Overview

In early April, southern, central, and western Yemen were hit by torrential rainfall, causing significant floods, casualties, and damage. This marked the second flooding event in Yemen within a month, exacerbating the plight of the already vulnerable population. In mid-March, floods had previously impacted IDP-hosting sites in the Marib Governorate.

Casualties and Damage

According to [GDACS] and media reports, the floods resulted in at least five deaths, particularly in Shabwah and Abyan Governorates. Additionally, flash floods destroyed or damaged at least 30 houses in southwestern areas, leading to further displacements.

In the past week, heavy rainfall continued across Yemen, causing extensive damage:

Recent Flood Events

• Al Mahwit: Massive dam failures led to four fatalities.
• Central Ibb and the Highlands: Submerged streets and damaged homes left behind widespread devastation.

More severe weather is forecasted, with several parts of Yemen at high risk of flooding from record rainfall events in the coming week. The areas most likely to be affected include:

Forecast and At-Risk Areas

• Wadi Zabid (Al Hudaydah/Dhamar/Ibb): Over 5,000 people
• Siham (Sana’a/Raymah/Al Hudaydah): Over 2,000 people
• Mour (Hajjah/Al Hudaydah): Over 1,000 people
• Tuban (Lahj/Al Dhale’e/Ibb): Over 1,000 people
• North Wadi Harad (west Sadah): Over 800 people
• Rimah (Raymah/Dhamar): Over 800 people
• Banna (Abyan/Lahj/Al Dhale’e): About 700 people
• Sordud (Al Mahwit/Sana’a): About 700 people

Intensified, short-duration rainfall events have been reported across much of Yemen, resulting in:

Impact on Infrastructure and Populations

• Spate Irrigation Infrastructure: Damage across main wadies.
• Yarim District, Ibb Governorate: Hazardous rockfalls triggered by heavy rainfall.

Field reports indicate:

Casualties and Displacement

• Fatalities: 31 people died.
• Injuries: 37 individuals were injured.
• Missing Persons: 3 people were reported missing following the April floods.

Severe flooding has affected over 165,000 individuals in more than 70 districts across Yemen. The floods have caused:

Overall Impact

• Loss of Life
• Damage to Shelters, Crops, and Infrastructure
• Further Displacements: Flooding has washed away shelters and belongings at Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) sites, leading to additional displacements.

Conclusion

The recurrent flooding events in Yemen highlight the urgent need for comprehensive disaster management and support for the vulnerable populations. The forecasted severe weather poses a continued threat, requiring immediate action to mitigate further loss and displacement.