Yemen: Disruptions due to flooding ongoing in Ma'rib Governorate as of March 14

Disruptions due to flooding are ongoing across parts of Ma'rib Governorate as of March 14. Heavy rainfall in the region since March 8 has triggered widespread flooding across parts of the governorate and hundreds of homes have been damaged by floodwaters. As of March 13, nearly 6,500 displaced families were being housed in around 200 temporary camps established across the governorate, with Ma'rib City amongst the worst affected areas. Yemen's National Center of Meteorology has forecast further rainfall and thunderstorms over areas adjacent to Ma'rib Governorate March 13-14 and has warned of possible flooding in affected areas. Further showers in and around Ma'rib may exacerbate the flood situation due to saturated ground and high river levels.

Further sustained heavy rainfall could trigger additional flooding in low-lying communities near rivers, streams, and creeks. Urban flooding is also possible in developed areas with easily overwhelmed stormwater drainage systems. Sites located downstream from large reservoirs or rivers may be subject to flash flooding after relatively short periods of intense rainfall. Landslides are possible in hilly or mountainous areas, especially where the soil has become saturated by heavy rainfall.

Authorities could issue further mandatory evacuation orders for flood-prone communities over the coming days. Disruptions to electricity and telecommunications services are likely where significant flooding or landslides impact utility networks.

Floodwaters and debris flows may render some bridges, rail networks, or roadways impassable, impacting overland travel in and around affected areas. Ponding on road surfaces could cause hazardous driving conditions on regional highways. Authorities could temporarily close some low-lying routes that become inundated by floodwaters.

Localized business disruptions may occur in low-lying areas; some businesses might not operate at full capacity because of flood damage to facilities, possible evacuations, and some employees' inability to reach work sites.

Flooding could heighten the threat of disease outbreaks. Backflow from drains mixed with floodwaters can become trapped in open areas when inundations recede. These stagnant pools often become a breeding ground for mosquitoes and bacteria, increasing the incidence of insect- and water-borne diseases. Exposure to contaminated water from inundated industrial sites, sewer systems, and septic tanks also poses a significant health threat.