In Yemen, response to deadly floods and critical health care services are key

Heavy rains caused deadly flash floods in Yemen in July 2022. Yemen Red Crescent first on the ground to assess the needs and help affected people

Heavy rains caused deadly flash floods in Yemen in July 2022. Yemen Red Crescent first on the ground to assess the needs and help affected people

Photo: Yemen Red Crescent

Beirut / Sanaa /17 August - More than a month after heavy thunderstorms wreaked havoc in Yemen, their effects are still being felt. More than 31,000 households experienced the loss of life or property—in a country where food insecurity was already at an all-time high.

To best understand the needs and work being done, the Head of the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent’s (IFRC) Delegation in Yemen, Sami Fakhouri paid a 4-day visit to Yemen Red Crescent’s (YRCS) branches and health centres in Hajjah and Saadah.

Fakhouri saluted the outstanding job done by YRCS volunteers and staff—their dedication and hard work despite challenges. Tireless team members are working around the clock to provide primary, secondary, inpatient, and outpatient care entirely free of charge at 23 Yemen Red Crescent health centres throughout Yemen in addition to acute flood response.

During the visit earlier last week, Fakhouri was briefed on the urgent needs and the ways in which Red Crescent teams are alleviating the suffering of local communities. He said: “IFRC will continue to support the Yemen Red Crescent in health, disaster management, water, sanitation, and hygiene and National Society Development, by providing technical and financial support.”

 

Sami Fakhoury, Head of IFRC country delegation in Yemen visits a new health centre operated by Yemen Red Crescent and supported by IFRC in August 2022.

Sami Fakhoury, Head of IFRC country delegation in Yemen visits a new health centre operated by Yemen Red Crescent and supported by IFRC in August 2022.

Photo: Yemen Red Crescent

 

On July 30, IFRC released more than CHF 452.000 from its Disaster Response Emergency Fund (DREF) to support the Yemen Red Crescent’s response, which includes providing families impacted by the floods with food, hygiene, and household items, shelter kits, and water and sanitation services.

In turn, Abdullah Al Azab, YRCS Disaster Management Coordinator said: “We need to be ready to support the population rendered more vulnerable by these natural catastrophes, in addition to the difficulties they are already experiencing in a country in war, and despite massive challenges, the Yemen Red Crescent tries to provide a fast life-saving response to victims of natural disasters in all governorates".

Fakhouri concluded that IFRC in collaboration with The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and partner National Societies will continue to advocate with local and international authorities to remind stakeholders of the immense humanitarian needs of the Yemeni populations, not to forget supporting Yemen and its people, and to enhance the coordinated International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement response in the country.

For more information, contact:

In Beirut, IFRC-MENA: Mey Al Sayegh, +961 03229352, [email protected]

In Yemen -YRCS: Nesreen Ahmed, +967 775322644, [email protected]

Related press releases