
Yemen: Floods - Jul 2021
Disaster description
Floods have killed at least 14 people over the last few days after unseasonal rainstorms hit the majority of southern governorates. The rains are expected to continue in the coming two days. Local and international humanitarian partners are conducting assessments, but report logistical challenges in reaching those in need due to roads being cut. At least 1,000 households are in need of basic services, including at least 90 families in the Marib area and 400 in Taizz. The assessments and response are being coordinated by the Executive Unit (main point of entry for internally displaced people) and UN OCHA. (ECHO, 28 Jul 2021)
In late July, for the second time this year, torrential rains and widespread flooding hit Yemen, damaging infrastructure, destroying homes and shelters and causing deaths and injuries. Local media has reported that a bridge linking the alMusaimir area of Lahj Governorate with Ta’iz City was damaged. Authorities in Sana’a also reported that operations at several Al-Thawra Hospital units were temporarily suspended due to heavy rains. There were also reports of the authorities in Sana’a dispatching teams to rescue four people in two drowning incidents at Shahak dam in At Tyal District and Sayan dam in Sanhan District. The National Center of Meteorology (NCM) had issued a warning on 25 July of heavy rains and potential flooding in some areas. Alongside providing initial rapid response, humanitarian partners are conducting assessments in the affected areas to determine the extent of the damage to infrastructure and humanitarian needs. Regional Coordination Teams (RCTs) in collaboration with Clusters in the flood-affected areas are also tallying the figures of the affected people. To facilitate a swift response and to provide inter-sectoral assistance to affected people, humanitarian partners had operationalized a nationwide Flood Preparedness Plan. The plan ensures the continuity of life-saving assistance delivery to affected people and allows for a quick scale-up of the response where necessary. When flooding occurred between mid-April and June this year, partners delivered assistance through the rapid response mechanism and met needs for food, shelter and non-food items, health, nutrition, protection and water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) assistance, while Camp Coordination Camp Management (CCCM) Cluster partners helped verify figures and continue working on flood mitigation measures at site level. (OCHA, 5 Aug 2021)
As of 12 August, an estimated 13,596 families were reportedly impacted by heavy rainfall and associated flooding across the country. The largest impact on displaced families was reported in Hajjah, Ma'rib, Sana’a, and Ta’iz governorates. Floods were also reported in Al Hodeidah, Al Mahwit, Sana’a City, Al Bayda, Al Maharah, Shabwah, Abyan, Ta’iz, Aden, Lahj, Ad Dali', Ibb, Sa'dah, Hadramawt and the Red Sea coast, reportedly causing losses of life and property. In Ibb Governorate, the main and secondary paved roads, which were overdue for maintenance, have been further damaged by recent heavy rains. Some key roads which have been poorly maintained, including the Ibb-Sana’a road, have sustained damage, affecting civilian movements including by increasing travel time, and adding additional logistical challenges for the movement of humanitarian personnel and supplies. Aid partners have identified a need to consider development interventions to rehabilitate key roads, including the Ibb-Sana’a road. (OCHA, 12 Aug 2021)
Starting in late July and continuing into early August, torrential rains and widespread flooding hit Yemen for the second time this year. Floods damaged public infrastructure, homes and shelters and reportedly caused multiple deaths and injuries. Damage to private property and other structures – including sites hosting internally displaced persons (IDPs), houses, farms, roads, power networks and sewage systems – was reported in one-third of Yemen’s districts – 101 districts – and across 18 governorates. Overall, it is estimated that 34,383 families (about 240,681 individuals) were affected, 10,412 of whom need urgent assistance. (OCHA, 5 Sep 2021)