Barran Press
A section of the historic "Shammar Yahrash" fortress in the city of Rada'a, Bayda Governorate, Yemen, partially collapsed on Saturday, August 24, 2024, due to heavy rainfall. Local sources reported the incident to "Barran Press," attributing the collapse to the accumulation of rainwater within the fortress walls.
The sources indicated that the lack of regular maintenance and the blockage of drainage channels beneath the walls by garbage and debris contributed to the collapse. The incident caused material damage, with a Toyota Hilux truck being trapped under fallen stones and other vehicles parked near the wall sustaining damage. Fortunately, there were no reported casualties.
The fortress, located in the heart of Rada'a city, dates back to the reign of the Himyarite king Shamir Yahrash in 243 AD. It was later renovated and rebuilt by King Dhafir Amer bin Abdulwahab al-Tahri. This is not the first time the fortress has suffered damage from heavy rains, as a section of its wall collapsed in September 2012 due to similar weather conditions.
The collapse of this historic landmark highlights the need for urgent maintenance and preservation efforts to protect Yemen's rich cultural heritage.
