooding. Many valleys in the region have been cut off, isolating communities and complicating rescue efforts. The floods have also inflicted significant damage on infrastructure and property, exacerbating the challenges faced by the local population.
Yemen’s National Center of Meteorology has issued warnings of continued rainstorms across the country, advising residents to stay away from flood paths. The ongoing severe weather compounds the struggles of a nation already grappling with widespread poverty, malnutrition, and limited access to basic services.
Since late 2014, Yemen has been embroiled in a devastating conflict after the Houthis seized control of the capital, Sanaa, and large swathes of the country. A UN-brokered truce in April 2022 led to a significant reduction in hostilities, but economic challenges and political divisions persist.
The latest natural disaster underscores the urgent need for humanitarian assistance and effective disaster management strategies in Yemen. With communities cut off and resources stretched thin, international aid and support are critical to addressing both immediate needs and long-term recovery.
(With input from Xinhua)
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
