Yemen: Adverse weather forecast across much of the country through at least Aug. 31

Severe weather is forecast across much of Yemen through at least Aug. 31. As of Aug. 21, the Yemen Meteorological Service has issued an orange weather warning (the middle level on a three-tier scale) advising that heavy rainfall and thunderstorms accompanied by strong winds and possible hail are forecast across mountainous and western coastal areas, including parts of Ad-Dali, Al-Bayda, Al-Hudaydah, Al-Mahwit, 'Amran, Dhamar, Hajjah, Ibb, Lahij, Raymah, Sa'adah, Sana'a, and Ta'izz governorates. Showers of varying intensity and isolated storms are also forecast over parts of Abyan. Aden, Al-Jawf, Al-Mahrah, Hadramawt, Ma'rib, and Shabwah governorates. The National Meteorological Center for Early Warning has advised citizens to take precautions against flooding, reduced visibility, landslides, and the collapse of mud buildings amid the severe weather. Further showers and storms are forecast across parts of Yemen through at least Aug. 31, with the worst of the severe weather likely in western regions. More than 60 fatalities have been reported, hundreds of people injured, and 13 others are missing due to severe weather across parts of Yemen since July. The adverse weather has affected nearly 268,000 people and many homes, roads, schools, and other infrastructure have been damaged.

Sustained heavy rainfall could trigger 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.