Yemen fighting displaces more than 46,000 people

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) said Friday that more than 46,000 people had been displaced in Yemen after fighting intensified last week. The agency warned that the number of displaced people was increasing “hour by hour.”

IOM Director General Amy Pope said many families had been forced to leave their homes for the second or third time since the conflict began. “They have almost nothing left,” she said.

Pope said the delivery of humanitarian aid was becoming increasingly difficult as the fighting spread. She called on all parties to protect civilians, aid workers, as well as supplies, vehicles and facilities used for humanitarian assistance.

The IOM figures, based on the situation as of Thursday, cover Yemen’s western coast and Taiz governorate. According to the agency, many people left the port city of Mocha overnight, taking with them whatever belongings they could carry.

Newly displaced people have reportedly arrived in the Lahj and Aden governorates, while others have moved north toward Ibb governorate. Villages in the districts of Maqbanah, Jabal Habashi and Al-Ma'afer were reported to have been completely emptied as fighting approached residential areas.

The Mocha-Taiz road, an important supply route, has also reportedly been closed. The situation is placing additional pressure on local communities that are already struggling to support displaced families.

Since the beginning of the conflict, the IOM has provided displaced people with support in areas including shelter, land and property issues, and the coordination and management of displacement sites. However, the organization temporarily suspended all operational movements on Friday because of the worsening security situation.

The agency called on the parties to the conflict to ensure safe and sustained humanitarian access, protect aid workers and facilities, and restore communications and transport links essential for delivering assistance.

The IOM said emergency supplies had already been depleted last month during the response to flooding. The most urgent needs now include shelter, food, water, household items, medical care and protection services. Widespread telecommunications problems are also making it difficult to determine the exact number of displaced people.

Yemen has faced prolonged conflict and a severe humanitarian crisis, leaving millions of people dependent on humanitarian assistance. Continued displacement has further increased pressure on host communities and aid agencies operating in the country.