The catastrophic rains and floods that have plagued Yemen since mid-July have killed hundreds of people and affected tens of thousands more in a number of governorates, according to the UN.
The World Health Organization said in a statement released on Wednesday that heavy seasonal rains and the resulting massive floods that have swept through several governorates in Yemen since mid-July have killed at least 77 people, including children, in the governorates of Al-Bayda, Amran, Dhamar, Hajjah, and Marib, as well as Sanaa.
The rains and floods also injured more than 35,000 families in 85 districts across 16 governorates, severely destroying displacement camps and infrastructure, including water supply, public services, and property, according to local officials.
The organisation, according to the statement, responded quickly to the needs of flood-affected communities in Yemen, providing health needs and laboratory supplies, as well as supporting specialised emergency teams and joint field missions in collaboration with national health authorities and humanitarian partners.
According to the statement, Adham Rashad, the organisations representative in Yemen, the threat of acquiring water- and vector-borne illnesses such as malaria, cholera, and other infectious diseases is escalating.
According to the statement, the organisation developed a comprehensive plan for preparedness and response to heavy rains and floods in Al-Hodeidah Governorate in collaboration with the health group, as well as provided equipment to the National Center for Central Public Health Laboratories and trained 25 laboratory technicians in the microscopic diagnosis of malaria.
Additional households may be relocated if heavy rains continue until August 20, according to the organisation, particularly in low-lying regions in the governorates of Al Hudaydah, Al Mahwit, Hadramawt, Hajjah, Lahj, Raymah, Saada, Sanaa, Shabwa, and Taiz.
The floods killed 77 Yemenis and affected 35,000 people, according to the UN.
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