17 dead due to floods, mass displacement as torrential rains hit Hadramout, Taiz

PROVINCES, March 29 (YPA) – Severe rains and flash floods sweeping through several Yemeni governorates over the past hours have left at least 17 people dead and 5 others missing.

The disaster has caused catastrophic damage to infrastructure and residential areas, sparking widespread public outcry over the lack of government relief intervention.

Qusy’ir city in Hadramout governorate turned into a massive water reservoir, forcing a mass displacement of residents to safer areas after floodwaters submerged homes and commercial shops.

Weather stations recorded a record rainfall of 60 mm in the “Khalaf” area of Mukalla city. 

The heavy rains turned main and side streets into swamps due to poor drainage systems, prompting local authorities to suspend classes across all educational and university facilities in the governorate starting Sunday.

In Taiz governorate, the bulk of the human casualties (fatalities and missing persons) were concentrated in the “Mocha” and “Mawza” districts in western Taiz, amid ongoing road closures and a complete absence of rescue teams.

According to field reports, approximately 50 homes have been fully or partially destroyed. The floods also swept away vast agricultural lands and killed a large number of livestock, threatening to exacerbate the humanitarian crisis as families remain without emergency shelters or aid. 

YPA