Though Yemenis may hail it as the breadbasket of Yemen (Hodeida), today its inhabitants cry out in desperation, pleading for salvation from the torrents and floods that have ravaged homes, farmlands, and livestock. Villages have been transformed into watery landscapes, where the tears and sorrows of the Tihama residents merge with the cascading raindrops and rushing waters. In these secluded hamlets, far from the watchful eyes of authorities, engulfed by the downpour from the mountains, they stand as a distressed community in search of a rescuer.

The city of Hodeida, with its bustling port and abundant resources, offers its residents only meager rations that barely satisfy their hunger. For the displaced individuals stranded on its outskirts, these provisions fall far short of their needs. Amidst the districts of Al Qanawis, Ad Durayhimi, Al Zaydiyah, Bayt Al Faqih, Bajil, and Zabid, a myriad of tales unfold - stories of pain, sorrow, and displacement. In the midst of this turmoil, one may encounter a few aids like blankets, tarps, or sacks of flour provided by certain organizations and official bodies to assist the afflicted. However, these gestures fall short of implementing sustainable solutions that could prevent the recurrence of such tragedies.

Al Qanawis is within the range of flood-prone areas.

The district of Al Qanawis is directly in the path of the raging torrents, where water collects in dangerous concentrations. Initial reports and assessments of available resources paint a grim picture, with 57 fatalities and 16 injuries recorded so far, a toll that may sadly rise as monitoring and data collection efforts persist. The aftermath of the floods and deluges has left a trail of destruction and urgent needs across homes, farms, roads, and infrastructure in the Tihama regions of Hodeida. As our partners delve into local assessments to validate the figures and identify essential requirements, the situation remains dire.

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Similarly, the district of Bajil has not been spared from the wrath of the floods, which have mercilessly swept away the farms, livestock, and belongings of its residents. The capital city of Hodeida, a hub of the province, has also borne the brunt of the disaster, with its streets submerged and ravaged. Historic landmarks such as Al-Sour zone have succumbed to the floods, while severe damages have been reported in Al-Husseiniyah and Al Zaydiyah. Among the affected areas, Al Qanawis emerges as one of the hardest-hit districts, situated at the convergence points of the destructive floods.

Abdullah Al-Jilani, a 35-year-old native of Al-Jilaniya village in the Al Qanawiss district, tragically lost his life when he was swept away by floods on his return journey from the district center in Al Qanawis to his hometown. He was the breadwinner for his family, which included a son and four daughters, providing for them with the hard-earned income from his labor in the city. The relentless torrents originating from the mountains of Malhan and Al-Khabt in Al Mahweet Governorate cruelly separated him from his kin and claimed his life, leaving behind a mourning family shedding tears over the remains of their shattered home.

In a statement to the Khuyut platform, Jilan Al-Jilani, the coordinator of the Integrated Care Program at the Health and Population Office in the Al Qanawiss district, eloquently depicted Wadi Tabbab as one of the grandest valleys in Yemen. Originating from the majestic Malhan Mountain and Mount Al Dhaher in the Al-Khabt district, this vital water source nurtures the lands of Al Qanawis before gracefully merging into the Ibn Abbas area of the Red Sea. One branch of this waterway meanders towards Al-Jilaniya, while another finds its way to Deir Al-Zein.

Al Jilani poignantly noted the widespread devastation caused by heavy rainfall, particularly affecting displaced communities. Countless homes in Deir Al-Zein and Al-Najari villages bore the brunt of the floods, with the complete destruction of Al-Fawz School in Al-Najari serving as a stark example. Furthermore, the health facility suffered inundation, structural damage, and the destruction of its archives and medical equipment, in addition to other severe repercussions. The main road and secondary routes in this rural area of Deir Al-Zein also incurred damage. In the Al-Najari region, the floods washed away approximately 5 homes, displacing around 30 residents.

The village of Al-Jilani is encircled by a substantial dam or water barrier to the north. When the waters of the valley surged, the reservoir of Al-Zubeir filled to its brim and burst open from the northern side near the stadium. The flood cascaded towards two secondary streets, engulfing the village, displacing residents, and rendering the roads impassable. Meanwhile, Wadi Tabbab serves as a convergence point for rainwater streams from the mountains of Al Mahwit Governorate. These streams gather momentum and flow towards the Al Qanawiss district, passing through the picturesque villages of Al Madhbar, Al Qarous, and Bani Baidan before meandering into Al Qanawiss from the north.

The mountains of Dahna have unleashed their fury upon Bajil

The Bajil district, too, has fallen victim to the merciless floods that ravaged the farms, livestock, and possessions of its inhabitants, including the farm of Fares Mohammed Qasim, a 45-year-old resident.

Qasim shares with Khuyut: "Years ago, I acquired several plots of land, approximately 10 Maadats, and diligently cultivated a farm growing corn and mangoes. I invested over 4 million riyals in digging a well, which was completed just two days before the calamitous floods struck."

