Severe Flooding, Windstorms Displace Over Half a Million in Yemen

Yemen is facing a humanitarian crisis as unprecedented flooding and windstorms have severely impacted over half a million people, according to the UN migration agency (IOM). Since early August, relentless storms have displaced thousands of families, destroyed homes, and damaged critical infrastructure, exacerbating an already dire situation marked by conflict and a cholera outbreak.

IOM’s Acting Chief of Mission, Matt Huber, has highlighted the intersection of extreme weather and ongoing conflict, stating, “Yemen is facing yet another devastating chapter in its relentless crisis.” The Ma’rib Governorate has been particularly hard hit, with strong winds damaging 73 displacement sites and affecting over 21,000 households. In Al Hudaydah and Ta’iz, more than 26,000 families urgently need support as floodwaters have ravaged shelters and medical facilities.

In response to the crisis, IOM has launched a USD 13.3 million appeal to provide life-saving assistance, targeting 350,000 people with shelter, health services, and sanitation efforts. However, available resources remain insufficient to meet the overwhelming needs. “The scale of the destruction is staggering,” said IOM’s Yemen chief, urging the international community for immediate support.

As harsh weather conditions persist, the risk of further displacement and disease outbreaks looms large, emphasizing the urgent need for humanitarian aid to alleviate the suffering of those affected.