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.



Egypt Proposes ‘Safe Zones’ in Gaza Reconstruction Plan

Machinery for debris removal on the Egyptian side of the Rafah crossing awaits entry into Gaza. (AFP)
Machinery for debris removal on the Egyptian side of the Rafah crossing awaits entry into Gaza. (AFP)
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Egypt Proposes ‘Safe Zones’ in Gaza Reconstruction Plan

Machinery for debris removal on the Egyptian side of the Rafah crossing awaits entry into Gaza. (AFP)
Machinery for debris removal on the Egyptian side of the Rafah crossing awaits entry into Gaza. (AFP)

Egypt is finalizing a comprehensive plan for Gaza’s reconstruction, which includes the establishment of “safe zones,” as it announced the postponement of an emergency Arab summit on developments in the Palestinian issue to allow for further logistical and substantive preparations.

The Egyptian Foreign Ministry said in an official statement on Tuesday that Cairo will host the emergency Arab summit on March 4.

The ministry added that the new date was set in coordination with Bahrain, which holds the current presidency of the Arab League summit, and after consultations with Arab states.

Egypt had initially announced last week that it would host the emergency Arab summit on February 27.

However, Arab League Assistant Secretary-General Hossam Zaki said in a televised interview on Sunday night that the summit was likely to be postponed by a few days for logistical, not political, reasons, emphasizing that Cairo wanted the highest possible turnout of Arab leaders.

The call for an emergency Arab summit came after former US President Donald Trump suggested taking control of Gaza and relocating its residents to neighboring countries, particularly Egypt and Jordan.

The proposal triggered widespread regional and international condemnation and spurred a unified Arab stance rejecting any forced displacement.

Egypt has announced plans to present a comprehensive reconstruction proposal for Gaza that ensures Palestinians remain on their land, a plan currently being coordinated with Arab states.

According to Egypt’s Al-Ahram newspaper, Cairo has outlined a broad vision for rebuilding Gaza, centered on establishing safe zones for Palestinians.

The plan involves Egyptian and international companies clearing debris and restoring infrastructure within a short timeframe.

The report added that Egypt has called for an international conference on Gaza’s reconstruction, stressing that the scale of destruction requires tens of billions of dollars.

Cairo’s approach, it noted, is based on a practical and actionable plan that preserves Palestinian presence on the ground.