The prolonged rainfall on the night of the 6th of last August, observed in the province of Al Hodeida and its neighboring districts, resulted in the devastating impact of villages, roads, and farms being washed away. This led to the unfortunate loss of lives, the disappearance of others, significant livestock casualties, and damage to properties and agricultural lands. The recurring tragedy with each rainfall season in the province has sparked questions among many Yemenis. They contemplate why the residents of Tihama in Al Hodeida opt to build their homes in flood-prone areas. This raises concerns about the ongoing cycle of suffering, particularly in light of past incidents where villages and people's properties were swept away by floods, a distressing situation now unfolding once again.
Tihama spans along the coastal plain bordering the Red Sea on one side, while being flanked by the mountains and highlands of the Haraz areas, Bura'a Huffash in Hajjah, and the mountains of Raiymah and Wassab on the other side. The torrents from these regions primarily flow towards the Red Sea, cutting through numerous provinces in Tihama. As a result, Tihama consistently bears the impact of all the torrents and floods originating from these diverse landscapes.
Khuyut endeavors to delve into the underlying reasons and illuminate a facet of the issue that captivates the attention of Yemenis in the aftermath of the recent floods and calamities. This depiction required a deep understanding of the root cause, which is intricately linked to the geographical terrain.
Tihama stretches along the coastal plain adjacent to the Red Sea on one side, while the mountains and highlands of the Haraz regions, Bura'a Huffash in Hajjah, and the mountains of Raiymah and Wassab flank it on the other side. The majority of the torrents from these areas flow towards the Red Sea, passing through numerous regions in Tihama before reaching their destination. It is in these regions of Tihama that the torrents and floods from the highlands converge.
Geologist Fahd Al-Baraq delves deeper into the intricacies of this region as he responds to the pressing inquiries that occupy the minds of Yemenis during his exchange with Khuyut. He elaborates on the geographical landscape of Yemen's Tihama, highlighting its position on the coastal plain that stretches from the northern reaches of Hajjah to the southern territories of Mokha and Bab Al-Mandab. This vast expanse encompasses notable cities such as Haradh, Abs, Al-Luhayyah, Bajil, Al Hudaydah, Zabid, Tuhaita, Makha, and the surrounding areas, painting a vivid picture of the diverse and expansive nature of this region.
As soon as the rain starts falling in Al Hudaydah, water rapidly pools in the alleys, neighborhoods, villages, and rural areas. This pooling then escalates into rushing torrents, a recurring phenomenon in coastal and sea-proximate regions, often triggering destructive floods in these coastal zones.
Al-Baraq, in his discussion with Khuyut, emphasizes: "The majority of areas, cities, and provincial capitals lack adequate infrastructure for effective rainwater drainage, particularly during severe storms or heavy downpours. This, coupled with the challenge of handling large water volumes, heightens the risk of flooding, resulting in the inundation and destruction of farms and residences of the citizens, a plight notably evident in Al Hudaydah and its surrounding districts."
Moreover, an activist in Tihama, who prefers to keep their identity undisclosed, echoes the observations made by Geologist Fahd Al-Baraq. They emphasize the significance of the many valleys that meander through Tihama's landscape, carrying streams of water from the mountains before eventually reaching the sea. Specifically, they draw attention to prominent valleys like Wadi Siham in southern Tihama and Wadi Sordud in the north, highlighting their importance as two of the largest valleys in the region. These valleys not only contribute to the unique topography of Tihama but also play a crucial role in shaping the local ecosystem and water distribution in the area.
On the banks of these two valleys, many villages inhabited by farmers are situated. In some years of heavy rainfall, the water levels in the valleys rise, coupled with the significant rush of torrents descending from the mountains. This often leads to the flooding and erosion of some villages and homes located near the valleys.
