Attachments
1 Executive Summary
Yemen ranks among the most water-stressed countries in the world, characterized by arid to semi-arid conditions and erratic rainfall patterns. The impact of climate change has significantly exacerbated these challenges, leading to an increase in the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events. Since August there has seen a marked escalation in these events, with unusually heavy rainfall triggering widespread flooding and landslides, particularly in Sana’a City, Sana’a, Al-Bayda, and Dhamar governorates.
The situation in these regions has been particularly dire due to their geographic and climatic vulnerabilities. The highlands, where these governorates are located, typically experience more frequent rain days compared to the coastal and central areas of the country. However, this quarter has brought unprecedented downpours that have far exceeded historical norms, overwhelming the already fragile infrastructure and leading to catastrophic consequences for local communities.
In response to these escalating disasters, emergency relief efforts were rapidly mobilized to provide life-saving assistance to those most affected. This report provides a comprehensive overview of the severity of the situation, detailing the response activities undertaken thus far. It also identifies the critical challenges faced by humanitarian teams on the ground, such as access issues and logistical constraints, which have complicated the relief efforts. Finally, the report offers strategic recommendations to enhance ongoing response activities and to build resilience against the increasing threat of future disasters.