SANAA: Flash floods triggered by torrential rainfall have killed at least 12 people and left over 20 others missing in rebel-held areas of Yemen, the Al-Masirah television reported on Wednesday.
The severe weather event struck the province of Al-Mahwit, located west of the capital, Sanaa, which is controlled by the Houthi group.
The Houthi-run Al-Masirah television reported that the overnight floods caused by intense rainfall led to devastating landslides that swept through multiple homes in the Melhan district of Al-Mahwit. The floods have caused significant damage, with civil defence teams retrieving twelve bodies and reporting that at least 21 persons are still missing.
Houthi authorities have established a committee to manage the emergency response efforts. The committee is focused on providing essential aid, including food and shelter, to families affected by the floods.
The mountainous regions of western Yemen are known for their susceptibility to heavy seasonal rainfall, which has been exacerbated by climate change. The United Nations has reported that since late July, flash floods across Yemen have resulted in 60 deaths and have impacted approximately 268,000 people.
The increasing frequency and intensity of seasonal rains, linked to climate change, pose a significant challenge for Yemen.
Earlier this month, the United Nations highlighted the urgent need for $4.9 million to enhance emergency responses to extreme weather events in Yemen.
