Since early August, torrential rains and violent windstorms have devastated communities across Yemen, 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.
"The floods in Yemen are another devastating blow for families who have already lost so much," said Abdusattor Esoev, IOM's Chief of Mission in Yemen. "People are once again left without homes, belongings, and a sense of safety. They need protection, they need assistance, and above all, they need the international community to stand with them."
The current crisis mirrors last year's devastating floods , which caused widespread damage and loss of life. This year, the intensity and frequency of storms have further increased, revealing how climate change is deepening vulnerabilities across Yemen and pushing communities further into crisis.
The impact has been catastrophic for families already enduring years of conflict, poverty, and limited access to essential services. Hundreds of people have been left without shelter, food, clean water, or medical care as floodwaters and storms destroyed houses, roads, and public infrastructure. Entire communities have seen their few belongings and means of survival washed away in a matter of hours.
The governorates of Ibb, Sana'a, Ma'rib, Al Hodeidah, and Ta'iz are among the worst affected, with floods damaging homes, farmland, and public infrastructure. In Ma'rib, strong winds and heavy rains have also damaged displacement sites, further exacerbating the suffering in one of Yemen's most fragile regions.
The floods have also worsened public health risks. Cholera cases and other waterborne diseases are rising as sanitation systems collapse and water sources become contaminated. With health facilities overwhelmed, communities face heightened risks of disease outbreaks and restricted access to care.
IOM teams, in coordination with local authorities and partners, are providing emergency shelter, water, sanitation and hygiene support, non-food items, and assistance through the rapid response mechanism. Efforts include installing water tanks, rehabilitating latrines, desludging, and providing cash to help families meet urgent needs. Funding shortfalls, however, leave many critical gaps.
With dwindling stocks for essential relief items, every delay in funding jeopardizes lifesaving aid. Despite these challenges, IOM remains committed to addressing urgent needs while supporting longer-term resilience and will continue to monitor and adapt its response as assessments evolve.
IOM is calling on donors to urgently scale up support to prevent further displacement, loss of life, and worsening conditions. As the world looks ahead to COP30, Yemen's experience is a stark reminder that conflict-affected countries on the frontlines of the climate crisis cannot be left behind. Greater investment in climate-resilient infrastructure, sustainable water management, and community-based disaster preparedness is essential to protect lives and dignity in Yemen and across vulnerable regions.
