The United Nations says that Yemen faces a high risk of flooding as a result of the rains

The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) said that Yemen may face high risks of flash floods and landslides due to heavy rainfall in multiple regions of the country in the coming days.

It was expected in the “Agricultural Meteorological Early Warning Bulletin,” issued on Tuesday, “that Yemen will witness, during the next few days, cumulative heavy rains of up to 300 mm in the central highlands and southern highlands, with the highest intensity of daily rains (more than 120 mm) expected in August 7th.

She indicated that the heavy rains likely to fall between the 1st and 10th of this month may include even the driest governorates such as western Hadhramaut, which is expected to receive up to 60 mm of rain.

The organization explained that the continued heavy rains during the coming weeks will greatly increase the possibility of floods and landslides. Areas at risk of flooding include "the Tuban, Raslan, Zabid, Rumah and Siham valleys, along the southern and western coasts and the western parts of Wadi Al-Jawf. Other areas such as Wadi Bana, Wadi Mur, and Wadi Sardad are under a state of alert."

She pointed out that the country usually witnesses heavy rains between the months of August and September, which benefit agricultural activities, especially in the highlands and coastal plains, but “this year’s rains are expected to be more heavy, which may lead to widespread damage, especially In low agricultural areas.

The FAO confirmed that the heavy rains and resulting floods will have negative impacts on urban and agricultural communities. Poor sewage systems in urban areas can also overflow, damaging and destroying infrastructure, disrupting transportation, and collapsing communications networks.

It warned of the possibility of dust storms occurring during the forecast period, extending from the coastal areas in the Gulf of Aden to the eastern plateau areas in Hadramaut and Al-Mahra governorates, which could exacerbate pre-existing bad conditions. High wind speeds will also continue in the southern governorates, posing a threat to farms and crop production.

It called for taking precautionary measures to mitigate the negative effects of these extreme weather events within agricultural communities.

She stressed that the coming weeks represent a critical period for Yemen, as it faces the challenges of heavy rainfall and the risks associated with it, and it is necessary to prepare and adopt appropriate strategies and community resilience to overcome this difficult period and reduce these risks.