FAO Calls for Preparedness to Face Risks of Expected Floods in Yemen

Saudi officials discuss during a previous meeting with FAO ways to support humanitarian work in Yemen. (SPA)
Saudi officials discuss during a previous meeting with FAO ways to support humanitarian work in Yemen. (SPA)
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FAO Calls for Preparedness to Face Risks of Expected Floods in Yemen

Saudi officials discuss during a previous meeting with FAO ways to support humanitarian work in Yemen. (SPA)
Saudi officials discuss during a previous meeting with FAO ways to support humanitarian work in Yemen. (SPA)

The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has called for unrelenting flood risk preparedness in Yemen.

It strongly advised adopting integrated farming systems as the ravages of climate change continue to affect farming communities in the country.

According to the UN body, agricultural systems that integrate crops, livestock, and forestry are especially encouraged because such systems, on average, have a greater ability to adapt to climate change.

It pointed out that September outlook shows reduced impact of floods, however, it warned that widespread rainfall with isolated heavy downpours is still likely in some areas.

FAO forecast in its agrometeorological update for September increased incidence of waterborne/water-related vector-borne diseases such as cholera and dengue fever.

“Due to the wet conditions, crop pests and diseases are resurgent, mainly Fall Armyworms and Desert Locust.”

The weather outlook for September indicated that although the worst in flood occurrence is over, scattered to widespread rainfall with isolated heavy downpours is still likely, especially over Ibb, Taiz, al-Dhale, and Dhamar governorates.

“Waterlogged areas in these governorates from previous months of heavy rainfall are still at risk of further flooding,” the report noted, adding that this is likely to be exacerbated by the possibility of cyclone activity in the northeast of the Arabian Sea.

The outlook indicated continued rainfall activities, albeit reduced intensity, frequency, and spatial spread.

It said these climatic conditions will potentially encourage further spread of Fall Armyworms (FAW).

It also expected increased Desert Locusts activity across winter breeding areas from the beginning of October, stressing that continued monitoring is required.

The outlook further pointed out that the August heavy rains continued to tear up critical infrastructure and livelihoods, with the total death toll in the first 10 days of the month reaching 90.

It affirmed that devastating floods swept away hundreds of livestock, impacting livelihoods and driving families to poverty, adding that this will likely lead to shortages of milk and meat supplies and consequently affect nutrition.

“In Dhamar, Taiz and parts of Sanaa, heavy rains accompanied by hail damaged cash crops, including coffee, grapes and other fruit trees, which will affect the incomes of most families.”

A resurgence of FAW was reported in Saada, al-Hodeidah, Ibb, Amran and parts of the northern districts of Sanaa, threatening cereals crops such as sorghum, maize, millet, barley, and wheat.

On the positive side, in agropastoral areas, pasture, fodder and water for livestock are available, leading to improved body conditions despite increased pests and diseases.

Field reports also indicate tomatoes, chilli, and green maize harvesting in the central highlands.

In most highland areas, cereal crops (sorghum, maize, wheat, and barley) are in the growing period, with the harvest expected from mid/late September through November.

However, yields are expected to be low due to the harsh climate experienced thus far.

The meteorological review showed that from August 1 till 31, over 80% of Yemen experienced heavy rainfall, with large portions inundated as floods swept through the country.

The heavy rainfall that lashed the country had a cumulative amount of about 2,500 mm, which is 45% higher than the rainfall experienced in August 2021.

Rainfall was enhanced both in spatial dimension (across all governorates) and temporal dimension (over 26 rainy days), leading to increased soil moisture of nearly 150% above normal, which boosted vegetation growth by over 60%, especially in western parts of the country.



