Yemen – Deadly Flash Floods Devastate Tarim

Update, 05 May 2021:

In a report of 04 May 2021, UNOCHA said torrential rains and flooding started in mid-April continued into May causing damage to infrastructure, destroying homes and shelter and causing deaths and injuries. Areas affected include Aden, Abyan, Al Dhale’e, Lahj, Hadramaut, Ma’rib and Ta’iz governorates. Initial reports indicate that some 3,730 families (22,380 people) have been affected, the majority of whom are internally displaced people (IDPs).

Original report, 03 May 2021:

Local media in Yemen report that heavy rain and flash floods caused fatalities and widespread damage in the historic town of Tarim in Hadhramaut Governorate.

Flooding struck after heavy rainfall from 01 May 2021. Quoting local government sources, media said at least 4 people died after several houses collapsed and hundreds were damaged. Rescue teams are searching for missing people thought to be buried under the rubble of collapsed homes. Reports said helicopters were used to transport victims to safer ground.

Heavy rainfall and flash flooding has affected other areas of the country including parts of Al Hudaydah Governorate in the west of the country where several houses reportedly collapsed.

On 01 May 2021, media quoting Yemen security services, said that recent heavy seasonal rains and floods caused at least 13 fatalities in the governorates of Sanaa, Ibb, Shabwa and Al Hudaydah. Flooding was also reported in Aden and Taiz.

Yemen Meteorological Services reported heavy rainfall from late April. Raymah saw 47.9mm in 24 hours to 26 April 2021, Ataq 58mm in 24 hours to 27 April and Al Mahwit 65.9mm to 29 April 2021.

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