The United Nations has reported a significant increase in the number of people affected by the recent floods in Yemen, with the total now reaching 180,000, of which only 44,000 have received emergency assistance.
According to a report by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), heavy rains have caused widespread destruction and displacement, worsening an already dire humanitarian situation.
The most affected areas include the provinces of Saada, Al-Hudaydah, Al-Mahwit, Raymah, and Taiz.
The report highlighted that over 20% of those receiving emergency relief are female-headed households. Health facilities in the districts of Bajil, Al-Zuhra, Al-Zaidiyah, and Al-Maraweah, including UNFPA-supported referral hospitals in Thawra and Mahabishah in Hajjah province, have also been impacted but continue to operate at full capacity.
The UNFPA-led Rapid Response Mechanism (RRM) is providing life-saving aid to the most vulnerable individuals. As of August 14, 60,081 individuals have been registered for emergency relief, and approximately 44,772 people have received assistance through the RRM in Al-Hudaydah, Hajjah, Al-Mahwit, and Raymah. The assistance includes basic hygiene supplies, such as soap, towels, and food.
The UN estimates that there is an urgent need for 150,000 blankets (five blankets per family) to meet winter needs, along with the replenishment of certain items in the RRM kits. The damage to roads and infrastructure due to flooding is also affecting the ability of rapid response teams to reach those in need, especially in waterlogged areas.
