World Health Organization calls for urgent measures to meet emergency humanitarian needs and address the repercussions of the rains in Hodeidah

On Thursday, the World Health Organization called for urgent measures to be taken to meet emergency humanitarian needs and address the consequences of severe floods that caused massive damage throughout Hodeidah Governorate, western Yemen.

The organization said in a statement that heavy rains on the night of August 6 caused severe floods throughout Hodeidah Governorate, including the city of Hodeidah, resulting in the death of 30 people and the loss of 5 others, and these numbers are not yet final. These rains caused severe damage to infrastructure and led to the displacement of many residents, most of whom were internally displaced, as well as the closure of roads and public services.

The statement added that severe damage was reported in villages throughout the governorate, with initial reports indicating that one village was completely washed away by floods. Streets and homes were flooded, forcing residents to move to safer areas. There was also a complete or partial power outage.

Water also flooded Bajil Hospital and health centers in the Al-Marawa’a, Al-Zaidiya, and Al-Zahra districts, and the TB Center was severely damaged, and all its equipment and medicines were destroyed. Several departments at Al-Thawra Hospital, one of the main referral hospitals in the region, reported damage to a number of departments, but it did not stop providing services. Emergency health services providers also work to ensure continuity of medical care.

He continued, "Polluted water and deteriorating sanitation services have increased the risk of water-borne diseases. Stagnant water left by floods also creates a fertile environment for mosquitoes to breed, raising concerns about the potential outbreak of insect-borne diseases such as malaria and dengue fever. These pose health risks." "A major threat to the most vulnerable populations."

“In conflict-affected countries like Yemen, the impacts of climate change are particularly severe,” said Dr. Arturo Besighan, WHO Representative and Head of Mission to Yemen. “The accumulation of the effects of ongoing conflicts with climate-related disasters, such as floods and extreme weather events, exacerbates climate change conditions.” current weakness.

He added, “The destruction of shelters and restricted access to basic services due to floods will affect many people in Yemen, making it more difficult for communities to recover from the impact of the conflict. Urgent action is needed to meet urgent humanitarian needs and address the long-term consequences of climate change in Yemen.” "The country."

The statement explained that, to respond to these floods, the World Health Organization sent 35 inter-agency basic emergency health bags, 15 measles control bags and other medical supplies to Hodeidah.

🚨 Severe floods hit the Yemeni Hodeidah Governorate

Heavy rains caused severe flooding, leaving 30 people dead and 5 people missing.
There were reports of severe damage to infrastructure and the displacement of a large number of residents. Urgent humanitarian action is needed.
🔗 https://t.co/D2Bhqa52Tj pic.twitter.com/YDK56MSkUO

— WHO Yemen (@WHOYemen) August 8, 2024

The Health Cluster, co-led by WHO, is allocating and supplying emergency flood stocks to Hodeidah, to ensure that essential medical equipment and support reach those in need.

The statement stated that Yemen is already suffering from high levels of displacement, disease outbreaks and malnutrition. Al Hudaydah Governorate is home to between 50,000 and 60,000 internally displaced people, according to local authorities. There are 477 health facilities in the governorate, of which 381 (80%) are fully operational and 93 (20%) are partially operational.

Health capacity is under constant pressure due to insufficient supplies of medicines, oxygen, laboratory materials and intravenous fluids, as well as a shortage of specialized staff. Reduced incentives for healthcare workers have led to interruptions in services, increasing the financial burden on already impoverished communities, according to the statement.