Enduring Hard Economic Circumstances
Rajeh Yahya Sageer, a resident of the village of Al Maghafrah in the Al Duraihmi district, east of Al Hodeida Governorate, is facing challenging economic conditions due to the heavy rainfall that has impacted various areas within the province. Rajeh resides with his family in a modest house constructed with block walls (cement stones), featuring a central room also built from blocks. The kitchen is situated in one corner of the house, while the bathroom is located opposite, both structures made from palm fronds. Adjacent to the house stands a traditional palm-frond shelter known in Tihama as "Al Arish," designated for livestock.
Rajeh Yahya Sageer narrates to Khuyut the harrowing ordeal his family endured on the rainy night of August 6th, recounting, "The village was hit by heavy rainfall, and suddenly, raging torrents surged from behind our house. We were unable to salvage our belongings and furniture, as the water infiltrated, wreaking havoc in the kitchen and bathroom, and submerging the rooms. We struggled to stay afloat on our beds (wooden beds lashed with palm-fiber ropes), and as the waters rose, I escorted my children to the neighbor's house, which sat slightly higher than ours. Unfortunately, it too was engulfed by the flood, but luckily, the rain eventually ceased."
He continues, "In the darkness of the night, we anxiously awaited the morning light to survey the aftermath. Our livestock had been swept away by the flood, with even the cover of the animals' enclosure disappearing, and the sewage pit being buried. The entire village suffered extensive damage. This was not the first instance; we had previously been submerged by floods twice before."
This quandary prompts a multitude of inquiries into the unwavering resolve of individuals who opt to dwell in regions perpetually susceptible to flooding. The profound insight shared by Rajeh Yahya Sageer, an elder in his eighth decade, offers a poignant perspective on this enduring dilemma: "Our ancestors flourished in this very enclave of Tihama, bequeathing to us the legacy of endurance. With no viable alternative sanctuary available to us, constrained by our modest means, relocation remains a distant possibility. This narrative resonates deeply with numerous denizens of villages and Tihama locales besieged by rain-induced floods, yet their steadfast commitment to their homesteads remains unyielding."
The Inundated Terrain
Upon the onset of rain in Al Hudaydah, water swiftly gathers in the alleys, neighborhoods, villages, and rural expanses, setting the stage for the overflow of streams. This scenario is a recurring one in coastal areas and those in close proximity to the sea, often culminating in destructive floods within these coastal regions.
Agricultural engineer Abdulwahab Sharaf Atta elaborates to Khuyut that in coastal or sea-adjacent regions, the flow of floods is notably swifter compared to areas situated farther from the sea. Atta attributes this phenomenon to the significantly elevated groundwater levels in coastal and sea-adjacent areas, where the water table almost mirrors the topsoil layer.
Consequently, the ground becomes saturated with water, causing the predominant share of rainfall to transform into surface floods. Merely a minute fraction, scarcely worth mentioning, is absorbed by the already waterlogged soil. In contrast, in regions distanced from the sea, the groundwater levels lie far beneath the soil surface, leaving the terrain arid and devoid of moisture.
Atta further highlights that a substantial portion of rainwater in areas remote from the sea is utilized to quench the parched soil. Hence, the bulk of the rainwater is imbibed by the earth, with significant floods only manifesting after successive rainfall events have drenched the land in water.
The majority of Hodeida city comprises of residential areas, with densely populated neighborhoods characterized by unpaved alleys and closely spaced houses. These dwellings are typically constructed without proper foundations, resulting in low-lying doorways that allow water to enter in significant amounts. Additionally, within these neighborhoods, there are open courtyards where individual rooms are constructed using materials such as cement blocks, tin (zinc), or wood. The doors and windows of these rooms typically face the central courtyard, which is often covered in dirt and sprayed with water to provide relief from the scorching heat during hot summer days.
Construction in Flood Channels
In scattered regions of Tihama, Yemen, locals are voicing worries about villages established in areas that once served as routes for powerful floods originating from various regions within or adjacent to Tihama.
Qasim Yahya, a resident of the village of Al Qataba in the Al Khawkhah district, shares with Khuyut that Al Qataba village was erected on a valley that formerly channeled substantial floods during the rainy seasons, cascading towards the sea. However, as the rains dwindled over time, the valley dried up, the torrents subsided, and inhabitants began constructing homes and settlements on its grounds, giving rise to multiple villages and regions, including Al Qataba village.