US-backed Gaza Aid Group to Halt Distribution on Wednesday, UN to Vote on Ceasefire Demand 

Israeli shelling hits an area in the northern of Gaza Strip as seen from southern Israel, Tuesday, June 3, 2025. (AP)
Israeli shelling hits an area in the northern of Gaza Strip as seen from southern Israel, Tuesday, June 3, 2025. (AP)
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US-backed Gaza Aid Group to Halt Distribution on Wednesday, UN to Vote on Ceasefire Demand 

Israeli shelling hits an area in the northern of Gaza Strip as seen from southern Israel, Tuesday, June 3, 2025. (AP)
Israeli shelling hits an area in the northern of Gaza Strip as seen from southern Israel, Tuesday, June 3, 2025. (AP)

The US-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation will not give out any aid on Wednesday as it presses Israel to boost civilian safety beyond the perimeter of its distribution sites, a day after dozens of Palestinians seeking aid were killed.

The GHF said it has asked the Israeli military to "guide foot traffic in a way that minimizes confusion or escalation risks" near military perimeters; develop clearer guidance for civilians; and enhance training to support civilian safety.

"Our top priority remains ensuring the safety and dignity of civilians receiving aid," said a GHF spokesperson. An Israeli military spokesperson warned civilians against moving in areas leading to GHF sites on Wednesday, deeming them "combat zones".

The Israeli military said on Tuesday that it opened fire on a group of people it viewed as a threat near a GHF food aid distribution site. The International Committee of the Red Cross said at least 27 people were killed and dozens injured. The GHF said the incident was "well beyond" its site.

Palestinians who collected food GHF boxes on Tuesday described scenes of pandemonium, with no-one overseeing the handover of supplies or checking IDs, as crowds jostled for aid.

The UN Security Council is also set to vote on Wednesday on a demand for a ceasefire between Israel and Palestinian group Hamas and humanitarian access across Gaza, where aid has trickled amid chaos and bloodshed after Israel lifted an 11-week blockade on the enclave where famine looms.

"It is unacceptable. Civilians are risking – and in several instances losing – their lives just trying to get food," UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said on Tuesday, adding that the aid distribution model backed by the US and Israel was "all a recipe for disaster, which is exactly what is going on."

That model is run by the newly created GHF, which started operations in the enclave a week ago and said on Tuesday that it has given out more than seven million meals from three so-called secure distribution sites. GHF Interim Executive Director John Acree urged humanitarians in Gaza: "Work with us and we will get your aid delivered to those who are depending on it."

US VETO?

The UN and other aid groups have refused to work with the GHF because they say it is not neutral and the distribution model militarizes aid. GHF uses private US security and logistics companies to get aid to the distribution sites.

It is the latest in a string of efforts to get more aid into the enclave, where experts say the entire population of some 2.1 million people is at risk of famine. Jordan last year spearheaded humanitarian air drops, while the US briefly installed a floating aid pier, but it was beset by challenges.

The UN has long-blamed Israel and lawlessness in the enclave for hindering the delivery of aid into Gaza and its distribution throughout the war zone. Israel accuses Hamas of stealing aid, which the group denies.

Israel said on Tuesday that three of its soldiers had been killed in fighting in northern Gaza. Gaza health officials said at least 18 more Palestinians were killed in other military strikes in the territory on Tuesday. Reuters could not independently verify the reports in northern and southern Gaza.

The 10 elected members of the UN Security Council have asked for the 15-member body to vote on Wednesday on a draft resolution that demands "an immediate, unconditional and permanent ceasefire in Gaza respected by all parties."

The draft text, seen by Reuters, also demands the release of all hostages held by Hamas and others, and the immediate lifting of all restrictions on the entry of aid and its safe and unhindered distribution, including by the UN, throughout Gaza.

"The time to act has already passed," Slovenia's UN Ambassador Samuel Zbogar told Reuters. "It is our historical responsibility not to remain silent."

As US President Donald Trump's administration tries to broker a ceasefire in Gaza, it was not immediately clear if Washington would veto the draft text. A spokesperson for the US mission to the UN said: "We cannot preview our actions currently under consideration."

A resolution needs nine votes in favor and no vetoes by the permanent members - the United States, Russia, China, Britain or France - to pass.

The war in Gaza has raged since 2023 after Hamas fighters killed 1,200 people in Israel in an October 7 attack and took some 250 hostages back to the enclave, according to Israeli tallies.

Israel responded with a military campaign that has killed over 54,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza health authorities, which do not distinguish between fighters and non-combatants.