Heavy rains and devastating floods have tragically claimed the lives of at least 45 individuals in northern Yemen, according to reports from local health authorities and the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) on Wednesday.
The death toll includes 30 people from the province of Hodeidah and 15 from the Maqbanah district in Taiz. In Hodeidah alone, nearly 500 families have been forced to flee their homes after being trapped by rapidly rising waters.
Across Taiz, flash floods have impacted an estimated 10,000 people, as detailed in a recent OCHA report. The situation remains dire, with Houthi media outlets reporting dozens of injuries and five individuals still unaccounted for in Hodeidah due to the severe flooding that struck early Wednesday.
The heavy rains have caused many valleys in the region to become inaccessible, isolating entire communities and severely hindering rescue efforts. Additionally, the natural disaster has inflicted extensive damage on local infrastructure and property, exacerbating the already precarious living conditions.
Yemen's National Center of Meteorology has issued warnings of possible continuing rainstorms across the country, urging residents to stay clear of flood paths and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety.
The latest natural disaster comes amidst Yemen's ongoing struggles with conflict and economic hardship. Since late 2014, Yemen has been embroiled in a devastating conflict following the Houthis' seizure of the capital, Sanaa, and control over large swathes of the country. Although a UN-brokered truce in April 2022 reduced hostilities, Yemen continues to face severe economic challenges and political divisions.
This latest bout of heavy rains and flooding further compounds the challenges faced by a population already grappling with widespread poverty, malnutrition, and limited access to basic services, highlighting the urgent need for continued humanitarian assistance and support.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
