While Tihama regions were preparing to embrace the upcoming rainy season to nourish their valleys, wells, and farms, they were struck by an unprecedented dual disaster. In addition to the heavy rains and ensuing floods unleashed by the fierce torrents cascading from the surrounding mountainous regions into the Tihama plain, causing widespread destruction of homes and farmlands, a more insidious threat emerged – the buried landmines that had been extensively planted during years of conflict. These mines, activated by the disaster, transformed into deadly time bombs that tragically detonated among innocent civilians, turning the hopeful anticipation into a harrowing reality never before witnessed.
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Amidst two contrasting disasters
A decade ago, the district of Zabid faced heavy rain floods, with damages that were deemed manageable. In 2022, areas in the northern regions of Tihama, bordering the northern district of Al-Abbs, were struck by ferocious floods following intense rains in the area, resulting in significant losses among displaced individuals in conflict zones in Haradh, Bani Hassan, and the renowned Jarr farms to the east of Al-Abbs.
On August 6, 2024, multiple areas in Hodeida and Hajjah were hit by heavy rains and severe floods, subsequently leading to raging torrents in Al-Khawkha, Hais, Zabid, Beit Al-Faqih, Al Durayhimi, and Bajil. These floods proved to be the most severe and devastating compared to their predecessors; while the floods of yesteryears would cease their destruction once the land dried, today's floods resulted in numerous families losing their homes and livestock, with some losing their primary breadwinners. Yet, the most harrowing aspect remains the presence of migrating mines and war remnants that have shifted from one area to another, heightening the danger for civilians.
Victims in Al Durayhimi
A local source in Al Durayhimi has reported a tragic incident involving the loss of two civilians who were engaged in fishing activities. The unfortunate event occurred due to a vehicle mine explosion while they were returning home after heavy evening rains. A close relative of the victims, Mohammed Ayesh Qubaisi (26 years old) and his brother Abdullah (28 years old) from the village of Rayhan in the outskirts of the Al Durayhimi district, located 20 kilometers away from the city of Hodeida, shared their account: "A vehicle mine detonated in the heart of the village at four in the morning as they were riding back on their motorcycle. This explosion took place right within the village and along the path they frequented almost daily."
The concerned relative of the victims, who chose to remain anonymous, made a heartfelt plea for the authorities to dispatch a team to assess the contaminated area and undertake the crucial task of mine removal.
In the Hais district
Another citizen, speaking to "Khuyut," a resident of the Hays district, recounted an alarming incident: "We were going to the weekly market in Al-Khawkha district last Friday when we were startled by an explosion along the course of the Wadi Al Murair torrent in the village of Al Sha'oub, situated to the north of the Hais district. Hastening to the scene, we discovered a fellow citizen's vehicle damaged amidst the valley, with two individuals inside suffering from shrapnel injuries. They were promptly evacuated for medical treatment."
Following the incident, a medical source, as reported by the Giants Brigades affiliated with the recognized government, stated that the injured individuals were Ahmed Hassan Qasim Sufyan (70 years old) and his son Ali (30 years old). According to the source, the elder gentleman sustained scattered shrapnel wounds on his back, hands, and feet, along with spinal pressure. He was subsequently transferred to a specialist physician at the field hospital for further treatment. The younger individual was also injured by shrapnel and received the necessary medical attention.
In the same context, a local source from the area of Hais informed "Khuyut" that eight mines were discovered in a valley north of Hais on August 7, the day when the floods subsided. The following day, 22 more mines were found in the same valley, with the number expected to increase as more floods were anticipated from the mountainous regions in Al-Dhain and Ibb in general.
On the other hand, the teams of the MASAM Project for Demining succeeded in removing and securing four anti-tank mines from Heijah Obeid and the village of Ad Durayhimi in the district of Hais. Additionally, eight explosive devices were found in a well, along with another mine located next to it in the valley of the village of Dhami.
The management of the crisis impacting the people of Tihama by the authorities in the de facto Sana'a government falls short of the necessary standard, as they continue to disregard international pleas concerning the gravity of the disaster confronting civilians.