Qasim further remarks: "To this day, a nearby valley called Wadi Al Mahidq has not witnessed floods for close to 50 years. Nonetheless, we witness numerous individuals building residences there, and when the floods eventually arrive, they wreak havoc, sweeping away possessions and ravaging homes."
Another neighboring valley, known as Al Tawar, also served as a conduit for rainwater floods. Despite the presence of signs indicating its nature as a valley, many residents persist in building within it, despite their awareness of its inherent risks.
Rajeh Habeeli, a distinguished wordsmith and poet hailing from the vibrant Tihama region, underscores the imperative need to devise effective solutions to avert the recurring tragedies brought forth by devastating floods that uproot citizens and their communities. In his enlightening conversation with Khuyut, he passionately urges fellow citizens to refrain from constructing in flood-prone areas, while also calling upon authorities to implement stringent decrees prohibiting development in valleys, flood channels, and fertile agricultural zones. Furthermore, he advocates for comprehensive public awareness initiatives and the strategic development of new plans in the lofty, mountainous terrains unsuitable for traditional agriculture, known as "Al Haza," envisioning their transformation into quaint residential villages and towns.
As the population burgeons and settlements expand horizontally rather than vertically, the landscape evolves, and villages sprawl outward. With structures erected perilously close to valley edges and within the natural paths of floods, buildings become exposed to the elements on one front, encroaching upon arable lands fit for cultivation and productivity on the other.
In scattered areas of Al Hudaydah Governorate, residents often overlook the significance of installing proper water drainage systems on the rooftops of their homes. This oversight leads to water accumulation and the subsequent seepage of collected water into the interiors of their houses. Whether through staircases, windows, or leaks from roof cracks, water finds its way inside. Moreover, many homes in the bustling neighborhoods of Al Hodeida city are constructed without the essential feature of a gutter system along the edges of their rooftops for effective water drainage.
Habeeli underscores the distinctive architectural style and building traditions of Tihama, characterized by expansive courtyards, well-ventilated rooms, and thatched roofs crafted from straw. This design choice is a practical response to the region's warm coastal climate, providing natural cooling and comfort for inhabitants. However, the lack of access to electricity poses challenges for vertical construction, such as multi-story buildings and compact living spaces, necessary to accommodate large families. He cautions that without implementing essential solutions, the unchecked expansion of villages may lead to calamities on a much grander scale than what is currently observed.
The Rain-Afflicted Urban Neighborhoods
"At 9:00 pm on the evening of August 6th, my sister and I attempted to return to our home on Forty Street, but we were unable to enter the neighborhood due to the accumulated rainwater that Al Hodeida and some of its directorates had witnessed. We stood by one of the houses, waiting for the rain to subside. As it intensified, we decided to take the risk and enter despite the presence of sewage drains in front of the houses due to the absence of a sewage system. We reached with great difficulty, with water submerging half of our bodies," Roqaiya Hamoud vividly illustrates the immense hardship endured by the residents of the bustling neighborhoods in Al Hodeida as a result of the heavy rains.
Roqaiya works in a private institution in the city and lives with her family in a poverty-stricken popular neighborhood. They reside in popular houses that are significantly affected whenever there is rain in the city, even if it is of moderate intensity, due to the lack of a drainage system, in addition to the narrow alleys of the neighborhood and the proximity of the dwellings.
Roqaiya continues her narrative: "The scene was catastrophic as we made our way to our home. The neighborhood was submerged, and water flowed into the houses from their doors. We could hear the cries of women and men busy with draining the water from the rooms and halls of the houses using gallons to a far distance to prevent it from returning. Unfortunately, neighboring houses were also affected. We witnessed children taking on the same task. Everyone tried to prevent water from entering their homes to protect their belongings. Some succeeded, while others were defeated by the water, leaving them stranded on beds and stairs with their essential home contents."
