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Yemen Humanitarian Update Covering 5 - 11 February 2018 [EN/AR]

Countries
Yemen
Sources
OCHA
Publication date

Protracted clashes in Al Hudaydah Governorate

Military operations and airstrikes intensified in the western coastal areas of Yemen in November 2017, leading to the takeover of Al Khawkhah district by Government of Yemen (GoY) forces.

A rapid assessment by FAO in January found that conflict had disrupted market systems as displaced people had sold their animals at distress prices to meet their household needs and requirements. The assessment found a 50-80 per cent increase on sales of livestock but at 50-60 per cent reduced prices. Prices of basic food commodities in the areas had increased by 30-50 per cent compared to the pre-crisis.

On 5 February, as part of an intensified military campaign on Yemen’s western coast, GoY forces backed by the Saudi-led Coalition took control of Hays district in Al Hudaydah Governorate from Ansar Allah forces. Hays town is reported to be calm, but tense. Casualties have been reported but numbers remain to be confirmed. Fighting is reportedly continuing towards Al Garrahi, between Hays and Zabid districts and in the coastal Al Tuhayat district. Humanitarian partners are concerned that continuing fighting will pose more risks to civilians in the affected areas.

IMPLICATIONS ON THE HUMANITARIAN SITUATION

• Preliminary information indicates that up to 14,000 households may have been displaced in the last three days from Al Khawkha, Hays and Zabid districts.

• Unconfirmed reports indicate that the road between Al Garrahi and Hays is blocked, and might be contaminated with mines. This is limiting the movement of civilians.

• The Wadi Naklah bridge on the main road connecting Hays and Al Garrahi has reportedly been damaged.

• Hays hospital, the main health facility in the district, is not operational since 10 December 2017, after it was damaged by airstrikes. The facility should be re-operationalised as a matter of priority.

• The Water Desalination Plant in Al-Khawkhah Junction in Hays is operating at half capacity after the main generator was damaged. The pumps need to be urgently repaired or replaced.

• WHO has managed to deliver 20 tons of life-saving medicines and medical supplies to respond to rising number of injuries received by hospitals in Hudaydah.

• Farming and fishing activities have been disrupted, thereby cutting off a major source of livelihood in the coastal areas such as Tuhayat district where the majority of the population (approx.102,000 people) work in the fisheries and agriculture sectors.

• Livestock watering and feeding have been disrupted. This may negatively affect households’ purchasing power and their nutrition situation. Livestock vaccination and treatment are needed.

• Displacement towards southern governorates continues: Aden hub reports having received almost 7,000 displaced households since December 2017. Approximately half of the IDPs originate from the districts of Al Garrahi, Hays, Al Khawkhah, Al Mokha, Zabid and Al Hudaydah.

UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs: To learn more about OCHA's activities, please visit https://www.unocha.org/.