Since early August, Yemen has been hit by torrential rains and violent windstorms, devastating communities, destroying homes, sweeping away livelihoods, and displacing thousands of families already living in precarious conditions. Rapid assessments conducted by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) across 73 displacement sites indicate that more than 46,500 people have been affected.
Abdusattor Esoev, IOM’s Chief of Mission in Yemen, highlighted the urgent humanitarian needs, stressing that families are left without homes, belongings, or a sense of safety, and called on the international community to provide protection and assistance. The current crisis mirrors last year’s floods, but the intensity and frequency of storms have increased, demonstrating how climate change is deepening vulnerabilities and pushing communities further into crisis.
The floods have had catastrophic effects on families already enduring years of conflict, poverty, and limited access to essential services. Hundreds of people are without shelter, food, clean water, or medical care, as floodwaters and storms have destroyed houses, roads, and public infrastructure. Entire communities have seen their few belongings and means of survival washed away within hours.
The governorates of Ibb, Sana’a, Ma’rib, Al Hodeidah, and Ta’iz are among the worst affected, with homes, farmland, and infrastructure severely damaged. In Ma’rib, displacement sites have also been affected, exacerbating suffering in one of Yemen’s most fragile regions. Public health risks are rising, with increasing cases of cholera and other waterborne diseases due to collapsing sanitation systems and contaminated water sources. Overwhelmed health facilities further limit access to care.
IOM teams, in coordination with local authorities and partners, are providing emergency shelter, water, sanitation, hygiene support, non-food items, and cash assistance to meet urgent needs. Efforts include installing water tanks, rehabilitating latrines, and desludging, but funding shortfalls continue to leave critical gaps, delaying lifesaving aid.
Despite these challenges, IOM remains committed to addressing urgent needs while supporting longer-term resilience. The organization is calling on donors to urgently scale up support to prevent further displacement, loss of life, and worsening conditions. Yemen’s experience underscores the need for greater investment in climate-resilient infrastructure, sustainable water management, and community-based disaster preparedness, particularly in conflict-affected countries facing the frontlines of the climate crisis.
