Tens of thousands affected by Yemen flooding

Muscat: Torrential rains and widespread flooding across 12 governorates in Yemen in recent weeks have affected tens of thousands of people, leaving many in urgent need of emergency assistance, UNHCR reported.

The refugee agency stated that preliminary reports from local authorities showed more than 80,000 people have been impacted and at least three people were dead.

Hajjah governorate in north-west Yemen, which is host to many internally displaced people (IDPs) is among the worst affected, with more than 50,000 people reported to be in need of help.

Many are living in emergency shelters and informal settlements. Their tents and tarpaulins have been damaged by rains, exposing them to homelessness and associated protection risks, including risks related to the lack of privacy and potential exploitation and abuse, the agency added.

Other affected governorates include Taizz, Ibb, Raymah, Dhamar, Al Bayda, Marib, Al Jawf, Aden, Lahj, Abyan and Hadramaut.

The floods have also impacted health clinics, pharmaceutical supplies, food stocks, schools, and sanitation facilities– increasing health risks. UNHCR and its humanitarian partners are concerned that the flooding may exacerbate the risks and spread of diseases, including cholera. More than 364,000 suspected cases of cholera and 639 deaths have been reported across Yemen since the beginning of the year by WHO – nearing the total for all of 2018.

UNHCR said it was working to provide emergency assistance. UNHCR teams together with other humanitarian partners and local authorities have already begun conducting assessments in IDP hosting sites in Aden, Lahj, Hadramaut, Abyan and Hajjah.

Among main needs identified so far are emergency shelter, food, water and sanitation, particularly for those displaced and living in informal settlements.

As a preliminary step, UNHCR said it was providing 745 emergency shelter kits, as well as household assistance and materials to help repair damaged shelters in Lahj, Hadramaut and Aden, which will help more than 5,200 people. Further needs are expected to be known once assessments are completed.