The Yemeni government today raised the death toll from the rains and floods that have hit the western provinces in the last 48 hours to 51 and called for international support to help those affected and deal with the damage.
According to government sources, at least 12 people, including three military personnel, were killed after floods swept through government-controlled areas in the Red Sea province of al-Hodeida over the past 48 hours, bringing the total death toll to 51.
On Wednesday, civil defence sources in areas controlled by the Huthi rebels reported that at least 39 people had died and several others were missing in flash floods caused by heavy rains in rural areas of the western provinces of al-Hodeida and Hajja.
In a letter consulted by EFE, the Yemeni government called on "all regional and international partners, including countries, financial institutions and international humanitarian organisations, to support the Yemeni government's efforts to deal with the damage caused by the current storm affecting the provinces of al-Hodeida and Hajja".
The heavy rains have caused floods and torrents in both provinces, causing serious damage to infrastructure and public and private property, says the Yemeni executive in the letter, which also states that the heavy rains have caused significant damage to IDP camps and mud-brick houses.
According to the United Nations Population Fund, the heavy rains and floods have affected more than 28,784 people in four districts of Hajja province alone.
On the other hand, the United Nations Agriculture Fund (FAO) stated that Yemen is expected to experience a period of heavy rains in the coming weeks, with the likelihood of flash floods and landslides.
The FAO also warned that this year's rains are expected to be particularly heavy, which could cause widespread damage, especially in low-lying farming communities.
The UN agency emphasised that the coming weeks represent a "critical period" for Yemen, which is facing the "challenges of heavy rains and the associated risks", and detailed that preparedness, mitigation strategies and community resilience are essential.
