Number of displaced in Yemen rises to 233,077 as Taiz faces worsening crisis

The number of displaced people in Yemen has risen to 233,077 since the latest escalation began in June, including more than 121,000 in Taiz province, according to the International Organization for Migration, which warned of increasing humanitarian risks affecting civilians, especially women, children, and the most vulnerable groups.

Speaking at a press conference in Geneva, IOM spokesperson Zoe Brennan said ongoing clashes have forced tens of thousands of families to leave their homes, expressing serious concerns about the protection of the displaced and the need to meet their basic needs.

Taiz province, which is hosting over 121,000 displaced people, is facing deteriorating humanitarian and health conditions amid continued fighting and restrictions on aid access. United Nations humanitarian agencies have called for an end to the escalation and for sustained access to relief for all those in need across Yemen.

On the health front, World Health Organization spokesperson Tarik Jasarevic warned of worsening conditions in Taiz, noting that the city has become isolated as clashes approach urban areas and hospitals face severe shortages of medical supplies and fuel.

Jasarevic explained that fuel stocks at 12 hospitals in Taiz city are sufficient for only four days, with shortages of oxygen and medicines and a depletion of surgical supplies. He highlighted the urgent need for power and oxygen, especially for dialysis and intensive care patients, warning of growing concerns about cholera outbreaks as health services deteriorate and supply delivery becomes more difficult.

The UN official stressed the need to ensure safe and sustained humanitarian access to Taiz and across Yemen to support the displaced and meet their needs, as well as to assist health facilities facing increasing pressure amid the ongoing escalation.