The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has said that torrential rains and flooding have affected half a million people in Yemen.

The severe flooding and violent windstorms affected nearly 562,000 people in Yemen, IOM said in a recent report.

Across multiple governorates, including Ibb, Sanaa, Marib, Hodeidah, and Taiz, thousands of people have been left without shelter, clean water, or access to basic services, and scores of lives have been tragically lost, said the report.

Marib Governorate has been particularly hard-hit, with strong winds since 11 August severely damaging 73 displacement sites and affecting over 21,000 households.

Over 15,000 families in Hodeidah and 11,000 in Taiz were also left in desperate need of emergency support.

The rains have not only led to tragic loss of life but have also wiped out entire communities’ belongings and means of survival, IOM said.

So, the IOM launched a $13.3 million appeal to deliver urgent life-saving assistance.

“Yemen is facing yet another devastating chapter in its relentless crisis, exacerbated by the intersection of conflict and extreme weather events,” said IOM Yemen’s Acting Chief of Mission Matt Huber.

“IOM teams are on the ground, working around the clock to deliver immediate relief to families affected by this catastrophe. However, the scale of the destruction is staggering, and we urgently need additional funding to ensure that the most vulnerable are not left behind. We must act immediately to prevent further loss and alleviate the suffering of those impacted,” he added.