The torrents in this region and its neighboring areas, such as Ad Durayhimi and Az Zaidiyah, originate from the majestic Dahna mountains to the south of Bajil and the north of Wadi Sordod, cascading towards the coastline along the path to Al Hudaydah. These torrents have not only blocked Qasim's well and displaced numerous farmers, their farms left in ruin and their whereabouts unknown. "We have not received any aid from any entity," laments the distressed farmer.

He continues, "For two days, I have scoured the land in search of my well to no avail. The bountiful crops in my farm were cruelly swept away by the unforgiving floods, their fate now a mystery." In closing, he implores the relevant authorities to lend a helping hand to all those whose livelihoods have been devastated by these catastrophic floods.

Significant damage in Al Zaidiyah and Al Husayniyah

The city of Al Hodeida, the capital of the province, has had its share of the floods that buried and destroyed its streets and swept through the historic neighborhood of Al Soor. Shihab al-Din Abdul-Malik, a resident of the city, vividly describes the plight of Al Soor in the aftermath of the disaster to Khuyut: "The roof of a dilapidated house collapsed on the family of my neighbor in Al Soor, as the house is of historical significance, and the Antiquities Authority has prohibited any construction or restoration in Al Soor without their approval. He wonders: When will the Antiquities Authority undertake the restoration of this historic neighborhood? Must we wait for more rains and floods until what remains of the houses, now at risk of collapse at any moment, crumbles away?"

The activist Abdul Hafeez Al-Tahami, hailing from the district of Al Husayniyah, paints a poignant picture for Khuyut of the tragedy that unfolded upon the Abbassi community, recounting: "The rain commenced at four o'clock in the afternoon and persisted until eight o'clock in the evening, a span of nearly five hours. Subsequently, the torrents surged from the valley, mercilessly sweeping away their humble abodes constructed of thatch and mud, forcibly uprooting the residents from their dwellings. Each patriarch, in a desperate bid to safeguard his kin, led his family - children and spouse in tow - into the dimly lit night, seeking refuge within modern stone-built residences, forsaking their homes replete with livestock comprising cows and sheep, all of which were swept away by the flood, and their numbers are substantial."

The district of Al Zaidiyah, too, felt the wrath of the floods, causing extensive damage to homes and businesses, particularly in the neighborhood of Al Sa'ila where resident Mohammed Ali resides. His home was left in ruins, leaving him displaced and seeking shelter in the government-run Dawal School.

Mohammed and his family, a unit of four, used to call one of the houses in the Al Sa'ila neighborhood their home. Recounting his ordeal to Khuyut, Mohammed shares, "The deluge struck at eleven o'clock in the night, inundating our dwellings and forcing the vast majority of the neighborhood's inhabitants, numbering in the hundreds, to seek refuge with their children at Dawal School in the city." He continues, "Upon returning in the morning, I found my home submerged, with water destroying all my possessions, including crucial documents and cherished furniture."

As he reflects on his situation, Mohammed questions, "How can food aid assist us when we lack a secure abode, a place to call home, a room to shelter my family and myself? Even the committees tasked with surveying and recording the damages in their detailed lists have fallen short of their duty." Mohammed earnestly appeals to the relevant authorities to promptly initiate the rebuilding efforts necessitated by the destruction wrought by the floods.

A national housing strategy

As per the World Health Organization, the heavy downpours that pounded Hodeida on August 6th resulted in severe floods, claiming the lives of 30 individuals and causing injuries to many others. Reports also highlighted extensive damage to infrastructure and the displacement of a significant number of residents. Moreover, the floodwaters engulfed numerous healthcare centers, sparking heightened concerns regarding the potential spread of waterborne diseases.

Preliminary statistics from ESCWA, the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia, reveal that around 34,260 families have been impacted by the rains and floods throughout Yemen.

Civil engineer Khalan Al-Shuja, during his conversation with Khuyut, highlights the necessity of a national strategy to address the repercussions of climate change. This includes addressing direct consequences like floods and disasters, as well as indirect impacts that affect agricultural yields. Additionally, there is an essential need to thoroughly analyze the areas affected by floods from various vantage points. This involves examining the geographical terrain, studying flood patterns, identifying root causes, and subsequently constructing homes for residents with precise specifications in safe locations determined through a comprehensive study of valley and flood courses. Al-Shuja stresses that housing standards should comply with specific building regulations rather than being constructed using materials like mud bricks.

Activists who have surveyed the afflicted areas in Hodeidah propose a shift from food aid to establishing residential communities away from flood-prone areas. They also advocate for awareness campaigns to discourage building in high-risk zones. Experts affirm that there are multiple strategies and solutions, some of which are outlined in climate change agreements, to mitigate disasters effectively.

According to Al-Shuja, these challenges can also be addressed in the medium and long term by implementing water barriers or dams in flood-prone areas. This infrastructure not only benefits citizens through irrigation but also helps reduce the impact of floods. However, this solution can only be effective through a thorough study that identifies the root causes and appropriate mitigation methods.

