Malhan flood disaster in Al Mahwit.. 39 people died, most of them are still missing

Initial reports revealed the death of 39 people due to floods that hit areas in Malhan in Al Mahwit Governorate last Tuesday evening, while the rescue operation continues by residents and other teams affiliated with the Yemeni Red Crescent.

According to a preliminary report - published by the Red Crescent in Mahwit - "the number of victims reached 39 people, most of whom are still missing, as the floods swept them to distant areas, as the region is mountainous and overlooks deep valleys and slopes."

He added: "Rescue teams have been working with citizens since Tuesday evening to search for missing men, women and children who were swept away by the floods, and they were able to retrieve a number of the victims' bodies."

The Red Crescent report did not specify the number of bodies that were recovered, but media sources reported that only 15 bodies were recovered, while the rest of the victims are still missing in the distant valleys.

Floods hit the areas of Hawrah, Al-Qibla, Hamdan and Al-Maghariba in Malhan District, located west of Al-Mahwit Governorate (103 km from the governorate center).

property damage

Local sources estimated that 28 houses collapsed completely, while more than 200 residential houses were partially damaged. Photos circulated on social media showed residential areas being swept away in the mountainous highlands.

The Red Crescent said, "There is a complete interruption of traffic, especially in the isolated areas of Hamdan, which are still almost isolated from the world due to falling rocks and dust and landslides caused by the floods."

He added, "The floods buried large areas of terraces and agricultural lands, destroyed many service and water projects and flood culverts, and swept away a number of shops and cars in the Al-Walaja market area."

Causes of floods

According to the Red Crescent report in Mahwit, "the victims of the flood disaster and the collapses resulting from the continued rainfall were exacerbated by the collapse of two water barriers."

The Yemeni Red Crescent field team expressed their deep regret and sadness for such unfortunate disasters. It said, "Some of them are the result of neglecting security and safety precautions and the presence of ponds and water barriers in unsafe places."

He explained that "these water barriers were filled with rainwater, which led to their collapse, and formed torrential floods that poured down, causing severe collapses and landslides in properties, and sweeping away residential homes."

The Red Crescent reported that "there are great difficulties in rescue due to the continued rainfall, floods, and the closure of most roads, which forces them to walk in very rugged and dangerous places."

Large areas in Yemen have been witnessing heavy rains for weeks, amid warnings from meteorologists of the danger of floods. Tihama regions and many mountainous provinces are also facing floods and torrential rains that have caused landslides.