Dubai, UAE —Heavy flooding triggered by torrential rains in Yemen overnight has wrecked homes and left at least 24 people missing, officials reported on Wednesday.
The floods in Al-Mahwit, a region west of the capital Sanaa held by Iran-backed Huthi rebels, caused landslides that destroyed many homes, according to a police statement released by rebel media.
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Seven homes in the province’s Melhan area were demolished, leaving at least 24 people missing, according to authorities.
Authorities have yet to declare deaths, but photographs circulating on social media appeared to depict bodies covered in blankets following the floodwaters.
The AFP could not independently confirm their legitimacy.
The highlands of western Yemen have substantial seasonal rainfall. The United Nations reports that since late July, flash flooding has killed 60 people and impacted 268,000 others.
Western and central regions have been cautioned that worse is to come.
“In the coming months, increased rainfall is forecast, with the central highlands, Red Sea coastal areas and portions of the southern uplands expected to receive unprecedented levels in excess of 300 millimeters,” the World Health Organization told reporters on Monday.
Earlier this month, the United Nations warned that $4.9 million was urgently required to expand the emergency response to extreme weather in war-torn Yemen.
Climate change is increasing the frequency and intensity of seasonal rains in Yemen’s highlands, which are largely held by Houthi militants.
[…] 24 missing after heavy floods in Yemen: authorities […]
[…] 24 missing after heavy floods in Yemen: authorities […]