Devastating floods in Yemen leave at least 26 dead and thousands affected.

The heavy rains that have plagued Yemen in recent weeks have left a trail of destruction and tragedy, particularly in the province of Dhamar. At least 26 people have lost their lives, and several more remain missing after landslides caused by these intense downpours. The situation has been calamitous, with entire families affected and whole communities devastated. The governor of Dhamar, Mohamed al Bukhaiti, appointed by the Houthi rebels, reported that among the fatalities are both women and children. This highlights the vulnerability of the most disadvantaged groups in the face of natural disasters. While rescue operations are ongoing, it has been confirmed that three people have been rescued and taken to the hospital, but the search continues for another 11 who are still unaccounted for. The magnitude of the disaster is reflected in the impact it has had on the town of Al Jarf, where the rains have resulted in the complete destruction of homes. According to testimonies from residents, the situation is desperate; the landslides have not only swept away houses but have also severely affected businesses and vehicles, leaving the community in a precarious and vulnerable situation. Rescue efforts have been complicated by the difficulty of accessing the most affected areas. However, neighbors have not hesitated to mobilize to assist in the rescue efforts, demonstrating once again the solidarity that arises in times of crisis. This community response is vital to cope with the tragedy, although limitations in resources and damaged infrastructure complicate the situation. This recent natural disaster adds to a series of floods that have hit the country so far this year. Just days earlier, on August 27, a flood caused the collapse of a dam in the province of Al Mahweet, resulting in a tragic toll of at least 33 dead. This pattern of intermittent flooding has highlighted the fragility of the country in the face of extreme weather phenomena. Since early August, Yemen has been under a rainstorm that has wreaked havoc in the northern and western regions. The rainy season, which normally extends from July to September, has left a devastating toll with more than 130 confirmed deaths and the destruction of critical infrastructure such as schools, roads, and health centers. Local authorities have reported that more than 38,000 families have been affected in various ways. The situation is further complicated by the new outbreak of cholera that has emerged in the country, exacerbated by the floods. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has warned of a potential increase in cases, which could reach 255,000 by September 2024. This represents not only a challenge for an already overwhelmed healthcare system but also a threat to food security and social stability in a country already devastated by years of conflict. The international community watches with concern the crisis in Yemen, a country that has been grappling with a prolonged war and the impact of natural disasters. The lack of resources and political instability have hindered the arrival of humanitarian aid, and it is ordinary citizens who often bear the brunt of these crises. In the midst of this tragedy, an urgent call is made to the global community to pay attention and offer assistance to those affected. Yemen's recovery will require not only immediate aid but also a sustained commitment to address the root causes of its vulnerability to natural disasters and humanitarian crises. The situation in Dhamar and other regions of the country is a reminder of the need to prepare for climate change and its devastating effects. As communities struggle to rebuild, hope lies in solidarity and coordinated intervention to mitigate human suffering and promote resilience in the region.