Yemen recently faced devastating flash floods that claimed the lives of at least 45 people, with 30 deaths in Hodeidah and 15 in Taiz, due to torrential rains. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs confirmed the death toll and reported that over 500 families were displaced in Hodeidah, while 10,000 individuals were affected in Taiz.
Despite ongoing efforts by Houthi-appointed committees to provide aid and tents to those impacted, infrastructure and farmlands have suffered extensive damage. The UN warned of unprecedented heavy rainfall that could cause further destruction, impacting already vulnerable communities in Yemen.
Due to poor drainage systems and lack of resources, flood-induced casualties are a common occurrence in Yemen, exacerbated by the country’s ongoing conflict and economic struggles. With Yemen being the poorest country in the Arab world, the population remains highly dependent on international aid for survival.
This recent tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for sustainable solutions to mitigate the impact of natural disasters in Yemen and safeguard the lives of its people.