Yemen Floods: More than 420,000 People Affected, Thousands of Homes and Shelters Destroyed

A recent international report revealed that the heavy rains and torrential floods that hit Yemen directly affected more than 420,000 people and destroyed thousands of homes, temporary shelters for the displaced, and infrastructure, during the period between April and August 2024.

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies ( IFRC ) said in a report on the flood disaster, issued on Monday: “About 63,195 families, consisting of about 424,123 people, were directly affected by the heavy rains and severe floods that hit 19 Yemeni governorates, during the period from April to August 19.”

The report added that the heavy seasonal rains, which were intensified by Yemen's complex and variable climate, and continued unusually from late June to August, "led to widespread flooding in several governorates, with Al Hudaydah, Hajjah, Marib, Al Jawf and Dhamar being the most affected governorates.

The report said that 8 million people are at high risk as heavy rains continue across the country.

The report, which relied on statistics from the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, the UNHCR, the International Migration Agency, the United Nations Population Fund, and the Yemeni Red Crescent, stated that the number of victims reached 725 people, between dead and wounded, until the last census issued by OCHA on the nineteenth of last month.

The International Federation confirmed that the floods caused severe damage to the infrastructure, as they led to the destruction of more than 17,093 homes for residents and shelters for the displaced and 22 schools; including 7 schools completely, and 15 others partially in all affected areas. A number of major hospitals and more than 74 health facilities were also affected, which "are currently facing a severe shortage of basic supplies, which are essential to manage the increase in cases of waterborne diseases and other health problems associated with the floods."

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies noted that this year’s unprecedented floods have exacerbated an already critical humanitarian crisis, particularly among internally displaced people, increased urgent needs for shelter, health services and food security, and “disproportionately affected women and children, particularly in displaced households headed by women, who make up more than 20% of those receiving emergency relief.”

The report noted that the disaster had destroyed land and livelihoods, and that landmines washed away by the floods and damage to roads had "complicated access and increased risks for both affected communities and relief workers."

He stressed that the situation is serious and requires immediate intervention and a coordinated response to address the compound effects of floods and conflicts.