International NGOs continue updating Yemen humanitarian situation

Concerns are growing over the needs of IDPs in Mareb governorate. According to UNHCR, conflict in Mareb is spreading, forcing families into displacement. Estimates of IDP numbers in the governorate vary between 400 - 550 households, mainly concentrated in Mareb valley and Mareb town. Humanitarian assistance has not reached these IDPs whose priority needs are related to food, shelter. Further to information passed to UNHCR by the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA), approximately 400 families are stranded in the mountains of Sa’ada and have sought shelter in caves. They are in great humanitarian need and are trying to leave but are unable to do so owing to the fear of further airstrikes and a lack of transportation. Additional reports have been received of other IDPs in Sa’ada, who are stuck in various locations. UNHCR’s partner, Al Amal Association reported that on 21 April coalition airstrikes targeted the security department, two restaurants, Midi road, and other areas in Haradh town. Many IDPs were seen fleeing to other districts and are in need of NFIs and other assistance.

MSF - Spain reported that a rapid assessment was conducted in Bani through which around 200 IDP families were found in Bani Kadesh. MSF – Spain is hoping to conduct another assessment in Alokasha where more than 120 IDP families are said to be residing. The IDPs are in urgent need of shelter and WASH interventions, as well as NFIs.

Save the Children has published results of its findings following a Multi-Sector Rapid Needs Assessment conducted in Amran governorate between 12 – 13 April. According to the findings of the assessment, almost all of the IDPs and the host community are urgently in need of food, NFIs and child protection interventions in addition to needs across other sectors. In terms of child protection, the current crisis has had a major impact on the sense of security of children, impacting on their wellbeing resulting in behavioral changes. In this regard, the response priorities include:
- Recreational activities for war-affected children

- Provision of an open space for children (child friendly spaces) to play and learn about risks, dangers in the environment and safety

- Psycho-social support for war-affected children

- Resumption of education

The world’s largest shipping association has said navigation in Yemen's territorial waters is restricted and ships are not allowed into Yemen unless inspected and approved. The Baltic and International Maritime Council (BIMCO) posted an advisory on its website on 13 April 2015. The association advised vessels to transit the Gulf of Aden and Red Sea outside Yemeni territorial waters where possible. A disruption in commercial shipping to Yemen will put pressure on the supply and prices of food in local markets because the country imports more than 90 per cent of its food.

The United Nations and its humanitarian partners in Yemen called on the international community to urgently provide US$273.7 million to meet the life-saving and protection needs of 7.5 million people affected by the escalating conflict in Yemen.

FUNDS NEEDED

Cluster Requirements (US$)
Food Security                                              144,500,000

Health                                                           37,950,000

Shelter, NFIs and CCCM                          25,401,005

WASH                                                                                       15,886,597

Protection                                                     22,576,074

Nutrition                                                       9,904,250

Logistics                                                       17,470,000

Grand Total                                                 $273,687,926

Compiled by OCHA on the basis of information provided by appealing organizations