Barran Press
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has launched an urgent appeal for over $13 million to provide relief to those affected by devastating floods in Yemen. The organization estimates that over 350,000 individuals have been impacted by the floods since the beginning of August.
In a statement titled "Urgent Appeal," the UN agency stated that severe flooding throughout August has caused widespread destruction and negatively affected thousands of vulnerable families in multiple Yemeni governorates.
The IOM is seeking $13,265,650 over a six-month period to support 50,000 affected families, according to the Anadolu Agency. These families, totaling 350,000 individuals, reside in high-risk areas across the governorates of Marib (central), Hudaydah (western), Sana'a (northern), Ibb, and Taiz (southwestern).
The organization highlighted that despite ongoing response efforts, additional funding is urgently needed to address the rapidly escalating needs. Further severe weather events are anticipated throughout September.
The IOM emphasized the growing negative impact of climate change on the most vulnerable groups, including thousands of internally displaced persons (IDPs), many of whom have been displaced multiple times and now find themselves without possessions due to dwindling humanitarian resources.
The statement further noted that the unprecedented severe weather events coincide with a surge in waterborne diseases across Yemen, increasing the risk of disease outbreaks and straining already limited healthcare capacity.
Since the beginning of August, Yemen has experienced increased rainfall, leading to the deaths of approximately 190 individuals and injuries to hundreds more due to flash floods and accompanying thunderstorms, particularly among those living in displacement camps, according to government figures and humanitarian reports.