The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) announced on Thursday, August 15, 2024, that 180,000 people have been affected by floods in Yemen since the beginning of August. The organization highlighted the urgent need for $4.9 million to expand its emergency response.

"Heavy rains and catastrophic flash floods in Yemen continue to exacerbate the suffering of families already grappling with the effects of poverty, hunger, and ongoing conflict," UNICEF stated in a press release, according to Anadolu Agency.

The statement noted that the unusually heavy monsoon rains have led to sudden flash floods across Yemen, causing widespread damage and destruction. The provinces of Hodeidah, Hajjah, Sa'ada, and Taiz (west) were among the hardest hit.

"The floods have swept away homes, shelters, and property. Since the beginning of August, over 180,000 people have been affected, and around 50,000 people have been displaced in Hodeidah alone, a number that is likely to rise in the coming days," the statement added.

UNICEF, along with the UN Population Fund (UNFPA) and the World Food Programme (WFP), are providing life-saving assistance to those most affected through the UN's rapid response mechanism.

"With heavy rains expected to continue through September, there is an urgent need for $4.9 million to scale up and expand the emergency response," the statement emphasized.

According to the statement, within 72 hours of the onset of the floods, over 80,000 people in the affected provinces received emergency relief through rapid response kits, which include ready-to-eat food, hygiene supplies, and dignity kits. These materials provide immediate relief and help mitigate the hardships caused by these catastrophic events.

Since the beginning of August, heavy rains have intensified in several Yemeni provinces, resulting in floods that have claimed 57 lives and caused significant material damage, according to UN and government reports.