In terms of the casualties of floods and landslides, the Yemeni Red Crescent Society issued a statement revealing that the death toll has risen to 45, with 12 individuals still missing due to the floods that hit several Yemeni provinces. The number of affected individuals has surpassed 93,000, with over three thousand families displaced.
The Yemen Mine Observatory, on its "X" platform account, pointed out that this incident is the first resulting from the effects of the recent low-pressure system that hit Hodeida and other areas. The resulting floods have washed mines and remnants of war into populated areas.
The Observatory urged farmers, herders, residents, and all citizens to exercise caution and be wary of mines and explosives washed by floods into populated areas, around displacement camps, residential areas, and villages. They emphasized the importance of reporting any suspicious objects and educating children about the dangers of these items on their lives.
Furthermore, travelers on main, secondary, and alternative roads between provinces were warned to take precautions and be cautious of the danger posed by mines and remnants of war washed onto these roads and crossings, to ensure their safety.
The most affected provinces
The disaster faced by the residents of Al Hodeida is not being addressed adequately by the relevant authorities in the de facto Sana'a government affiliated with Ansar Allah (the Houthis). They appear to be indifferent to international appeals regarding the scale of the crisis in Al Hodeida. During an Iftar dinner on April 3, 2023, the Deputy Head of the UN Mission, Ms. Vivian van der Beera, highlighted to all attendees that "Yemen is one of the most landmine-contaminated countries in the world, with Al Hodeida being one of the most affected provinces." She emphasized the urgent need to advance mine clearance activities in Al Hodeida, support mine survivors and their families, and reiterated the dedication of the UN Mission in assisting the people of Al Hodeida by providing coordination and technical support for mine-related operations, including raising awareness about the risks of explosive ordnance to protect the population.
On the 17th of May in the year 2023, General Michael Berry, the Deputy Chief of the Redeployment Coordination Committee, delivered a comprehensive briefing to the esteemed members of the UN Mission regarding the critical situation unfolding in Al Hodeida. With a keen focus on the ongoing activities within the mission, General Berry underscored the significance of maintaining vigilant monitoring efforts, fostering community engagement initiatives, and ensuring seamless coordination of mine clearance operations in the region. He expressed deep concern over the alarming rate of civilian casualties stemming from the pervasive threat of landmines and explosive remnants of war in Al Hodeida. He passionately reiterated the urgent need to safeguard innocent victims, with a heartfelt emphasis on the vulnerable groups, especially women and children, who are disproportionately affected by these hazards. In concluding his briefing, General Berry conveyed his sincere appreciation to the Council members for their steadfast support and endorsement of the mission's vital mandate, highlighting the collective commitment to addressing the pressing humanitarian challenges in Al Hodeida with unwavering dedication and resolve.
Facing Major Challenges
In summary, the rain floods in Tihama, particularly in Al Hodeida province, present a formidable challenge due to the havoc they wreak on the populace and their belongings. As these floods surge, the threat of landmines strategically placed in the region escalates, with their displacement by the water leading to their migration to new areas, thereby heightening the dangers faced by civilians. Therefore, addressing these challenges necessitates the harmonization of humanitarian and governmental endeavors to safeguard the affected zones and ensure the well-being of the citizens.
Moreover, it is imperative to raise awareness about the perils of landmines and offer essential assistance to victims and those impacted by these calamities. The residents of Al Hodeida earnestly beseech the relevant governmental bodies, particularly those tasked with mine clearance, to promptly intervene to detect and eliminate these perilous devices. They also implore international organizations focused on humanitarian affairs to strive towards mitigating the suffering endured by the populace and exerting pressure on the conflicting factions to shield citizens and their assets from harm and devastation following the cessation of hostilities.
In conclusion, the joint efforts of humanitarian organizations, governmental bodies, and international support shall play a crucial role in surmounting the obstacles posed by rain floods and landmines in Al Hodeida. Through heightened awareness, providing assistance to the affected, and swift action in mine clearance, we can ensure the safety and protection of the local residents and their assets. Let us stand together in solidarity to alleviate suffering and shield the community from harm in the period following conflict.
