Death toll from heavy rains and floods in Yemen rises to 61

ADEN, Yemen, Aug. 11 (Xinhua) — The death toll from recent heavy rains and floods in Yemen rose to 61 on Sunday, according to a statement from the Yemen Displaced Persons Camp Management Implementation Unit.

The latest fatalities were reported in the northeastern province of Marib, where four displaced people lost their lives and 20 were injured due to severe weather conditions, the unit said.

It added that more than 7,000 families were displaced due to heavy rains, wind and lightning in Marib.

The statement noted that 2,973 families were fully affected and 4,206 families suffered partial destruction in 41 camps and centres for internally displaced persons in Marib.

Flash floods in Yemen have caused massive destruction.

According to a report released on Sunday by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs in Yemen, the UN agency said the heavy rains had affected 34,260 families, with displaced people suffering the most.

As the situation worsens, Yemen’s National Meteorological Center has issued warnings to citizens across the country, urging them to avoid watercourses and exercise caution. The center is forecasting further heavy rainfall, flooding and strong winds, particularly in the mountains and western and southern regions of the country.

Yemen’s government appealed on Thursday for international aid to mitigate damage caused by recent heavy rains and flooding.