UN: Millions of displaced Yemenis face deteriorating conditions amid flood disaster

She noted that Yemen, which remains one of the world's worst humanitarian crises, faces severe challenges even as attention shifts to other global emergencies.

“Currently, 18.2 million people in the country, including 4.5 million displaced people, need urgent humanitarian assistance. This includes more than 60,000 refugees and asylum seekers, most of them from Somalia and Ethiopia,” the UNHCR spokeswoman said.

She stressed the need for more systematic and sustained global support for countries like Yemen – one of the world’s most vulnerable to climate change. It is also among the least prepared to mitigate or adapt to the effects of extreme weather and climate-related disasters, which are becoming more frequent.

“The recent catastrophic floods in Malhan District, Al Mahwit Governorate, caused by heavy rains and the collapse of three dams, have devastated entire communities,” he added.

“Over the past month, floods have killed 97 people, injured many more, affected more than 56,000 family homes in 20 governorates and displaced more than 1,000 families. The worst-hit areas include Al Hudaydah, Hajjah, Al Tawilah and Marib. Impassable roads are isolating affected areas and hampering rescue efforts,” she continued.

Adding to the ongoing crisis in Yemen, this disaster has exacerbated the suffering of millions. Vital infrastructure has been destroyed, shelters washed away, and farmland submerged. Unexploded ordnance dislodged by the floods poses additional threats to civilians and humanitarian workers.

Khalaf stressed that available resources are insufficient to meet critical humanitarian needs. As of July 31, UNHCR’s appeal for US$354 million was only 21% funded, leaving vital areas such as protection and shelter severely underfunded.

The Commission called on the international community to step up its support and solidarity with the Yemeni people. The world cannot ignore the Yemeni crisis any longer. Sustained and coordinated support is crucial at this moment, when millions of lives are at stake.