Yemen floods kill nearly 100 and worsen food shortages

Severe flooding in Yemen has resulted in the deaths of at least 97 individuals over the past month, exacerbating an already dire humanitarian situation. The floods have affected over 56,000 homes and displaced more than 33,000 families since the onset of the monsoon season in mid-July. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) reports that the damage from these floods is particularly devastating for the 4.5 million Yemenis who are internally displaced and in urgent need of humanitarian assistance. The ongoing civil war, which began in 2014, has left millions vulnerable, with 85% of displaced families unable to meet their daily food needs. The conflict has escalated into a broader war involving a Saudi Arabia-led coalition and Iran-backed Houthi forces, contributing to what the UN describes as one of the worst humanitarian crises globally. The situation is further complicated by recent Houthi attacks on Israel amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza. In the Melhan district of Al-Mahwit province, intense flooding has claimed 33 lives and damaged over 200 homes. Local authorities report that five vehicles were swept away, and 38 individuals remain missing. The Red Crescent is actively searching for those unaccounted for, highlighting the urgency of the situation. The magnitude of the disaster has prompted calls for increased humanitarian aid, as the affected populations face severe food insecurity and displacement. The international community is urged to respond to the escalating needs of the Yemeni people as they navigate the dual crises of flooding and ongoing conflict.