Yemen's Battle with Climate Change: Unprecedented Floods Exacerbate Humanitarian Crisis
Yemen is grappling with severe impacts from climate change, leading to substantial flooding and exacerbating an already dire humanitarian situation. According to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) in Yemen, more than 158,000 people have been affected by floods since the beginning of 2024, with these adverse weather events resulting in the deaths of 10 individuals and injuries to 14 others. The floods have been widespread, affecting various regions across the country.
The consequences of climate change, including increased frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, have become a critical challenge for Yemenis, compounding the ongoing conflicts and instability. A report by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in May highlighted that both the escalation of armed conflict and climate-related disasters—such as heavy rains, floods, and extreme heat—displaced a total of 4,656 families, equivalent to 32,592 individuals, across 16 provinces from January to April 2024. Specifically, climate-related events were responsible for displacing 2,247 families (15,729 individuals), while conflict-related displacement affected 2,409 families (16,863 individuals).
Further compounding the crisis, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies reported that over 5,111 displaced families in the provinces of Hadramout, Shabwa, Sa’dah, Ma’rib, Taiz, Al Jawf, Abyan, and Al Mahrah suffered significant impacts from rains and floods in April alone. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in Yemen also reported that more than 1,300 shelters for displaced persons in Sa’dahProvince were damaged or destroyed by heavy rains and subsequent flooding since the beginning of March. The UNHCR's preliminary assessment indicated that 1,304 shelters were affected, with 574 completely destroyed and 730 partially damaged.
International reports have raised concerns about an increase in the intensity of rainfall across Yemen, particularly in Ibb Governorate, which has led to flash floods and heightened risks, especially in coastal areas. Predictions suggest that the central and southern highlands may experience even heavier rains, with potential daily accumulations exceeding 200 millimeters in areas like Ibb. This could result in further flash flooding due to the unique hydro-topographical features of the region's low-lying and coastal watersheds.
Last year, Yemen experienced a series of climate-related disasters, including floods, lightning strikes, and landslides, which resulted in 431 casualties. The country's changing climate has caused frequent heavy rains, leading to extensive flooding that has inflicted significant human and material losses, particularly in displacement camps, housing, and infrastructure across various cities.
