FAO: Risk of flash floods in Yemen remains high in the coming days

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations ( FAO ) confirmed today, Tuesday, that although the rainy season in Yemen is approaching its end, the risk of flash floods is still high due to valley flooding and soil saturation with water, especially in areas that suffer from inadequate sanitation systems.

“As the summer rainy season in Yemen draws to a close, the frequency and intensity of daily rainfall is declining. However, areas are still severely affected by recent heavy rains. The central highlands, with their mountainous terrain that channels water into valleys and lowlands, are still suffering from residual flooding,” FAO said in its early warning bulletin for the period 1-10 September, published today.

She added that the flood-prone watersheds in the central highlands and southern highlands are particularly at risk, with Wadi Siham, Wadi Ramah, Wadi Zabid, and Wadi Taban emerging as high-risk areas, and to a lesser extent Wadi Sardud.

“The latest rains of the season often exacerbate these conditions, potentially leading to localized flooding that can: disrupt daily life in affected communities, cause damage to critical infrastructure, and hamper ongoing recovery efforts from previous flooding events,” she continued, stressing the need for continued vigilance and preparedness in flood-prone areas, even as the immediate threat of heavy rainfall recedes.

FAO explained that Yemen will face different patterns of rainfall in the coming days, as some areas - the central highlands and the southern highlands - are expected to witness heavy rains in Ibb, Dhamar and Al Mahwit, with an average of more than 150 mm of cumulative rainfall, with a noticeable increase in rainfall in Ibb on September 9, reaching 50 mm in 3 hours, and in eastern Shabwa and parts of Hadhramaut, unusually moderate rainfall is expected, ranging between 20 and 40 mm.

She pointed out that these unexpected rains, while these weather patterns provide essential water resources, they also pose potential risks and may lead to major disruptions to local communities and livelihoods, and communities in these areas should prepare for potential impacts on daily activities, agriculture and infrastructure.