Dubai – The United Nations has raised alarm over the escalating humanitarian crisis in Yemen, where relentless rains and flash floods have affected approximately 460,000 people across 19 governorates since early August.

According to a joint statement by UNICEF and UNFPA, the flooding has swept away homes, shelters, and personal belongings, leaving tens of thousands displaced and in urgent need of assistance. 

The worst-hit areas include Hudaydah, Hajjah, Sa’ada, Taizz, and Marib, where infrastructure damage has compounded the already dire conditions caused by years of conflict and economic collapse.

UN agencies have responded swiftly, delivering emergency food rations, hygiene kits, and reproductive health supplies to over 80,000 people within 72 hours of the initial flooding. However, aid workers warn that the situation remains critical, with more torrential rains forecast to continue into September and beyond.

“The devastating floods have increased people’s needs, which are tremendous,” said Enshrah Ahmed, UNFPA Representative to Yemen. “The coming weeks and months will be critical to ensuring affected families can pick themselves up and, at the very least, recover their lives.”

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reports that over 18 million Yemenis currently require humanitarian assistance. Aid efforts are being hindered by damaged roads, landmines, and a shortage of relief supplies. UN agencies are urgently seeking $4.9 million to scale up their emergency response.

As Yemen braces for further rainfall, the UN continues to call for international support to help mitigate the impact of climate-related disasters and protect vulnerable communities.