More than 184,000 people have been displaced across Yemen since August 1, with over 21,000 forced from their homes in the past week alone….reports Africa Daily News Desk
More than 184,000 people have been displaced across Yemen since August 1 as ongoing conflict and insecurity continue to force civilians from their homes, the United Nations said.
The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), citing the International Organization for Migration (IOM), said more than 21,000 people had been displaced in the past week alone as the humanitarian situation continued to deteriorate.
The UN and its humanitarian partners have provided life-saving assistance to more than 126,000 people affected by the crisis. However, OCHA warned that humanitarian needs continue to outpace the resources available.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has also raised concerns over major funding shortages as displacement, disease outbreaks and conflict place additional pressure on Yemen’s already fragile healthcare system.
According to OCHA, cholera cases have tripled in recent weeks, including in displacement camps. Measles, dengue and malaria are also continuing to spread, further increasing pressure on health services.
Humanitarian access has been complicated by the closure of key roads linking Taiz governorate with major cities, including Hodeidah, Aden and Sanaa.
OCHA said the blocked routes were severely restricting the movement of civilians and commercial supplies while also limiting the ability of humanitarian organisations to reach people in need.
The humanitarian situation has also been compounded by shortages of essential goods and medical supplies. OCHA reported sharp increases in food and fuel prices, along with growing concerns about the availability of flour, cooking gas and medicines.
The UN agency said it was particularly concerned by reports of civilian casualties and damage to civilian property, as well as increased risks from explosive hazards.
The dangers have further restricted humanitarian access and made it more difficult for civilians to move safely, OCHA said.
“OCHA continues to assess the humanitarian impact and calls on all parties to protect civilians and facilitate humanitarians’ efforts to safely and swiftly reach them with the support they need,” the office said.
The latest displacement figures underscore the continuing pressure on Yemen’s civilian population, with humanitarian agencies warning that limited funding and deteriorating security are making it increasingly difficult to meet basic needs.
OCHA said humanitarian partners would continue assessing conditions and delivering assistance where access remains possible, while calling on all parties to protect civilians and enable aid workers to reach affected communities safely.
