Flash floods hit displaced families on Yemen’s West Coast and in Ma’rib

Flash flooding from unusually intense rains hit communities along Yemen’s West Coast and in Ma’rib in April. IOM reported that the floods killed at least 23 people and left tens of thousands in urgent need of help (IOM).

IOM’s April assessments found more than 32,700 households affected on the West Coast, including in Taiz governorate, and at least 3,300 households in Ma’rib and Al Jawf. Many of the people affected were already living in displacement sites, where shelters are fragile (IOM).

IOM said that more than 22 million people in Yemen need humanitarian assistance and protection in 2026, including 5.2 million people displaced inside the country (IOM).

Communities are resilient, but needs are immense.

Othman Belbeisi, IOM Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa

Key figures

• At least 23 people killed in the floods (IOM)
• More than 32,700 households affected on the West Coast (IOM)
• At least 3,300 households affected in Ma’rib and Al Jawf (IOM)
• More than 22 million people need humanitarian assistance in 2026 (IOM)

Sources

• IOM: Floods, displacement and economic strain deepen humanitarian needs in Yemen (9 April 2026)
• IOM Yemen: IOM scales up response as floods devastate communities across Yemen (5 June 2026)

Photo: irwan zahuri / Pexels · Tarim, Hadhramaut, Yemen