
Yemen: Floods - Apr 2023
Disaster description
Areas in southern, central and western Yemen have been affected by torrential rainfall in early April, causing floods and resulting in casualties and damage. This is the second time in a month that Yemen is hit by floods, affecting the already vulnerable population of Yemen. In mid-March, IDP-hosting sites in Marib Governorate were affected by floods. According to [GDACS] and media, at least five people have died, including in Shabwah and Abyan Governorates. In addition, at least 30 houses have been destroyed or damaged in south-western areas by flash floods, displacing people. (ECHO, 11 Apr 2023)
In the past week, heavy rainfall continued to affect much of Yemen, flooding fields and causing massive dam failures that led to the death of four people in Al Mahwit. Other areas that experienced heavy rainfall that led to submerged streets and homes damaged leaving behind devastation include central Ibb and much of the Highlands. More severe weather is forecast, and several parts of the country are at risk of experiencing flooding from record rainfall events in the coming week (Fig. 1). The expected floods are especially likely to affect over 5,000 people in Wadi Zabid (Al Hudaydah/Dhamar/Ibb), over 2,000 in Siham (Sana’a/Raymah/Al Hudaydah), and in Mour (Hajjah/Al Hudaydah), over 1,000 in Tuban (Lahj/Al Dhale’e/ Ibb), and in the north part of Wadi Harad (west Sadah), over 800 in Rimah (Raymah/Dhamar), and in Banna (Abyan/Lahj/Al Dhale’e), and about 700 in Sordud (Al Mahwit/Sana’a). (FAO, 4 May 2023)
Intensified short-duration rainfall events reported across much of Yemen; Floods damaged spate irrigation infrastructure across the country’s main wadies; Heavy rainfall also triggered hazardous rockfall in Yarim District, Ibb governorate; According to field reports, overall 31 people died, 37 were injured, and 3 were reported missing in the wake of the April floods. (FAO, 17 May 2023)
Severe flooding has affected over 165,000 individuals in over 70 districts across Yemen, causing loss of life and damages to shelters, crops, and infrastructure. Displaced populations are particularly affected. Flooding has reportedly washed away shelters and belongings at Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) sites, leading to further displacements. (ECHO, 13 Jun 2023)
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