(Dubai) Torrential rains and violent windstorms have affected 562,000 people in Yemen in recent weeks, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) said on Thursday, appealing for $13.3 million in donations.
The “unprecedented weather conditions” have worsened suffering in the Arabian Peninsula’s poorest country, which is already grappling with one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises, the UN agency said.
“The scale of the destruction is staggering and we urgently need additional funding to ensure that the most vulnerable are not left behind,” said Matt Huber, IOM’s acting Chief of Mission for Yemen.
Since late July, floods have destroyed homes, displaced thousands of families and severely damaged critical infrastructure, including health centres, schools and roads, according to the UN.
PHOTO KHALED ZIAD, ARCHIVES AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE
Dozens of homes have been damaged or destroyed by floods in Yemen, forcing 215 families to relocate.
In late August, torrential rains caused flash floods in Al-Mahwit province in western Yemen, leaving around 40 people missing or dead, according to the UN humanitarian agency OCHA.
Dozens of homes were damaged or destroyed, forcing 215 families to move.
“These rains have not only caused tragic loss of life, they have also wiped out the assets and livelihoods of entire communities,” IOM said.
The organization says the resources it has “are insufficient to cover the vast needs.”
“Immediate funding is needed to meet the most urgent needs on the ground,” IOM added, warning that severe weather conditions are expected to continue in the coming weeks.