Tihama has been disproportionately affected by a multitude of disasters and systemic marginalization under successive authorities in Yemen. These challenges have ranged from widespread hunger and disease outbreaks to devastating floods and other natural calamities.
The Popular Housing and Water Drainage
The city of Al Hodeida is predominantly composed of popular neighborhoods, characterized by dusty narrow alleys and closely spaced houses. These houses are typically constructed without proper foundations, resulting in low doorways that allow significant amounts of water to seep in. Moreover, they feature an open courtyard where separate rooms are built inside, constructed from blocks (cement stones), zinc sheets, or wood. The doors and windows face this often dusty courtyard, which is usually sprinkled with water to cool the air during scorching summer days.
These houses are particularly vulnerable to damage during rainfall. The water that accumulates on their block-built roofs cascades into the courtyard, leading to its inundation and water seepage through the room doors. The residents' strategy to mitigate this issue involves carrying the water out of their homes, a recurring challenge whenever the city experiences rainfall.
Um Riham, a resident living in a popular dwelling on Twenty-Fourth Street in the Al Halil district of central Hodeida, an area densely populated with popular neighborhoods, articulates her challenges with poignancy. She recounts, "It was a night of hardship where sleep eluded us. Every corner of the house bore the brunt of the relentless rainwater intrusion. Given the proximity of our homes, we faced difficulties in effectively diverting the water away from the houses, with only the courtyards to absorb the overflow."
She further elaborates, "Our shared ordeal lingers, requiring a minimum of a week for the courtyard mud to dry and for us to painstakingly dry our furnishings, bedding, and garments. We diligently expose them to sunlight, whether in the house's yard or atop room rooftops, thankfully greeted by sunny weather post-rainfall."
In scattered locales across the Hodeida Governorate, a lack of awareness among residents regarding the necessity of establishing proper water drainage mechanisms on house rooftops results in water accumulation. This, in turn, leads to seepage into residences through stairwells, windows, or roof crevices, perpetuating the cycle of water-related challenges.
In the popular neighborhoods of the city of Hodeida, many houses are constructed without proper water drainage systems on their rooftops, leading to water seepage into the homes. This issue is exacerbated by the scarcity of rainfall in this coastal province in western Yemen, where some years pass without significant precipitation, unlike rural areas and certain districts within the province such as Al Jarahi, Bajil, Al Qanawis, Al Zaidiya, and others. This lack of rain has resulted in many city residents being unaware of the importance of these drainage systems.
Mohammed Ibrahim, a resident of the Al Salakhana neighborhood in the Al Halil district, one of the poorest areas in Hodeida, emphasizes how they are particularly vulnerable to suffering during years when the city experiences rainfall, as was the case this year. Ibrahim explains, "Courtyards of houses are left open, with makeshift roofs constructed from wood or metal sheets to shield inhabitants from the sun during daylight hours and for ventilation purposes. Given that Hodeida is a coastal city experiencing high temperatures for most months, citizens prefer to keep their homes open for ventilation. This is especially crucial as the city has been grappling with an electricity crisis for many years, rendering residents unable to rely on air conditioning units as seen in hotter cities around the world. Consequently, a significant amount of water enters through these open spaces."
The silent pain of marginalization
The region of Tihama has endured a multitude of challenges and injustices, facing neglect and marginalization from the various authorities that have governed Yemen. From the harsh realities of famine and disease to the devastating impact of floods and natural disasters, Tihama has borne the brunt of these hardships without receiving the support and attention it rightfully deserves. Despite its natural beauty and the generosity of its people, Tihama remains overlooked and underappreciated by those in power. The authorities have failed to invest in essential infrastructure like dams and barriers, opting instead to exploit its resources for their own gain. This lack of investment and recognition has left Tihama to fend for itself, grappling with its struggles silently and resiliently.
As Tihama continues to face its challenges and heal its wounds with its own hands, its resilience and perseverance in the face of adversity stand as a testament to the unyielding spirit of its people. Despite the silent suffering and neglect, Tihama remains a symbol of strength and endurance, quietly bearing its burdens and striving for a better future.
