The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has announced that it is intensifying its emergency operations in Yemen to support families affected by the heavy rains and catastrophic floods that have swept across large areas of the country—from late June to early August. The floods have resulted in at least 57 deaths and affected over 34,000 families in Al Hudaydah, Taiz, Marib, and other regions, in addition to causing massive damage to infrastructure.
The destruction caused by these floods has worsened the already dire humanitarian situation in Yemen, where millions are suffering from the effects of prolonged conflict, displacement, and poverty. The situation for displaced persons has become more critical, as the destruction of shelters and limited access to essential services hampers recovery efforts.
Matt Hopper, Acting Head of the IOM Mission in Yemen, said that the scale of the disaster is enormous and the needs are immense. He added, “Our teams are on the ground working tirelessly to provide life-saving assistance to those in need, but our available resources are limited.”
He noted that the ability to meet the needs of those affected will remain extremely constrained without significant and sustained support from donors and international partners.
Destruction of Agricultural Land and Spread of Landmines
The floods have displaced more than 6,000 families and caused severe damage to infrastructure in Al Hudaydah Governorate, one of the most affected areas. Floodwaters have inundated wells, eroded agricultural land, and caused widespread destruction of homes and essential public services, including road closures. Access to affected areas remains challenging, further complicating relief efforts.
The IOM reported that the situation is equally horrific in three districts on Yemen’s western coast—Hais, Al Mokha, and Al Khawkhah—where 5,800 families have been affected. Thousands have been displaced, and crops and vital infrastructure, including roads and water supply networks, have been destroyed.
In Hais, floodwaters have washed landmines into new areas, complicating efforts and increasing risks for those trying to reach the affected communities.
Initial Assessments
In response to the crisis, the IOM has provided aid to over 300 families in the Hais and Al Khawkhah districts. The agency distributed shelter materials to 83 families, as well as 3,000 hygiene kits. Teams are conducting assessments in areas including water, sanitation, hygiene, protection, shelter, and non-food items.
In Marib, recent storms and floods have caused significant damage, including the destruction of power poles, leading to widespread power outages and affecting shelters. The IOM manages 21 displacement sites there, and initial assessments indicate that 600 shelters have been completely damaged, while about 2,800 have been partially affected, impacting over 20,000 people.
Four deaths and several injuries have been reported, with 12 individuals referred to IOM-supported hospitals in Marib for emergency care.
Concerns about Disease Outbreaks
The floods have also raised serious health concerns, as stagnant water and poor sanitation provide a breeding ground for mosquitoes, potentially leading to outbreaks of diseases such as malaria and dengue fever. Contaminated water sources could also exacerbate the risk of waterborne diseases and the current cholera outbreak.
In response, IOM teams are conducting initial assessments and activating emergency response committees to restore vital infrastructure, such as water and sanitation networks. Teams are also working to open drainage channels and build barriers to prevent further damage.
Appeal to the International Community
Despite these efforts, the IOM stated that the scale of the disaster has revealed significant resource gaps, particularly among partners supplying shelter and non-food items, due to depleted emergency stocks.
The IOM is working closely with local authorities and humanitarian partners to ensure a comprehensive and effective response. With more rain and winds expected in the coming days, the agency urgently calls on the international community to significantly increase support to meet the immense needs in Yemen.
