Widespread Flooding Hits Yemen, Affecting Over Half a Million People Amid Escalating Climate Risks

Place: Yemen

Date: November 18, 2025

(Last update 11/19/2025 10:00:34 AM ) Prepared

Event description

Several Yemeni governorates experienced widespread flooding between August and September 2025 due to heavy rainfall and sudden storms, affecting 450,000 to 470,000 people across nearly 20 governorates. The floods resulted in 75–85 deaths and around 100 injuries, while more than 40,000 to 50,000 people were directly affected. Emergency teams continue to face major challenges in reaching affected communities due to collapsed roads and ongoing severe weather conditions.

Humanitarian conditions

Humanitarian conditions deteriorated rapidly, with thousands of families losing their homes and seeking refuge in safer areas amid severe shortages of shelter, food, and clean water. Water and electricity networks were disrupted in several areas, while relief teams faced major challenges accessing affected communities. Concerns about waterborne diseases, including cholera and acute watery diarrhea, have increased due to contamination of water sources.

Security situation

Security conditions remained fragile, as flooding hindered police and emergency movement and complicated evacuation efforts. Some areas witnessed limited disorder due to delayed aid, though no major armed clashes were reported. Security forces concentrated on securing temporary shelters and managing civilian movement in the hardest-hit areas.

Organizations' response

Humanitarian organizations launched immediate response operations, deploying rapid assessment teams and delivering initial assistance—including tents, food supplies, and clean water—to 40,000 to 50,000 people. Medical support was also provided in the most affected areas. However, road collapses and rising water levels hampered distribution efforts, slowing response compared to the scale of needs.