Heavier than usual rains throughout 2020, including monthly flash floods since March, have affected at least 16 of the country’s 22 governorates in Yemen, Dujarric said.

He noted that local authorities estimated that 130 people had died and more than 120 people had been injured across the country’s northern governorates and said: "Humanitarian organizations are assessing the situation and mobilizing emergency assistance, including relief items for flood-affected families. Movement restrictions due to COVID-19 and limited non-food supplies are challenging the humanitarian response."

Pointing out that the Yemen Humanitarian Response Plan is only 21 per cent funded so far, he urged donors to pay all outstanding pledges immediately and to consider increasing their support.

"Limited donor funding is forcing core programmes to close or reduce support across different sectors, including food, water, health and nutrition," he warned.

ILKHA