The struggle to combat floods and climate disasters

The occurrences in Hodeida, as perceived by climate and environmental experts, represent a significant climatic tragedy that has led to devastating floods and torrents. These natural disasters have inflicted severe damage on various fronts, affecting not only the properties of individuals and the public infrastructure but also disrupting the agricultural community and the unique landscapes of the Tihama region in Hodeida. The profound consequences of these events have been deeply felt by the local residents whose livelihoods rely heavily on agriculture and fishing, particularly impacting the more vulnerable segments of society in Yemen. The interconnectedness of these repercussions underscores the urgent need for comprehensive strategies and sustainable solutions to address the challenges posed by climate-related disasters in the region.

Abdul Qader Al-Kharraz, an esteemed Associate Professor specializing in Environmental Impact Assessment at the esteemed Faculty of Marine Sciences and Environment at the University of Hodeida, shared with Khuyut his insights: "There exist myriad measures and solutions to confront disasters, many of which are meticulously documented in climate change agreements and extensive studies in this domain, encompassing both the national strategy for combatting climate change and climate change notifications. Regrettably, there is a palpable dearth and inefficacy, be it on the governmental front or within international organizations, resulting in a heightened severity of these calamities."

Al-Kharraz continued: "We are still witnessing significant shortcomings and profound failures in addressing the floods and hurricanes in Socotra and Al-Mahra, as well as a glaring lack of preparedness in responding to the 2021 floods in Marib and the inundations in refugee camps."

Furthermore, Al-Kharraz underscored the prevalence of substantial oversights, notably concerning the enforcement of laws safeguarding against encroachments on lands and flood-prone zones, and those implicated in the intricate interplay of marine currents between continents, landmasses, and seas. He highlighted numerous errors, including the actions of organizations establishing encampments and settlements for displaced individuals in flood-endangered regions, a significant predicament yielding grievous consequences.

The necessary interventions go beyond mere food assistance 

Hodeida, located in the northwestern region of Yemen, holds the second position in terms of population size, following Taiz in the southwest, as per official records. The province encompasses around 24 districts.

Agriculture serves as the primary economic activity for the province's residents, with Hodeida leading the nation in the production of various agricultural crops, contributing up to 26% of the total agricultural output. Key agricultural products include vegetables, fruits, and fodder, alongside vibrant fishing activities due to the province's extensive and fertile coastal areas teeming with diverse marine life.

The commercial sector of Hodeida shines brightly, holding a crucial position as the second-largest port for imports and exports in the Republic of Yemen. Furthermore, the province is home to a variety of industrial facilities, with the illustrious Bajil Cement Factory taking center stage, along with a diverse array of food and beverage industries. The region is rich in minerals, including granite, black sands, dyes, ceramics, rock salt, gypsum, and other precious clay minerals. This bustling port serves as a crucial hub for trade, facilitating the flow of goods and commodities both within the country and beyond its borders. Additionally, the natural wealth of Hodeida extends to a plethora of minerals, providing a solid foundation for economic growth and development, creating employment opportunities and sustaining the local economy through diverse industries.

In a recent television interview, Sheikh Hussein Murgani Maki, a respected figure from the Tihama region, emphasized the self-reliance and dignity of the people of Tihama, stating their desire for fairness and the utilization of their own resources for reconstruction rather than relying on external aid. He questioned the paradox of Hodeida being the economic powerhouse while its residents endure hardships, highlighting the need for sustainable solutions and community empowerment. He expressed boldly, "Tihama is not destitute; grant us what is rightfully ours. We do not seek handouts, assistance, or interventions. Simply provide us with our due revenues and aid us in reconstructing what has been ravaged. What good does it serve for Hodeida to be the breadbasket of Yemen while its inhabitants reside under the open sky? We are not beggars; we stand as equal citizens alongside all others in Yemen."

Visiting activists echoed the sentiment, advocating for long-term initiatives such as safe housing away from flood-prone areas and public awareness campaigns on disaster preparedness. These efforts align with the constitutional mandate of state solidarity in times of crisis and the collective responsibility to safeguard the environment.

Similarly, Article 35 of the Yemeni Constitution highlights the crucial duty of protecting the environment as a shared responsibility between the state and the community. Given the environmental vulnerabilities faced by regions like Hodeida, it becomes imperative to uphold this constitutional mandate to safeguard the natural resources and mitigate risks, ensuring sustainable development and resilience for the people of Tihama and the broader Yemeni populace.

In wrapping up, the resounding plea for self-reliance and sustainable progress echoes powerfully amidst the discussions on Hodeida's complexities. Through a focus on harnessing local assets, enhancing community strength, and preserving the environment, a vision emerges for a future that is both inclusive and resilient for the residents of Tihama and the wider Yemeni society. It is through these concerted efforts and shared commitments that a brighter path forward can be paved, ensuring prosperity and well-being for all.