Yemen: Disruptions due to flooding ongoing in Al Hudaydah Governorate as of Aug. 9 /update 1

Disruptions due to flooding are ongoing across parts of Al Hudaydah Governorate as of Aug. 9. Heavy rainfall overnight Aug. 6-7 triggered widespread flooding in parts of the province, including Hodeidah. Authorities have confirmed at least 30 fatalities, and five others are missing. Extensive damage to homes, roads, and other infrastructure has been reported. Thousands of residents have been displaced, and power outages have been reported in the region. Further adverse weather is forecast over Al Hudaydah Governorate and other parts of Yemen over the coming days. The Yemen Meteorological Service has issued an orange weather warning (the middle level on a three-tier scale) Aug. 9, advising rainfall of varying intensity and thunderstorms are likely over western mountainous regions, including Al Hudaydah Governorate, through at least Aug. 10. Strong winds and hail may accompany storms. Additional downpours may exacerbate the flood situation and hamper ongoing response and recovery efforts.

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

Due to the arid nature of the region and poor stormwater management in some urban areas, even minor rainfall accumulations could quickly result in episodes of flash flooding. Flooding is possible in streams and wadis (dry riverbeds). Significant rainfall may be preceded by moderate winds and dust storms, though some areas - particularly desert areas - may experience high levels of dust without rain.

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.

Severe weather could also trigger flight delays and cancellations at airports in affected areas. Flooding could block regional rail lines; freight and passenger train delays and cancellations are likely in areas that see heavy rainfall and potential track inundation. 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.