Financial aid saves affected people by the floods

Families who have already suffered through the trauma of conflict and displacement now face another risk as the growing impact of climate change across Yemen destroys homes and lives.

In Hajjah, northern Yemen, the Danish Refugee Council (DRC) is supporting displaced people affected by climate change, offering cash assistance to help meet the most urgent needs of those affected by recent floods.

Yousef and his family were also affected by extreme weather, after the house he was living in was badly damaged by the heavy rain. Heavy rain and strong winds were entering the house from the many cracks in the wall. Yousef adds “We experienced a lot of fear during that time. Whenever the heavy winds with rain were slamming our home, and we felt that it could take off the camps near us. People spread the news of four family members dying because of that, which includes a woman and a child, because they lived in a valley and the floods were very close to them, it was a catastrophic situation!”

The change of weather and the rise of cold weather due to the rain also have negative health impacts, particulary for children. After Yousef’s house was damaged, they struggled to keep warm. Without money to buy proper warm clothes or bedding, they were forced to use empty rice or flour sacks to cover themselves and warm up. Yousef sighs and says:

“The remaining sacks of the food aid that we got was the only way and alternative for blankets to stay warm.”

He continues:

“When my children get ill, I help them if I have money, and if there’s no money, I borrow from our neighbors to buy the necessary medicines for them. But sometimes, when there is no money at all, I have to leave them without any medicines to recover by themselves.”

Thanks to funding from the European Union, DRC teams were able to distribute financial aid to the affected communities from the recent floods. Cash assistance is a quick and effective way of deliverying emergency assistance, allowing those affected to buy the emergency supplies they need, helping them to live in dignity and safety. Together with the support from DRC and other INGOs, and with their savings, Yousef was able to repair the family’s damaged shelter and buy the food they needed.

Yousef says:

“We are very grateful for the help was provided by DRC, it supported us in the most difficult circumstances. After repairing the room, life has become much better, because the floods doesn’t get into the room at it was previously happening.”

Youssef and his family in Afleh Al-Yamen, Hajjah.