Yemen Faces Flash Floods Threatening Food Security

According to the early warning issued by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the expected rains during the autumn season may lead to flash floods in Yemen, particularly in the western and southern lowlands. The rainfall may exceed usual maximum limits, with soil saturation and drainage network flooding, increasing risks for agricultural and pastoral communities. UN estimates indicate that the most dangerous areas include the Saddud and Sahem valleys, while the governorates of Al Hudaydah, Al Mahwit, Sana’a, Dhamar, and Raymah are more affected. It is expected that about 113,000 hectares of agricultural land producing strategic crops such as sorghum and millet may be affected, threatening the country’s food security. The bulletin also explained that floods may exacerbate the food insecurity crisis in affected areas, as affected families resort to reducing food consumption or selling productive assets. It emphasized the need to strengthen early warning systems and pre-store food and agricultural aid, in addition to coordinating between sectors to protect the most vulnerable groups. The United Nations, in its report, expected significant fluctuations in temperatures between the current August and the coming October, with low temperatures recorded in mountainous areas and high ones on some coasts and inland areas. Meanwhile, crops suffer from stress due to lack of rain and delayed season, amid calls to support farmers, improve irrigation and drainage networks, and adopt more efficient irrigation techniques to counter the effects of floods and drought.