The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has intensified its emergency operations in Yemen to support families affected by heavy rains and catastrophic floods that swept across large areas of the country between late June and early August. These floods have resulted in at least 57 deaths and affected more than 34,000 families in Al Hudaydah, Taiz, Marib, and other areas, in addition to causing extensive damage to infrastructure.
The destruction caused by these floods has exacerbated Yemen’s already deteriorating humanitarian situation, where millions are affected by the prolonged conflict, displacement, and poverty. The situation for displaced populations has become even more critical, as destroyed shelters and limited access to essential services hinder recovery efforts.
Matt Hooper, Acting Head of Mission for IOM in Yemen, stated that the scale of the disaster is immense and the needs are enormous. He added: “Our teams are on the ground, working tirelessly to provide life-saving assistance to those in need, but the resources at our disposal are limited.”
He also noted that the ability to meet the needs of affected communities will remain severely constrained without substantial and sustained support from donors and international partners.
Destruction of Agricultural Lands 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 inundated wells, swept away agricultural lands, and caused widespread destruction to homes and essential public services, while roads were blocked, complicating relief efforts.
IOM reported that the situation is similarly dire in three districts along Yemen’s western coast – Hays, Al-Mokha, and Al-Khokha – where 5,800 families were affected, thousands displaced, and crops and vital infrastructure, including roads and water networks, destroyed.
In Hays, floodwaters also displaced landmines to new areas, further complicating relief efforts and increasing risks for those trying to reach affected communities.
Initial Assessments
In response to the crisis, IOM provided assistance to more than 300 families in Hays and Al-Khokha districts. The agency distributed shelter materials to 83 families and 3,000 hygiene kits, while teams conducted assessments covering water, sanitation, hygiene, protection, shelter, and non-food items.
In Marib, recent storms and floods caused significant damage, including the destruction of power poles, leading to widespread electricity outages and affecting shelters. IOM manages 21 displacement sites in the governorate, with preliminary assessments indicating 600 shelters fully damaged and about 2,800 partially damaged, impacting over 20,000 people.
Four deaths and several injuries were reported, with 12 individuals referred to IOM-supported hospitals in Marib for urgent care.
Concerns About Disease Outbreaks
The floods have also raised serious health concerns, as standing water combined with poor sanitation provides 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 ongoing cholera outbreak.
In response, IOM teams are conducting initial assessments, activating emergency response committees, and restoring vital infrastructure such as water and sanitation networks. Teams have also been deployed to open drainage channels and build dams to prevent further damage.
Call to the International Community
Despite these efforts, IOM stated that the scale of the disaster has revealed significant resource gaps, particularly among partners providing shelter and non-food items, due to low emergency stockpiles.
IOM is coordinating 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 called on the international community to substantially increase support to meet Yemen’s immense needs.
