Over 400 people were killed or injured in Yemen due to floods, thunderstorms, and landslides in 2023, according to a recent report by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. The report highlighted that heavy rains and flash floods, accompanied by thunderstorms, resulted in the deaths of 248 people and injuries to 183 others during the rainy season.
The rainy season began early last year in March and continued until September, featuring various natural disasters such as thunderstorms and landslides triggered by floods. The report emphasised that Yemen ranks third globally among the countries most vulnerable to climate change and the least prepared to handle climate shocks. As a result, natural hazards like heavy rains and floods have devastating consequences on local communities, which are already suffering from the impacts of a prolonged conflict lasting over nine years.
The report also noted that all Yemeni governorates experienced moderate to heavy rainfall and severe flooding over the past three years (2021, 2022, and 2023), posing significant threats to the lives, livelihoods, and well-being of many communities across the country. These conditions often lead to loss of life, property damage, displacement, and increased vulnerability, placing additional strain on essential infrastructure and services.
International reports indicate that Yemen is the third most climate-vulnerable country globally, following Somalia and South Sudan, and is highly susceptible to natural hazards, especially floods, on an annual basis.
