Prepared by: Bipika Poudyal, GRIT
Following intense seasonal rainfall on August 23, 2025, various governorates of Yemen, including Shabwah, Aden, and Hajjah, faced a series of disastrous flash floods (Anadolu Agency, 2025a). The flash floods compounded an already deteriorating condition in Yemen, where conflict, collapsed infrastructure and mass displacement have existed for over a decade. The severity of the weather and the weak governance have led to communities becoming extremely vulnerable, causing at least 14 deaths and damage across the country (Tasnim News Agency, 2025). This article analyses the causes, impacts, and historical importance of the flood and mitigation strategies for better preparedness of such events in the future.
Hydrometeorological Drivers
The concentration of heavy monsoon rains along the southern and western coastal regions of Yemen triggered the flash floods (Anadolu Agency, 2025b). The Forecasting and Early Warning Centre, operated by the government, recorded meteorological data indicating precipitation levels exceeding 300 mm in the Ibb and Central Highlands districts. The accumulation of water and massive runoff observed was exacerbated by the lack of proper drainage systems and expanded urban surfaces in flood-prone areas. As suggested by climate models, the intensity of the rainfall may also have been impacted by the severe convective activity happening due to increased sea surface temperatures in the Arabian Sea (Mercy Corps, 2025). Similarly, the water flow was accelerated in the steep wadis and poorly vegetated slopes of Yemen, leading to a powerful rush of water and debris that natural or artificial infrastructures did not have the capacity to manage.
Impacts
At least 14 people died from the flood. Six of the 14 deaths occurred in the inundation of the Bayhan, Jardan, and Arma valleys of Shabwah Province (Tasnim News Agency, 2025). In one of the informal housing settings of Hajjah’s Ku’aydinah district, three children died and their parents were injured when their house collapsed. This sheds light on the vulnerable condition of the communities and infrastructure in informal housing areas within Yemen. Further drownings and structural collapses were reported in Hadhramaut and Aden (Anadolu Agency, 2025). It is estimated that over 100,000 people were impacted by the event, with mass displacements from informal settlements (MSN News, 2025). Further consequences of the flood include submerged agricultural land, damaged roads and disrupted electricity networks. The loss of agricultural land and produce is a threat to the long-term, due to the already extensive hunger crisis happening in the country.
Historical Significance and Comparisons
Although Yemen has regularly experienced seasonal flooding, the impact of the 2025 flood is distinguished by the wide geographic regions affected, as well as the compounded vulnerability of displaced communities. During the 2020 floods, fewer provinces were impacted, and the event led to lower displacement comparatively. This increased frequency as well as severity of floods support regional trends of climate volatility across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region (Mercy Corps, 2025). Unlike previous years, the existing food insecurity in Yemen worsened the human impact caused by the 2025 floods. Additionally, the lack of proper early warning systems and limited preparedness was evident from the floods. The ongoing conflict in Yemen makes prioritising these preparedness strategies for funding and cooperation difficult (UNFPA Yemen, 2024).
Mitigation and Preparedness Strategies
There is a need for both structural and non-structural interventions to mitigate flood disasters in the future. In terms of structural interventions, focus should be on retrofitting vulnerable houses, investing in flood-resilient drainage systems, and developing infrastructures such as dams and barriers (Mercy Corps, 2025). Equally important are the non-structural measures, such as community capacity building, strengthening meteorological forecasting, improving early warning systems, and integrating flood risk into urban planning. Support has been provided by international organisations such as the International Rescue Committee (IRC) and United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in the form of cash assistance, hygiene kits, and shelter (IRC, 2025). However, these are not enough for the long term. Resilience for the long term can be established only through the implementation of climate adaptation strategies, peace restoration, and policy reforms at the national level.
Conclusion
The flash floods of 2025 were evidence of what climate hazards can lead to when the country is fragile and ill-prepared. The vulnerability of Yemen will deepen as extreme weather events increase in frequency and severity, unless preparedness and mitigation strategies are implemented. Proactive action now could save lives and infrastructure, minimising loss and damage in the future.
References
- Tasnim News Agency. (2025, August 26). Flash Floods Claim Lives in Yemen amid Ongoing Humanitarian Crisis. https://www.tasnimnews.com/en/news/2025/08/26/3385018/flash-floods-claim-lives-in-yemen-amid-ongoing-humanitarian-crisis
- The Star. (2025, August 20). Flash floods injure 10 in Yemen's Aden. https://www.thestar.com.my/news/world/2025/08/20/flash-floods-injure-10-in-yemen039s-aden
- Anadolu Agency. (2025, August 19). Heavy floods in southern Yemen cause injuries, major damage. https://www.aa.com.tr/en/environment/heavy-floods-in-southern-yemen-cause-injuries-major-damage/3663839
- MSN News. (2025, August 28). Relief Organizations: More Than 100,000 Yemenis Affected by Flash Floods. https://www.msn.com/en-ae/news/other/relief-organizations-more-than-100-000-yemenis-affected-by-flash-floods/ar-AA1LnuLT
- Anadolu Agency. (2025, August 23). Floods sweep Yemen, leaving 8 dead over past 2 days. https://www.aa.com.tr/en/middle-east/floods-sweep-yemen-leaving-8-dead-over-past-2-days/3667334
- International Rescue Committee. (2025, August 26). IRC launches emergency response as flash floods affect more than 100,000 people in Yemen. https://www.rescue.org/press-release/irc-launches-emergency-response-flash-floods-affect-more-100000-people-yemen-amid
- UNFPA Yemen. (2024, August 15). Flash Update #2 – Yemen Floods. https://yemen.unfpa.org/sites/default/files/pub-pdf/2025-04/Flash%20Update%20%2302%20-%20Yemen%20floods%20-%2015%20Aug%202024%20-%20final.pdf
- Mercy Corps. (2025, May 7). Floods in Focus: MEACAM Research Report. https://www.mercycorps.org/sites/default/files/2025-05/floods-in-focus-mena-05072025.pdf