Urgent Humanitarian Appeal for Victims of Extreme Weather in Yemen

Mayyun Human Rights Organization is launching an urgent humanitarian appeal to the United Nations and its agencies operating in Yemen, King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center, and the private sector in Yemen to take immediate action to provide relief to thousands of families affected by the devastating heavy rains that have been battering the governorates of Hodeidah, Taiz, and Hajjah since August 2.

The ongoing extreme weather has exacerbated the humanitarian suffering of tens of thousands, many of whom are already displaced.

Preliminary official data we have received indicates that Hodeidah Governorate is the hardest hit, having experienced torrential rains for hours that triggered flash floods in the Tihama coastal plains. These floods washed away vast swathes of agricultural land and inundated residential villages, resulting in 30 deaths, 5 missing persons, and the displacement of residents from over 500 homes. Additionally, livestock herds that provided food for many families have perished.

In northwestern Hajjah Governorate, 3,571 families have been affected, and there have been several fatalities. In Mqbana district of Taiz Governorate, initial estimates report 15 deaths and 10,000 affected individuals.
We emphasize the critical importance of swiftly assessing the human and material losses and providing the most urgent relief needs, including shelter, food, and medical care, for the affected populations.

Many have become homeless and joined the ranks of the displaced, while others have suffered significant losses of property, agricultural land, and livelihoods.
It is essential to consider preliminary assessments by health sector workers who have raised alarms about the potential for a cholera outbreak, which is already prevalent, and the risk of uncontrolled outbreaks of other infectious diseases in the affected areas if the situation persists without effective medical interventions.

Moreover, it is important to heed warnings of continued extreme weather in Yemen for weeks to come, which means that other areas may be added to the list of affected regions.
Issued by Mayyun Human Rights Organization
August 8, 2024