In northwest Yemen, the continuous heavy rainfall has led to the collapse of several dams and barriers, resulting in the death of numerous residents as homes were swept away along with their inhabitants.
The provinces of Al Mahwit, Hudaydah, and Hajjah experienced severe thunderstorms and heavy rains up to dawn, causing three dams in the Milhan district, near the border with Hudaydah province, to fail catastrophically.
Local sources report that the collapse unleashed a devastating surge of accumulated water into populated villages and towns along the banks of Wadi Hatib, destroying numerous homes and businesses, as well as agricultural terraces.
Authorities in Al Mahwit province confirmed that the floods claimed 58 lives and demolished 28 homes over the past few hours.
The flooding in Milhan not only resulted in significant loss of life but also led to 200 homes being severely damaged, five cars being swept away, and an unspecified number of people currently missing.
Local officials have urged for support in the relief efforts and in addressing the aftermath of the devastating floods.
In a related effort, joint Yemeni forces have carried out a mission to destroy mines and munitions that were unearthed by the floods on the western coast.
An engineering team specialized in explosive disposal handled the destruction of various types of mines and bombs to prevent random explosions and protect civilians from further risks.
Since late July, Yemen has seen an increase in rainfall, which has led to approximately 130 fatalities and affected about a quarter-million people, especially those residing in displacement camps.
Medical clinics in the flood-hit regions are overwhelmed with patients, many suspected of having cholera—a disease exacerbated by the heavy rains increasing the risk of waterborne infections.
The United Nations suspects around 164,000 people across Yemen might be affected by cholera, with predictions suggesting this number could rise to 250,000 if urgent response measures are not enhanced.
The recent wave of cholera, according to the International Organization for Migration (IOM), has been worsened by the recent heavy rains and floods, increasing the danger of water contamination.
By August 10, 2024, UNICEF reported that there had been 163,944 suspected cholera cases with 647 related deaths throughout Yemen, highlighting the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the region.
