The eastern governorates of Yemen have experienced heavy rains in recent days, resulting in floods and devastating losses in terms of lives, infrastructure, and livelihoods of the citizens.
This weather condition is part of the extreme climate changes in Yemen and many other countries around the world, which can additional burdens on the population along with the effects of the decade-long conflict.
According to a field assessment conducted by BCHR and local authorities' data, the weather condition has resulted in the death of two individuals and massive destruction of roads. It has also caused the erosion of agricultural lands, the death of hundreds of sheep, damage to citizens' homes, and the loss of their belongings.
The most affected areas are the districts of of Al-Mukalla, Hajr, Tarim, Al-Qatan, Sah, Al-Sum, Al-Aber, Ghail Ba-Wazir, Al-Raida, and Qusayr in Hadramaut governorate, as well as the districts of Al-Ghaidah, Qishn, Shehen, and Hawf in Al-Mahra governorate.
In order to mitigate the impact of the disaster, BCHR, funded by K.S.Relief and in coordination with the Shelter Cluster and local authorities, has initiated the distribution of urgent assistance to save lives and alleviate the suffering of those affected by the floods. The assistance included the distribution of 276 tents and 1,000 shelter kits, benefiting approximately 6,000 individuals.
Mohammed Bahsein, a 40-year-old victim of the disaster, managed to save himself and his family when their house collapsed just few minutes after heavy rains hit their region in Mukalla district.
The floods not only caused the destruction of Mohammed's house but also swept away his farm, which was his sole source of income to support his family, leaving him to start a new, more challenging life.
Mohammed received shelter assistance of tents and a shelter kit provided by K.S.Relief through BCHR. This enabled him to accommodate his family and continue his life instead of living in the open.
The provision of urgent assistance can make a significant difference in the lives of affected families and help them cope with the aftermath of the disaster. Yet, moving forward and rebuilding their lives requires further interventions in terms of livelihood support and recovery assistance.
The governorates of Hadramaut and Al-Mahrah in the far east of Yemen are among the most affected areas by climate change, having experienced approximately 12 hurricanes and air depressions over the past 10 years. These events have had a profound impact on the lives of the population and livelihoods.