Yemen: 17 people die in drowning incidents in several governorates within a week

Security statistics revealed the death of 17 people by drowning, including 2 African immigrants, in drowning incidents witnessed in areas under the control of the legitimate government, during the past week, coinciding with the filling of dams and water barriers in light of the continued heavy rainfall witnessed throughout the country.

The Security Media Department of the Ministry of Interior said in a statement on Friday that 17 people died by drowning in floods and their barriers, including dams, ponds, water barriers and various swamps, during the period from August 22 to 29.

He added that according to the Civil Defense Authority, the victims were 5 females, 6 children, and the same number of young men, including (2 of Ethiopian nationality). The governorates of Al Dhale witnessed 3 incidents and 6 victims, Ma'rib witnessed 4 incidents, Shabwa witnessed 3 incidents, 2 incidents in Hadhramaut, and 2 incidents in Abyan.

He pointed out that drowning accidents are mostly due to reasons related to not being able to swim, family and personal neglect, and being in water areas without the knowledge and presence of others.

In this context, the Civil Defense Authority warned citizens of the dangers of children and those unable to swim being in areas where rainwater collects, water barriers, ponds and dams, and warned against neglecting children in those places, which represent a real danger and certain death, given their inability to swim and their poor assessment of the risks to their lives.

The Authority called on citizens to be careful and cautious not to be in the paths of rain torrents, especially with the continuation of the low pressure system and the continued heavy rainfall in various regions and governorates of the country.