Widespread flooding causes massive damage in Sana’a, Yemen

Heavy rains on April 13, 2020, caused widespread and severe flooding in Sana'a, Yemen, resulting in at least two fatalities and massive damage to properties. Roads remained inundated on April 14.

Flash flooding in the district of Al-Sabeen killed two people after they were swept away by raging waters. At least one house collapsed, while dozens of others sustained damages, prompting residents to evacuate.

Vehicles were also washed away as the streets turned into muddy rivers. Videos posted by locals on social media show widespread inundations cutting off roads and stranding some individuals.

"Floods in Sana'a, Yemen, have turned very dangerous and deadly. Please, dear brothers, take care of yourselves as you are trying to help save lives," said one resident.

According to Saba news agency, local officials reported that a family from the Al-Batha neighborhood was rescued and transferred to a hospital.

"In addition to the evacuation of many families after the floods entered their homes in the neighborhoods of Qalfan, Al-Jarda, Al-Qadisiyah, Shumila, and Hamraa Alab," the local media quoted officials.

The Yemen Meteorological Agency said the flooding had caused "massive destruction".

This was the second major flooding in Yemen within the past few weeks. On March 25, at least two died and four others were injured when flash flooding hit the city of Aden, where more than 75 mm (3 inches) of rain fell in a 24-hour period.

Featured image credit: @alialsonidar/Twitter