LOC12:57
09:57 GMT
GENEVA, June 18 (KUNA) -- The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) on Tuesday said that torrential rains and widespread flooding across 12 governorates in Yemen recent weeks affected more than 80,000 people.
"UNHCR and humanitarian partners are concerned that the flooding may exacerbate the risks and spread of diseases, including cholera," said the UNHCR in a press release.
More than 364,000 suspected cases of cholera and 639 deaths have been reported across Yemen since the beginning of the year by World Health organization (WHO), nearing the total for all of 2018.
Hajjah governorate in north-west Yemen, which is host to many internally displaced people (IDPs) is among the worst affected, with more than 50,000 people reported to be in need of help.
Many are people living in emergency shelters and informal settlements. Their tents and tarpaulins have been damaged by rains, exposing them to homelessness and associated protection risks, including risks related to the lack of privacy and potential exploitation and abuse.
Other affected governorates include Taizz, Ibb, Raymah, Dhamar, Al-Bayda, Marib, Al-Jawf, Aden, Lahj, Abyan and Hadramaut.
The floods have also affected health clinics, pharmaceutical supplies, food stocks, schools, and sanitation facilities, increasing health risks.
UNHCR teams together with other humanitarian partners and local authorities have already begun conducting assessments in IDP hosting sites in Aden, Lahj, Hadramaut, Abyan and Hajjah.
Among main needs identified so far are emergency shelter, food, water and sanitation, particularly for those displaced and living in informal settlements.
As a preliminary step, UNHCR is providing 745 emergency shelter kits, as well as household assistance and materials to help repair damaged shelters in Lahj, Hadramaut and Aden, which will help more than 5,200 people. Further needs are expected to be known once assessments, including protection assessments, are completed. (end)
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