Attachments
A. Situation analysis
Description of the disaster On 13 and 14 April, 2016, heavy rainfall initiated widespread flooding that swept across at least five governorates in Yemen killing at least 20 people and affecting more than 4,250 families (29,750 people) in six governorates (Al Hudaydah, Amran, Hajjah, Sana'a, Abyan, Al Mahwit, and Marib) in Yemen. The floods have caused severe damage to vital infrastructure, property, livestock and crops. Security officials report that small dams have also collapsed as a result including two in Hajjah and Amran governorates.
The affected people urgently need shelter, food, non-food items (NFIs), water, sanitation, hygiene (WASH), and health assistance.
The most affected governorates are Abyan, Amran, Hajjah, and Hodeidah. Some of the districts are severely affected within these three governorates including districts of Amran, Jabal Yazid, Sharis, Bait Qodam, Al Zuhrah, and Al Luhayah.
In Amran governorate the two districts of Amran and Jabal Yazid were severely affected. It is estimated that in more than 800 families in Amran district, and 220 families in Jabal Yazid district are now without shelter as a result of the destruction of their houses by the floods. There was widespread destruction of both asphalt and dirt roads, cutting off thousands of people, drowning of livestock including cattle and chicken, spread of garbage all over the flooded areas and contaminating water sources. A needs assessment and registration of the affected families is currently underway.
Over 200 families have been severely affected and lost their homes and have been moved to 7 schools including: Aisha, Al Hamzah, 22 May, Al Hussain, Al Zubairi, Mohsen Al Sa’r, and Al Sa’r Complex.
In Hajjah, local authorities reported 14 people have been killed in Sharis District, 100 to 150 households (350 people) displaced , 21 houses were fully damaged and 250 houses partially damaged. Initial reports indicate that 400 to 500 households are in need of immediate health, WASH, Shelter/NFI and food assistance.
In Hodeidah approximately 150 families have been displaced and are living in open areas; however many more were also affected. Assessment reports indicate that there has been loss of human lives, properties, livelihood, and public infrastructure. The most affected are also farms, public services, markets, houses, schools, etc. The impact of the flash flood was further aggravated by the ongoing armed conflict and lack of basic services and limited capacity of disaster response and preparedness. The infrastructure has been damaged especially bridges and highways which were already affected by airstrikes. One of the main bridges connecting Sana’a with the sea port of Hodediah has been totally damaged after being temporarily repaired. Although the disaster has hit seven governorates, the level of devastation varies considerably from one place to another. Malaria and dengue fever are expected to be spread. The Ministry of Health has sent a medical team for assessments. People are in urgent need of shelter, food, drinking water and medicines.
In Sanaa governorate, Bani Matar area, Al Hadab sub-district, Al Usha village; a total of 15 houses have collapsed, and five half damaged and may collapse any time, leaving 35 families affected.
In Abyan 100 families are affected, where ICRC is supporting with relief assistance to these families with both food stuffs and non-food items.
The current floods and landslides came during a difficult time as the country is affected by armed conflict and the overall response and coping capacity of the country has declined. The YRCS has started mobilizing and deployed all its resources and capacities to respond to the current situation. The branches of Hajjah and Amran sent their assessment teams as soon as access to affected areas was possible. Initial figures showed that the magnitude of the disaster was significant and included a high loss in human lives. The branches helped in evacuation and rescue of people stranded in water and whose houses were ruined. They also distributed some NFIs to those families and individuals who were left homeless. NFIs distributed in Hajjah covered the immediate needs of 200 families among those evacuated to safer places.