Heavy rains and flash floods in Yemen are further deepening a humanitarian crisis that has lasted for years, causing heavy casualties, mass evacuations while inflicting severe damage to infrastructure.
According to a joint report by the International Committee of the Red Cross and the Yemeni Red Crescent, storms have destroyed the homes of more than 8,000 families across the country, killing over 70 people and injuring dozens of others.
"We had heavy rains that destroyed our shelters, and we and the children all fell ill. Now, some people have contracted cholera, and we cannot even afford the cost of treatment. We have not been given blankets, mattresses or any basic necessities. We are in a very tragic situation," said Fatima Hussein, a displaced resident now living in a camp.
Flash floods, lightning strikes and the collapse of some homes have also damaged roads, farmland, crops, livestock and vehicles. Water tanks and power networks have also been affected, disrupting basic services.
As the damage continues to spread, the Yemeni Red Crescent has received hundreds of reports from affected communities.
"The most urgent needs of those affected by the floods are shelter, which is considered one of the highest priorities, in addition to food and relief supplies. People in Yemen have been in a dire situation even before the war and the floods, due to the ongoing conflict in the country. The floods have come to further worsen their suffering and deepen the tragedy," said Ahmed Al-Mansouri, executive director of the Yemen Red Crescent Society.
As the rainy season continues, weather experts warn that rainfall could be above the normal level in the coming weeks, keeping the risk of flash floods and landslides high.
The storms could also cut off major roads and disrupt the ability of aid trucks to reach the worst-affected areas.
"There are more waves of rainfall coming, although these days are normally when the rainy season -- known as the farming autumn or summer rains -- is nearing its end. However, due to this phenomenon, more rainfall is expected. We urge people to remain alert for the risks of flash floods, and, most importantly, lightning strikes," said Adnan Al-Shawafi, a weather expert.
Heavy rain, floods worsen humanitarian crisis in Yemen
After more than three months at sea, members of China's 16th Arctic Ocean expedition have jointly created a painting that captures both the triumphs and trials of polar scientific research.
Organized by the Ministry of Natural Resources, the expedition deployed four ships, Xuelong, Xuelong 2, Jidi, and Tansuo 3, to study extreme environmental changes in the Arctic against the backdrop of accelerating global warming. On September 29, Xuelong and Xuelong 2 returned to Shanghai after completing their missions.
During the voyage, China Media Group (CMG) reporters aboard Xuelong invited nearly 100 crew members to collaborate on a canvas, sharing their experiences. The painting depicts the difficulties and challenges they faced, the honors and expectations of their research, and the images of those dedicated to science.
Before any crew member ever picked up a brush, the Arctic had already sketched the background with its extreme weather. Strong winds, torrents, and a harsh environment posed major challenges for the researchers.
"After staying outside for some five or ten minutes, our hands would already be frozen red. When we reached the trough of the waves [on a boat], it would look as if the waves were coming right over our heads," recalled Zhu Chengwei, an expedition member.
Despite the hardship, the researchers successfully tested and used domestically produced advanced ocean observation equipment in polar research -- one of their proudest moments, which they recorded on the canvas.
Qin Chuan, captain of the Xuelong ocean team, chose to paint a domestically produced monitor float.
"This is an Argo float we deployed, which automatically monitors ocean profiles. It has great significance for understanding the basic marine environment, and it's made in China," he said.
Xie Haixiang, director of the Xuelong laboratory, sketched a fundamental research equipment for the trip.
"I will draw a CTD (Conductivity, Temperature, and Depth instrument). The CTD is the most important equipment for ocean surveys, providing the most basic data and water samples," he said.
"Only by carrying equipment onto the Arctic sea ice yourself and lowering the instruments, can you get what you want. For instance, we take a little ocean water, and analyze what's in it, to understand the changes each year. Global warming needs to be understood through different dimensions," recalled researcher Zhu.
Beyond the canvas, what stands out even more striking are the moments of dedication: veteran members leading newcomers onto the ice, a group holding its ground in level-8 gales and heavy snow, and 30 people relaying to recover equipment stuck in the ice.
The most important element, beyond any record or image in the painting, is this group of expedition members who fear no hardship.
"Whenever I think of the polar spirit, countless images of those standing at the very front would flash before my eyes," Zhu said.
"What we have done today will benefit future generations. Although we are doing something that may seem very insignificant, I believe it will surely prove its worth in the future,"said Ning Wenfeng, another team member.
China's 16th Arctic expedition crews paint portrait of proud polar expedition moments, hardships
