At least one clinic in western Yemen is experiencing an influx of suspected cholera patients as heavy rains and floods hit the region, raising concerns of a major outbreak. The floods have affected al-Mahwit province, causing landslides, destroying homes, and leading to the collapse of dams. The situation is further compounded by the ongoing conflict in the country, which has ravaged medical infrastructure and left millions dependent on international aid.
The United Nations has reported 60 deaths and 268,000 people affected by the flash flooding since late July, with warnings of more rainfall to come. The World Health Organization has forecasted unprecedented levels of rainfall in the central highlands, Red Sea coastal areas, and southern regions, increasing the risk of waterborne diseases like cholera.
In Hais, a clinic is overwhelmed with patients suffering from diarrhoea, a potential symptom of cholera, with medical staff struggling to cope with the influx. Families are fearful of contracting the disease, with one man, Abdullah al-Shmairi, expressing concern that his entire household may be affected.
The International Organization for Migration has highlighted the increased cholera risk due to the floods, with nearly 164,000 suspected cases currently in Yemen. The UN has called for $4.9m for emergency response to the flooding, as the country continues to face one of the worst humanitarian crises in the world.
Climate change is exacerbating the situation, leading to more frequent and intense rains in the Yemeni highlands. With a decade of war and limited access to healthcare, Yemen remains in a critical situation, with millions of people in need of assistance.
Source
Photo credit www.aljazeera.com