Yemen is grappling with a devastating monsoon season that has already claimed the lives of 99 people since mid-July. Recent flash floods in the Melhan district of Al-Mahwit province resulted in the tragic loss of 13 lives, with 20 individuals still missing. A child was rescued amidst the chaos, but the toll continues to rise.
The Al-Masirah TV channel, operated by the Houthi rebels controlling northern Yemen, reported these heartbreaking numbers as rescue efforts intensify. Since the onset of heavy rains, provinces like Hodeida, Reema, and Hajjah have been particularly hard-hit, affecting approximately 33,000 families.
Experts warn that Yemen's vulnerability to severe weather events is exacerbated by ongoing conflict and climate change. The country, already the poorest in the Arab world due to the civil war that began in 2014, faces increasing challenges as infrastructure remains fragile and resources are scarce.
Yemen's Red Crescent has noted a trend of less overall precipitation but more intense flooding during the monsoon season, which typically spans from late March to mid-August. The World Health Organization has highlighted that Yemenis suffer disproportionately from climate change impacts, citing limited resources and compromised infrastructure as significant factors.
The conflict further complicates rescue and relief operations, making it difficult to ascertain the full extent of the disaster. Since the Saudi-led coalition intervened in 2015 to support the internationally recognized government, Yemen has endured one of the world's worst humanitarian crises, with over 150,000 lives lost.
As heavy rains continue to threaten the region, urgent international support and sustainable solutions are essential to address both the immediate impacts of the flooding and the long-term challenges posed by climate change and ongoing conflict.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
