Yemen Floods Leave Dozens Dead and Missing Amid Growing Humanitarian Crisis
Heavy rains have caused catastrophic flooding across the western coastal areas of Tihama, Yemen, resulting in at least 50 fatalities or disappearances. The relentless floods have wreaked havoc, displacing hundreds, destroying numerous homes, killing livestock, and causing severe damage to farms and infrastructure.
The National Center for Meteorology and Early Warning predicts continued heavy rains accompanied by thunderstorms, particularly along the western coasts. Dr. Hassan Taher, the governor of Hodeida appointed by the Yemeni government, reported that the floods in Hodeida city on Tuesday resulted in numerous deaths, including soldiers, and caused extensive damage by destroying homes, farms, and livestock, especially in areas under Houthi control. However, Houthi-appointed governor of Hodeida, Mohammed Ayyash Qahim, stated that 30 people had died and five were missing due to the floods in the province, which also displaced at least 500 families. He added that many homes collapsed, resulting in fatalities, and seven cars were swept away, causing unprecedented damage to agricultural lands and properties.
In a related incident, heavy rains in the Maqbana district of western Taiz last week resulted in 15 deaths. The Executive Unit for Internally Displaced Persons in Hodeida has urged international partners to provide swift assistance to those affected by the rains. The downpours severely impacted the districts of Hays and Al-Khawkhah, causing extensive damage to displacement camps, homes, infrastructure, and livestock.
On July 28, the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported the deaths of three people, including a child, due to heavy rains in Sa’dah Governorate, controlled by the Houthis. Over 1,000 shelter homes for displaced persons and about 2,000 families were affected. Government reports indicate that Yemen ranks third globally among countries most vulnerable to climate change, despite being one of the least prepared for its increasing shocks. Since the beginning of 2024, climate changes have displaced more than 75,000 people, many of whom have been forced to move multiple times. With the loss of livelihoods and limited access to basic healthcare, severe hunger and malnutrition are worsening among millions.
According to the "First Voluntary National Report of the Republic of Yemen 2024," recent research by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) suggests that in a likely scenario, climate change could result in a cumulative loss of $93 billion in GDP, pushing over 8 million people into extreme poverty and 3.8 million others into malnutrition, compared to a scenario without climate change. There remains significant uncertainty about the direct impacts of climate change and how the country will cope with its consequences.
Notably, Yemen faces a worsening humanitarian crisis due to severe climate change impacts, including widespread flooding that has affected over 158,000 people since early 2024. The escalating frequency of extreme weather events, coupled with ongoing conflicts, has displaced thousands and exacerbated the crisis. Reports indicate significant damage to shelters and infrastructure, with predictions of even heavier rains potentially leading to further devastation. The situation underscores the urgent need for increased international support and intervention.