Yemen: Weather-related disruptions ongoing across parts of the country as of April 22

Weather-related disruptions are ongoing across several parts of Yemen as of April 22. Heavy rainfall over southeastern parts of the country has triggered flash flooding in parts of Hadramawt and Al-Mahrah governorates in recent days; authorities have confirmed at least four fatalities in Hadramawt and one in Al Mahrah after people were swept away by floodwaters. Several homes and roads in the southeast of the country have been inundated by flooding and authorities have warned of possible landslides. Officials have also reported that two people died and three others were injured after being struck by lightning in Hajjah and Sa'adah governorates in northern Yemen in recent days and two others were killed after being struck by lightning in Ta'izz Governorate in southwestern Yemen April 18. More than 3,000 people across the country have been displaced due to flooding. Yemen's National Center of Meteorology has forecast further thunderstorms across much of the country April 22. Further showers 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.